couple sitting down after workout

Data Driven Health Trends: Elevating Nutrition in Future Fitness Tracking

Recent advances in health tracking technology are poised to change the field of personalized nutrition in a big way. Learn how the future of fitness tracking can incorporate these latest technologies to help consumers achieve total health and wellness.

Fitness Tracker Market Overview

The global fitness tracker market is forecast to reach $62.1 billion by 2023, up from an estimated $17.9 billion in 2016 (CAGR 19.6%).1 The fitness tracker market largely consists of wristbands and smartwatches, typically with computer and smartphone connectivity, that monitor fitness-related metrics. These devices may measure anything from heart rate to body temperature to the number of steps taken.

How Can Nutrition Tap into the Fitness Tracking Trend?

The impressive growth in this market reflects the strong and growing interest that health-conscious consumers have in using technology to optimize and manage their health. While fitness trackers have largely focused on physical exercise, many have expanded to offer options like monitoring sleep duration and quality, which are key to both exercise recovery and overall health. 

The next frontier in personal health tracking is distinctly food- and nutrition-focused as managing these is yet another vital element of achieving optimum fitness. Here we explore some of these exciting technologies:

Controlling Food Allergies

Aibi is a wearable device designed for children with food allergies. This bracelet uses light-sensitive photodiodes to monitor the child’s histamine levels in real time, sending an alert to the child’s caregivers if levels rise. This allows caregivers to be notified before severe anaphylaxis kicks in, so they can take swift action. The system is being designed to include an epinephrine injector that lights up and makes a sound so it can be easily located in an emergency.

Monitoring Nutritional and Metabolic Status

Lumen is a handheld breathalyzer that gives consumers valuable information about their metabolism. It measures the breath's carbon dioxide concentration to determine if the body is burning fat or carbs. Based on the results, the associated app gives consumers recommendations on what and when to eat to properly fuel their workout. 

woman looking at phone while making smoothie

Another health tracker with personalized nutrition applications is made by Nutromics. This smart patch made of stretchable electronics measures molecular biomarkers that indicate nutritional status. Monitoring glucose levels to detect pre-diabetes and to manage diabetes is the company’s current focus, but sports performance is another of many possible uses. Microneedle-based technology allows the device to access the wearer’s interstitial fluid.

Preventing Stress-Related Nutrient Deficiencies and Weight Gain

CortiWatch is a watch-based device that utilizes non-invasive, sweat-based analytics to measure cortisol levels. Cortisol, known as “the stress hormone,” is a hormone released by the central nervous system that can impact nutrient metabolism in several ways. Not only do high cortisol levels associated with chronic stress lead to nutrient depletion, but they can also trigger food cravings, particularly for high-calorie foods rich in sugar and fat. In this way, high cortisol is also linked to weight gain along with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

The Future of Fitness Tracking and Personalized Solutions

These innovations in data-driven health tracking offer a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of comprehensive fitness tracking and ultra-personalized nutrition and workout solutions. As more consumers seek out products that allow them to take better control over their health and fitness, companies that support their efforts will be ready for the future.

To learn more about our extensive portfolio of nutritional ingredients for foods, beverages, and supplements—including custom premix solutions for personalized nutrition products—contact Glanbia Nutritionals.


References

1. Allied Market Research. Fitness Trackers Market by Device Type (Fitness Bands, Smartwatch, and Others), Display Type (Monochrome and Colored), Sales Channel (Online and Offline), and Compatibility (iOS, Android, Windows, Tizen, and Others) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023, March 2018. Retrieved from

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