Food provides nutrition which is necessary not only for survival, but for good health and optimal quality of life. Our Nutrition and Health research provides the scientific basis to evaluate the use of the right nutrients in the right amounts, so that Nestlé can make products that fit your individual lifestyle and nutrition needs.
“Food and nutrition are the basis of health and of our business - it is the reason we exist.”
Nutrition research at NRC: scientists study all aspects of nutrients and ingredients to develop nutritious and tasty products
Ingredients
Good food begins with good ingredients. Food ingredients, or raw materials, are the basis for all food products. These include natural ingredients such as milk, coffee beans, cocoa beans, wheat, rice, corn, water, fruits and vegetables to name a few. The best and most flavorful ingredients must be selected to make food and beverages of the highest quality.
The nutrition that food provides comes from macro- (carbohydrates, protein, fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). These nutrients supply energy and support daily life functions - thinking, moving, breathing and all of the other amazing things our bodies do without us even knowing.
Beyond macro- and micronutrients, some ingredients may impart additional benefits for health. One such example is probiotics - *"live (non-pathogenic) microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, may confer a health benefit to the host." We conduct clinical trials to understand how probiotics work in the body and how we can deliver these benefits to consumers though foods and beverages.
* FAO/WHO 2001 definition of probiotics
Bioavailability of Nutrients
In addition to scientifically studying the beneficial properties of ingredients, we also ensure that certain bioactive nutrients are available and well absorbed by the body. This is called bioavailability. We also study which forms of nutrients are the most bioavailable for their use in fortification.