Stay Tuned for Science – Edition 08.2025

Hello, science lovers! 👋  

Thanks for tuning in! Here’s your monthly dose of science, nutrition, and innovation.  

In this edition, we’re exploring iron deficiency in children and sharing practical tips for gut health during summer travels. Plus, we’re introducing you to more remarkable scientists shaping the future of nutrition research. 

Let’s get into it: 

🔍 MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE 

Anemia affects nearly 40% of young children in low- and middle-income countries, impairing brain development and immune function during critical growth periods.  

Our recent cross-sectional study used non-invasive hemoglobin screening to assess anemia risk in young Malaysian children. Discover the key findings. 

Angie Low, our SEA MNS Director, shares: “This gives us valuable insights into which children may be most at risk of anemia and shows how non-invasive tools can help make the invisible visible, supporting earlier identification of IDA, even in children without symptoms.” 

Did you know that malnutrition affects up to 80% cancer patients? The right nutritional support at the right time can support treatment outcomes and recovery. Our Senior Vice President Medical & Nutritional Science Katrien van Laere shares more. 

🤝 YOUR GUT'S BEST FRIENDS 

From probiotics to prebiotics, synbiotics to postbiotics – each member of the biotics family plays a unique role in supporting your gut microbiome throughout life. 

Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge or dive deeper into the science, explore our complete biotics video series to understand how these microscopic helpers work their magic. 

💛 YOUR SUMMER SURVIVAL KIT 

Speaking of gut health… Summer means travel, new routines, and exciting foods – but your gut microbiota feels every change! As we shift our daily habits, those trillions of microbes in our digestive system need extra support to thrive. 

Our practical summer gut health guide includes consuming fiber-rich foods, eating fermented products like yogurt and kefir, prioritizing seasonal produce, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and limiting ultra-processed ingredients.  

Check out our infographic and join the conversation about caring for your gut health during summer adventures. 

🧠 MEET THE MINDS  

This month, we celebrated two exceptional scientists whose passion drives innovation in nutrition science.  

🔬 Alma Nauta, Senior Director of Medical Affairs and Clinical Nutrition, joined us in 2007 and has carved her path across leadership roles in scientific communications, R&D strategy, and Innovation for Early Life Nutrition. 

Her advice? “Don't be afraid to make the wrong choice, don't be afraid to fail, and – above all – don't forget to have fun! There's always more to discover.” Learn about Alma's inspiring journey. 

🦠 For David Perez Pascual, curiosity has been the driving force since high school. From decoding fish pathogenic bacteria in Spain to leading our Probiotics & Ferments team, his journey spans bacterial communication, functional genomics, and gut microbiota research.  

“I enjoy learning every day. Each answer leads to new questions. It's challenging but motivating.” Follow David's path from fundamental science to applied innovation. 

💪 LOSING FAT – WITHOUT LOSING MUSCLE 

Congratulations to Dr. Robert Memelink on his PhD milestone! His groundbreaking research at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) demonstrated that with the right lifestyle approach, it’s possible to lose fat without losing muscle while improving insulin sensitivity and physical function in obese adults with type 2 diabetes. 

This research even led to the creation of 2Do, a practical lifestyle program for older adults with obesity and (pre-)diabetes, showing how science moves beyond the lab into real life. Discover the full thesis here. 

Missed last month’s edition? We celebrated the power of dairy and explored cutting-edge digital health innovations. Check it out here. 

Science becomes more powerful when shared! Follow us, share our insights, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. 

Stay tuned for more interesting science. 🤠