For the next five years, health-tech company Metabolon will be using metabolomics to analyze human biological samples taken from military personnel.
USARIEM, the Pentagon’s top lab for soldier health and performance research, is funding the project. It seeks to determine the effects of diet on soldiers’ health and combat readiness.
Metabolon is the leading company in the field of metabolomics, the study of the small molecules (metabolites) produced by metabolism.
What is metabolomics?
Metabolomics helps improve scientists’ understanding of how genes, diet, lifestyle, microbiome, and drugs affect health and the progression of disease.
Metabolon’s work in this field has been in more than 2,000 studies. It has also unlocked actionable knowledge related to diseases including cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, autism, sickle cell anemia, and high blood pressure.
For its Army project, Metabolon will analyze more than 14,000 samples of urine, saliva, tissue, and feces. He will use them to provide insights that will develop new rations, menus, and policies for the military.
“We are proud to collaborate with USARIEM on this important research program that will help to ensure US soldiers are in optimal physiological shape when they are called into military operations,” says Greg Michelotti, Ph.D., lead scientific director at Metabolon.
“Metabolomics provides a deep understanding of health and disease influenced by genes, environment, diet, and the gut microbiome. This research program will enable the Army to specify which diets are optimal for peak performance and monitor soldier’s performance and response to stress during specific training programs.”
Metabolon’s other contracts with the US military include the Million Veteran Program. This seeks to understand how lifestyle, genes, and military experiences affect health, disease progression, and wellbeing. Also, a partnership with the US Army Center for Environmental Health Research will utilize metabolomics to better understand PTSD.
Author’s Note: This is a progressive and intelligent move by US military. It will ensure our soldiers are getting the proper nutrition.
