Nestle and Imperial College London announce nutrition research alliance

Nestle and Imperial College London have announced a new research alliance in the field of metabolic health and nutrition.

The research and innovation partnership will focus on nutritional science, with the initial aim being to gain a greater understanding of the billions of bacteria in the microbiome to see how they affect the body's response to food and nutrients.

Nestle has pledged to invest approximately ten million Swiss francs (6.91 million pounds) in the collaborative work over five years, with preclinical and clinical studies both coming under the purview of the partnership.

The overall purpose will be to answer a number of key questions, including whether or not the gut microbiome plays a role in the digestion of fermentable dietary fibers, or whether metabolites generated by the gut microbiome affect metabolism and health.

Research will also be conducted to see if specific metabolites influence different brain states and impact on centrally regulated phenomena such as mood and emotion.

Professor Stefan Catsicas, Nestle's chief technology officer, said: "Our model of research collaboration is to work within a matrix of academia, government and industry, all with a common objective to improve people's quality of life."