Revolutionizing Dining with Personalized Nutrition Based on Your DNA

A New Era of Dining Through Personalized Nutrition

In an innovative event hosted at the Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Japan, KEAN Health, a health-tech company based in Tokyo, launched the 'Gene Restaurant'. This unique dining experience is designed to offer participants meals tailored to their genetic profiles, specifically focusing on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

The 'Gene Restaurant' aligns with the Tokyo Bay eSG project, initiated by the Tokyo metropolitan government. This collaboration aims to promote well-being by integrating genomic information into everyday life. Attendees expressed insightful reflections such as, "I want to start managing my diet immediately" and noted the futuristic aspect of personalized meal recommendations. Some even ventured into trying out the recipes provided at the event at home the very next day.

Background of the Event

KEAN Health aspires to create a society where genomic data and genetics become integral parts of everyday life. By participating in the Tokyo Bay eSG project, the company has provided opportunities to learn about future dietary habits based on genetic types through various exhibitions, including a notable joint showcase with Tanita at the upcoming SusHi Tech TOKYO 2024. The positive feedback from these exhibitions led to the organization of the Gene Restaurant event.

Understanding one's genetic information, which often reveals insights into metabolism and dietary compatibility, serves as a crucial indicator for improving lifestyle choices. The goal of the Gene Restaurant was to spur individuals into self-reflection regarding their diets and health.

Highlights from the Event Day

On the day of the event, 22 individuals who underwent DNA testing were selected through a pre-event lottery. The morning began with an engaging quiz session, allowing participants to gain a fundamental understanding of genetics in a fun and interactive way.

Following the quiz, attendees were served Italian plates categorized into four types based on their genetic analysis concerning carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. A specialized clinical geneticist explained how each plate was optimally matched to the participants' individual metabolic profiles, enhancing their understanding of the link between diet and health.

Participant Feedback

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing their excitement about the potential future of personalized dining. Comments included:

- "The experience of being recommended meals based on my genetic makeup felt like something out of the future."
- "I now have several actions I want to implement in my diet right away."
- "I was surprised and pleased to discover that despite thinking I had a sluggish metabolism, I was served a 'you have good metabolism but don’t overeat' plate."
- "If restaurants based on genetic types could be developed, it would lead to a more health-conscious lifestyle."

Program Details

1. Understanding Genetics Through Quizzes: This session involved fun quiz questions targeting common misconceptions, such as the percentage of genetic similarity between humans and bananas or how many types of human genes exist.

2. Tasting Genetic-Compatible Dishes: Four types of plates, crafted by Chef Takuya Morioka from the Italian restaurant (h)etta in Chiba, were provided based on the participants' genetic testing results. Each meal was thoughtfully designed to accommodate their dietary needs concerning carbohydrate and lipid digestion.

3. Unpacking the Meal: After dining, Dr. Satoshi Muneada, a clinical geneticist and head of Hiroo Ladies Clinic, addressed questions regarding eating habits, preferences, and the rationale behind why each menu item was ideal for the respective participant.

Future Perspectives

KEAN Health is committed to providing tools not only for dietary management but also for exercise, sleep, beauty, self-awareness, and preventive health measures. By implementing personalized services based on genetic data, the company strives to continue advancing the societal integration of genomic information.

About KEAN Health

Established to create a society where genomic and genetic information is accessible to all, KEAN Health was founded after the completion of the Human Genome Project over 20 years ago. The company’s vision is to harness biotechnology to address societal challenges and foster sustainable economic growth.