The launch of AMILI Metabolic Health, a groundbreaking synbiotic product, marks a significant milestone in the field of metabolic health, particularly for Asian populations. This innovative product, developed in collaboration with Unity and Singapore's National University Hospital (NUH), leverages the unique characteristics of the Asian gut microbiome to address a pressing health concern in the region.
A Tailored Approach to Metabolic Health
What sets AMILI Metabolic Health apart is its Asian-specific formulation, which is a result of meticulous research and data-driven decision-making. The product's development was guided by the understanding that the gut microbiome of Asians is distinct from that of Westerners, influenced by diverse diets, lifestyles, and environmental factors. This realization underscores the importance of using Asian-specific data to create targeted health solutions.
Dr. Jeremy Lim, co-founder and CEO of AMILI, emphasizes the significance of this approach, stating, 'An Asian gut is not the same as a Western one. The microbes are primarily driven by our diets, lifestyles, and environment, which is why solutions built on Asian data matter.' This commitment to Asian-specific research is a testament to the company's dedication to addressing the unique health needs of the region's population.
Unlocking the Power of Synbiotics
AMILI Metabolic Health is a synbiotic, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, designed to support metabolic health. The product's formulation includes four carefully selected probiotic strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis. These strains are accompanied by the postbiotic Akkermansia, prebiotic fiber, and botanical extracts like milk thistle.
The selection of these strains is based on their specific benefits for metabolic health. For instance, Lactobacillus rhamnosus is known to improve fasting blood glucose, enhance liver function, reduce insulin resistance, and alleviate liver stress and inflammation. Akkermansia, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing insulin sensitivity, lowering total cholesterol, and improving body composition.
An AI model played a crucial role in determining the optimal dose and proportion of these probiotic strains, ensuring the product's effectiveness and safety. The formulation was then rigorously validated against NUH's patient cohort, with glycemic, lipid, and hepatic endpoints as primary objectives, including body mass index (BMI), HbA1C, LDL-cholesterol, ALT/AST, and fibrosis scores.
Addressing a Prevalent Health Challenge
The focus on metabolic health is driven by its prevalence as a significant health challenge among Asians. The World Health Organization recognizes that BMI thresholds for obesity and overweight in Asians are approximately 2.5 points lower than those in Western populations. This means that individuals of the same weight and height may require different clinical interventions based on their ethnicity.
In Singapore, metabolic health is a pressing concern, with diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia being common health conditions. The National Population Health Survey 2024 revealed a concerning rise in obesity rates, from 10.5% in 2019-2020 to 12.7% in 2023-2024. Chronic diseases, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, affect approximately one-third of the population.
Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, a senior consultant at the National University Centre for Digestive Health at NUH, highlights the importance of collaborations like this one, stating, 'Collaborations that combine clinical insights from Singaporean patients with microbiome science help deepen our understanding of how the gut microbiome may influence health and disease, and can contribute to the development of new approaches to support metabolic health in Asian populations.'
A Step Towards a Healthier Future
The launch of AMILI Metabolic Health represents a significant step forward in addressing the unique metabolic health needs of Asian populations. By leveraging the power of synbiotics and Asian-specific data, this product has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals in the region.
As the product becomes available through Unity and practitioner channels, it opens up new possibilities for individuals to take control of their metabolic health. The collaboration between AMILI, Unity, and NUH exemplifies the power of innovation and scientific research in driving positive health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.
