Recommended amount output system, recommended amount output method, and program

Abstract

To provide a recommended amount output system, method, and program that improve the equol intake of an individual user.SOLUTION: A system 100 is a recommended amount output system that includes one or more computers (a server 1 and terminals 2A to 2C) that perform the followings: calculating a user's equol deficiency amount using a predicted value of the user's equol production amount and a predetermined target amount; calculating a recommended amount of equol or isoflavone that the user should ingest based on the calculated equol deficiency amount and an index value representing the degree of the user's equol production ability; and outputting the calculated recommended amount. The server includes a processor 11, a storage device 12, and a communication interface (IF) 13, and each terminal includes a processor, a storage device, a communication IF, and an input / output interface (IF) for inputting and outputting information to and from the user. The server and terminals are communicably connected via a network 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recommended amount output system, a recommended amount output method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Previously, a system has been proposed that suggests a list of foods that will supplement the nutrients a user is lacking (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, a mobile device transmits the amount of excess or deficiency of a nutrient the user has ingested to a product suggestion server. In response to the received information about the nutrient excess or deficiency, the product suggestion server refers to a product database that stores the names of products that supplement various nutrients, and returns information about the products the user should ingest to the mobile device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-26262 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The ability to produce equol from isoflavones depends on the intestinal environment and varies greatly from person to person. However, equol and isoflavone supplements generally list a standard intake amount, making it difficult to suggest an appropriate amount for each individual user. The present disclosure aims to provide a technology for improving the equol intake of each individual user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following aspects. (Aspect 1) Calculating the user's equol deficiency using the predicted value of the user's equol production amount and a predetermined target amount; calculating a recommended amount of equol and / or isoflavones that the user should ingest based on the calculated equol deficiency and an index value representing the user's level of equol production ability; and outputting the calculated recommended amount; A recommended output system including one or more computers running (Aspect 2) The predicted value of the equol production amount is predicted using the equol excretion amount of the user. The recommended amount output system according to embodiment 1. (Aspect 3) The predicted value of the equol production amount is predicted using vital data acquired from the user's wearable device. 3. The recommended amount output system according to claim 1 or 2. When referring to Example 2, the user's equol production amount is used to create a model for predicting the relationship between vital data and equol production amount. (Aspect 4) The vital data includes at least one of the user's electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, an index representing sleep quality, body temperature, sweat amount, and sweat components. A recommended amount output system according to embodiment 3. (Aspect 5) The index value is determined based on the amount of isoflavone intake the user has received from food for a predetermined period of time or longer. The value corresponds to the amount of equol excreted or blood concentration after a certain time has passed since taking a certain amount of isoflavone-containing supplement. A recommended amount output system according to any one of aspects 1 to 4. (Aspect 6) The predicted value of the amount of equol produced is the vital data and the amount of equol excreted after the user has refrained from ingesting isoflavones through diet for a predetermined period of time; The vital data and equol excretion amount after the user refrains from taking isoflavones through food for a predetermined period of time and takes a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement; The prediction is made using a prediction model that has learned the relationship between 5. The recommended amount output system according to aspect 3 or 4. (Aspect 7) If the post-ingestion equol deficiency calculated after receiving information indicating that the user has ingested the recommended amount of isoflavone satisfies a predetermined condition, the prediction model or a correction coefficient for the deficiency or the recommended amount is corrected based on the relationship between the target amount and the post-ingestion equol deficiency. A recommended amount output system according to embodiment 6. (Aspect 8) Calculating the user's equol deficiency using the predicted value of the user's equol production amount and a predetermined target amount; calculating a recommended amount of equol and / or isoflavones that the user should ingest based on the calculated equol deficiency and an index value representing the user's level of equol production ability; and outputting the calculated recommended amount; The recommended amount of output is 1 or more computers running the method. (Aspect 9) The index value is a value corresponding to the amount of equol excreted or blood concentration after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user refrained from ingesting isoflavones through diet for a predetermined period of time or longer and took a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement. A method for outputting a recommended amount according to aspect 8. (Aspect 10) Calculating the user's equol deficiency using the predicted value of the user's equol production amount and a predetermined target amount; calculating a recommended amount of equol and / or isoflavones that the user should ingest based on the calculated equol deficiency and an index value representing the user's level of equol production ability; and outputting the calculated recommended amount; A program for executing on one or more computers. (Aspect 11) The index value is a value corresponding to the amount of equol excreted or blood concentration after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user refrained from ingesting isoflavones through diet for a predetermined period of time or longer and took a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement. A program according to embodiment 10.

[0006] The content of the means for solving the problem can be provided as a device such as a computer, a system including multiple devices, a method executed by one or more computers, or a program executed by one or more computers. A recording medium storing the program may also be provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The disclosed technology can provide a technique for improving an individual user's equol intake. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between isoflavone intake and equol production. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a processing flow diagram illustrating an example of pre-processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example of the recommended amount output process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a processing flow diagram illustrating an example of pre-processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example of a recommended amount output process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example of a recommended amount output process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system according to this embodiment. The system 100 includes a server 1 and terminals 2 (2A, 2B, 2C). The server 1 estimates the user's equol deficiency and recommends the intake of at least one of isoflavones and equol based on the deficiency and the user's equol production capacity. The terminal 2 is, for example, a computer carried by the user who is to receive a recommendation on the components to be ingested (i.e., at least one of isoflavones and equol) and the recommended amount. The terminal 2 may also include a computer installed in a testing institution to which the user requests measurement of the amount of equol in excrement (hereinafter referred to as "equol excretion"). The server 1 collects the user's equol excretion amount via the terminal 2 and outputs the recommended amount of the components to be ingested to the terminal 2. The server 1 and the terminal 2 are communicably connected via a network 3. The network 3 may include, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) network, and the network 3 Devices connected to the network 3 can communicate based on a predetermined communication protocol. Part of the network 3 may be a telephone network (fixed telephone network or mobile communication network), an ad hoc network, an intranet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a Wireless LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.

[0011] In addition, isoflavones in the present disclosure include flavonoids with a basic structure of isoflavone (3-phenylchromone) that are converted to equol in the intestines of individuals with equol-producing ability. Examples of such flavonoids include daidzein. Daidzein is converted to equol in the intestines of individuals with equol-producing ability. In addition, isoflavones in the present disclosure may further include genistein, glycitein, etc. In addition, examples of isoflavones in the present disclosure include soybean isoflavones, kudzu isoflavones, etc.

[0012] The server 1 is a computer and includes a processor 11, a storage device 12, and a communication interface (IF) 13. The processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit ), which executes programs to perform various processes according to this embodiment. The storage device 12 is a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an auxiliary storage device (secondary storage device) such as an HDD (Hard-disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The main storage device temporarily stores programs read by the processor 11 and secures a working area for the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device stores programs to be executed by the processor 11 and other data. The communication IF 13 is a network module for communicating via the network 3, and transmits and receives data based on a predetermined protocol.

[0013] Device 2 is a tablet, smartphone, PC (Personal Computer), or wearable device. The terminal 2 is a computer such as a terminal, and includes a processor, a storage device, a communication IF, and an input / output interface (IF) for inputting and outputting information to and from a user.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an embodiment. In this embodiment, each user's equol production capacity is measured in advance, and the components and recommended amounts to be ingested are determined based on the production capacity. Specifically, each user refrains from dietary isoflavone intake for a predetermined period of time and then ingests a predetermined amount of isoflavone-containing supplements, after which equol excretion, etc., is measured (FIG. 2: Measurement 1). Dietary isoflavone intake includes consuming isoflavone-containing foods as part of a meal. Supplements are products containing specific ingredients, and include processed products in dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, granules, and powders, as well as health foods with specified ingredient contents and other health foods. Equol is produced from isoflavones by intestinal bacteria (equol-producing bacteria). Therefore, equol production capacity varies depending on an individual's intestinal environment. Furthermore, the level of equol production capacity can be determined based on equol excretion, which can be measured by at least one of a urine test and a stool test (hereinafter referred to as "urinalysis, etc."), and / or equol blood concentration, which can be measured by a blood test. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between isoflavone intake and equol production. In the graph of Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents isoflavone intake, and the vertical axis represents equol production. The graph in Figure 3 plots a schematic example of equol production when a predetermined amount of isoflavone-containing supplement is taken, plotting the circles. The higher the user's equol production ability, the greater the equol production, and the lower the user's production ability, the smaller the equol production. Furthermore, equol production increases in proportion to the amount of isoflavone intake. Furthermore, equol production is understood to be reflected in the amount of equol excreted in the user's urine and feces. Measurement 1 in Figure 2 allows the degree of equol production ability of each individual user to be determined.

[0015] Thereafter, the measurement of equol excretion is repeated without any dietary restrictions (Figure 2: Measurement 2). Measurement 2 allows the current equol production level of each individual user to be ascertained, and the amount of excess or deficiency relative to a predetermined reference value can be calculated. Furthermore, the amount of isoflavones, etc. (i.e., at least one of isoflavones and equol) that should be ingested through food or supplements can be calculated according to the level of each individual user's equol production ability. Note that for users whose equol production ability is lower than the predetermined standard, the recommended amount of equol to be ingested instead of isoflavones can be calculated.

[0016] <Pre-processing> FIG. 4 is a processing flow diagram showing an example of pre-processing. In pre-processing, an index value representing the equol production capacity of each user is stored in a storage device. First, the processor 11 of the server 1 acquires, via the network 3, a measurement value of the amount of equol measured by the user, for example, at a testing institution (FIG. 4: S1). The measurement value may be a value obtained by a user refraining from dietary isoflavone intake for a predetermined period of time, then taking a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement, and then measuring the blood concentration of equol through a blood test, or a value obtained by measuring the amount of equol excreted thereafter through a urine test, etc. In addition to values ​​measured by direct measurement of equol production capacity, such as values ​​measured by the equol test, values ​​determined by any method that can infer equol production capacity, such as sweat testing (testing sweat volume, sweat components, or a combination thereof) or changes in heart rate, are not particularly limited. Generally, equol appears in the blood concentration approximately 8 hours after ingestion of an isoflavone-containing food, reaches its peak within 12 to 24 hours, and is excreted from the body within approximately 72 hours. Therefore, blood tests, urine tests, and stool tests are preferably performed within a predetermined time period after the user has taken the supplement, but within a longer period. In other words, the period for measuring equol blood concentration and excretion can be appropriately determined based on, for example, the timing when blood concentration is expected to peak. Measurement values ​​may be transmitted by the user operating terminal 2, or from terminal 2 at the testing facility.

[0017] After S1, the processor 11 stores an index value representing the level of productivity in association with the user's identification information in the storage device 12 (FIG. 4: S2). The index value may be a value corresponding to the measurement value obtained in S1, or may be the measurement value obtained in S1 itself. The index value may be calculated, for example, as the ratio of equol excretion (mg) to isoflavone intake (mg). After S2, the pre-processing ends. In this embodiment, the measurement of equol excretion (above S1 and S2) is repeated without any dietary restrictions.

[0018] <Recommended output processing> 5 is a process flow diagram showing an example of the recommended amount output process. The recommended amount output process is initiated, for example, periodically or when a request is received from the terminal 2 via user operation. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user repeatedly measures the amount of equol excretion (FIG. 4: S1 and S2) without restricting their diet, and the measurement values ​​are stored in the storage device 12.

[0019] The processor 11 of the server 1 determines whether the target user has a production capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value (FIG. 5: S11). In this step, the processor 11 reads from the storage device 12 an index value stored in association with the target user's identification information and determines whether the index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. It is assumed that a threshold value for determining whether or not the target user has production capacity is stored in advance in the storage device 12. For example, the index value is defined by the ratio of equol excretion (mg) to isoflavone intake (mg), and a predetermined value close to 0 is stored as the threshold. If the index value is less than the threshold, it is determined that the target user has no production capacity (S11: NO), and information recommending an equol-containing supplement equivalent to a predetermined target amount is transmitted to the user's terminal 2 (FIG. 5: S12). For users whose equol production capacity is lower than the reference value, the process of S12 is repeated in the recommended amount output process.

[0020] On the other hand, if the index value is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined that the user has the ability to produce equol (S11: YES), and the processor 11 acquires the most recent measurement value of the target user's equol excretion amount (FIG. 5: S13). As mentioned above, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the measurement of equol excretion amount (FIG. 4: S1 and S2) is repeatedly carried out without any dietary restrictions.

[0021] After S13, the processor 11 suggests at least one of isoflavone-containing foods, isoflavone-containing supplements, and equol-containing supplements to the user (FIG. 5: S14). In this step, the recommended amount of isoflavones to be ingested is determined. The recommended intake patterns are: (1) equol-containing supplements only; (2) isoflavone-containing supplements only; (3) isoflavone-containing foods only; (4) equol-containing supplements and isoflavone-containing supplements; and (5) equol-containing supplements and isoflavone-containing foods. The recommended amount of the equol-containing supplement may be any of (1) a product, (2) an isoflavone-containing supplement, (3) an isoflavone-containing food, (4) an equol-containing supplement, (5) an isoflavone-containing food, and (6) an equol-containing supplement. The recommended amount of the equol-containing supplement is calculated as the equol deficiency, which is the difference between a predetermined equol target value and the user's equol production amount. The recommended amount of the isoflavone-containing supplement is calculated by converting the equol deficiency based on the user's equol production capacity index. The recommended amount of the isoflavone-containing food is calculated by converting the isoflavone deficiency using a predetermined standard isoflavone content per unit amount of food. Furthermore, for the combinations shown in (4) to (7) above, combinations can be created that include the recommended amount of the equol-containing supplement, the recommended amount of the isoflavone-containing supplement, and the recommended amount of the isoflavone-containing food in any desired proportion. Note that a predetermined ideal equol production amount is pre-stored in the storage device 12 as the target value. The equol production amount is a predicted value based on the measured amount of equol excretion. For example, the amount of equol produced may be predicted by multiplying the amount of equol excreted by a predetermined coefficient, or the amount of equol excreted itself may be predicted as the amount of equol produced. For example, when the index value is the ratio of equol excretion (mg) to isoflavone intake (mg), the recommended amount of isoflavones, etc. that can be expected to compensate for the equol deficiency can be determined by multiplying the shortfall by the reciprocal of the index value. Then, processor 11 transmits information suggesting a recommended amount of at least one of (1) to (7) above to user terminal 2 via network IF 13 and network 3. The information output to terminal 2 is at least one of (1) to (7) above, and may be multiple information.

[0022] <Effects> According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to estimate the equol deficiency of each user and make suggestions based on the individual user's deficiency. It is also possible to suggest an appropriate amount based on the user's production capacity. This makes it possible to improve the equol intake of each individual user.

[0023] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a user carries a wearable device, such as a smartwatch or activity monitor, called terminal 2, and the user's equol production and deficiency are estimated based on data obtained from the wearable device. The wearable device is equipped with a biosensor and outputs vital data including at least one of the user's electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, information on sleep quality, body temperature (skin temperature), and sweat rate. The vital data is preferably data that reflects the effects of menopausal symptoms, which can be expected to improve with equol. It is also desirable to standardize the conditions under which the user measures the vital data as much as possible, such as after a predetermined period of rest.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. In this embodiment, an individual user refrains from dietary isoflavone intake for a predetermined period of time, and then has their equol excretion measured by a laboratory or the like, while vital data is measured using a wearable device or the like (FIG. 6: Measurement 0). The predetermined period is a sufficient time for equol to be excreted from the user's body, for example, approximately 72 hours after consuming an isoflavone-containing food. Furthermore, after refraining from dietary isoflavone intake and consuming a predetermined amount of isoflavone-containing supplement, their equol excretion is measured by a laboratory or the like, while vital data is measured using a wearable device or the like (FIG. 6: Measurement 1). In this embodiment, the characteristics of vital data from a state in which no isoflavones are ingested (Measurement 0) and a state in which a predetermined amount of isoflavones is ingested (Measurement 1) are learned, allowing isoflavone intake to be predicted from the vital data. Measurement 0 and Measurement 1 may be repeated to increase the training data and improve the prediction accuracy of the prediction model. After that, vital data is measured without any dietary restrictions (Measurement 2), and the user's equol production amount is predicted based on the vital data. No measurement based on a correlation coefficient or other factors is performed. Furthermore, if Measurement 2 predicts that the target amount of equol has been produced, Measurement 2 is repeated without dietary restrictions. On the other hand, if Measurement 2 predicts that the target amount of equol has not been produced, the user takes the recommended amount of supplements in addition to their diet. An isoflavone supplement is recommended for users with equol-producing ability, while an equol supplement is recommended for users without equol-producing ability. After the supplement is taken, vital data is measured (Measurement 2'), for example, after a predetermined period of time. Here, Measurement 2' is performed after a predetermined period of time sufficient for the effects of the supplement to become apparent. For example, if an isoflavone-containing supplement is taken, Measurement 2' is performed approximately 48 hours after the intake of the supplement, which is the time it takes for the isoflavone to be converted to equol. If Measurement 2' predicts that the target amount of equol has been produced, Measurement 2 is performed again, for example, without dietary restrictions. On the other hand, if Measurement 2' predicts that the target amount of equol has not been produced despite the intake of the recommended amount of supplements, the amount of equol production predicted from the vital data may be corrected. For example, the prediction model itself created by machine learning may be modified, or a correction value may be set to correct the predicted value output by the prediction model.

[0025] <Pre-processing> FIG. 7 is a processing flow diagram showing an example of pre-processing according to the second embodiment. In the pre-processing, the relationship between the index value representing each user's equol production capacity, vital data, and equol amount is stored in a storage device. First, the processor 11 of the server 1 acquires, via the network 3, the user's equol amount measured, for example, at a testing institution, and vital data measured by a wearable device (FIG. 7: S21). In this step, information from Measurements 0 and 1 in FIG. 6 is acquired. That is, measurements are acquired of the user's equol excretion amount measured at a testing institution after abstaining from dietary isoflavone intake for a predetermined period, and measurements are acquired of the equol excretion amount measured after abstaining from dietary isoflavone intake and taking a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement. The measurements may be transmitted to the server 1 by the user operating the terminal 2, or may be transmitted from the testing institution's terminal 2 to the server 1. The vital data includes at least one of an electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, information on sleep quality, body temperature (skin temperature), sweat rate, sweat components, etc. The information on sleep quality may be sleep duration, sleep duration associated with sleep depth, snoring duration, etc. Furthermore, the heart rate may be a heart rate variability index that indicates the regularity of the heart rate in addition to or instead of the heart rate for a predetermined period of time.

[0026] After S1, the processor 11 performs machine learning to identify the relationship between the vital data characteristics and equol production (or excretion) amount when no isoflavones are ingested (FIG. 6: Measurement 0) and the vital data characteristics and equol production (or excretion) amount when a predetermined amount of isoflavone-containing supplements is ingested (FIG. 6: Measurement 1) (FIG. 7: S22). In this step, a prediction model is created that predicts equol production amount from the input vital data using techniques such as regression learning and deep learning. Note that the vital data and equol production amount are normalized or standardized as appropriate. Furthermore, if the equol excretion amount in Measurement 1 does not meet a predetermined threshold, it is not necessary to create a prediction model.

[0027] After S2, the processor 11 stores the index value and the prediction model, which indicate the degree of production ability, in association with the user's identification information in the storage device 12 (FIG. 7: S23). The index value is the same as in the first embodiment. After S3, the pre-processing ends. Note that since the user's intestinal bacteria may change in the future, the prediction model may be recreated as appropriate. Furthermore, by repeatedly performing measurements 0 and 1 in FIG. 6, the amount of training data may be increased to improve the prediction accuracy of the prediction model. In measurement 0, the amount of equol production and vital data when the isoflavone intake is 0 in the graph shown in FIG. 3 are obtained. In measurement 1, the amount of equol production and vital data when the isoflavone intake is 0 in the graph shown in FIG. 3 are obtained. The test provides equol production levels and vital data for a specified intake amount. Furthermore, when isoflavone intake is increased, equol production does not continue to increase in proportion to isoflavone intake as shown in Figure 3, but rather reaches an upper limit (threshold) of equol production for each individual. Increasing the number of measurements used as training data, particularly for Measurement 1, improves the accuracy of the slope of the graph shown in Figure 3, as well as the accuracy of the prediction model that predicts the relationship between vital data and equol production levels.

[0028] <Recommended output processing> 8 and 9 are processing flow diagrams showing an example of the recommended amount output process. In this embodiment, the recommended amount output process is also started, for example, periodically or when a request is received from terminal 2 by user operation. In this embodiment, terminal 2, which is a wearable terminal, continuously measures vital data (FIG. 6: Measurement 2, Measurement 2') and transmits the data to server 1 at a predetermined timing. It is assumed that the vital data received from terminal 2 is accumulated in storage device 12 of server 1. It is also assumed that the prediction model created in the pre-processing of FIG. 7 is stored in storage device 12.

[0029] The processor 11 of the server 1 determines whether the target user has a production capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined standard value (FIG. 8: S31). This step is the same as S11 in FIG. 5. If the index value is below the threshold, it is determined that the user does not have production capacity (S31: NO), and information recommending an equol supplement equivalent to a predetermined target amount is sent to the user's terminal 2 (FIG. 8: S32), terminating the processing of FIG. 8. For users whose equol production capacity is lower than the standard, it is recommended that they take an equol-containing supplement equivalent to the predetermined target amount. In other words, S32 is repeated.

[0030] On the other hand, if the index value is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined that the subject has the ability to produce equol (S31: YES), and processor 11 predicts the subject's equol production amount from the most recent vital data (FIG. 8: S33). In this step, the vital data measured in Measurement 2 is input into a prediction model to calculate a predicted value for the equol production amount.

[0031] After S33, the processor 11 recommends at least one of isoflavone-containing foods, isoflavone supplements, and equol-containing supplements (hereinafter referred to as "supplements, etc.") to the user (FIG. 8: S34). This step is similar to S14 in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment. In the graph of FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the predicted value of equol production. For example, assume that at time t, the predicted value in S33 is the value e1 plotted with a circle. At this time, a recommended amount of isoflavone that is expected to make up for the deficiency equivalent to the difference d1 between the target value and the predicted value e1 is recommended to the user in S34.

[0032] After S34, an input is received from the user via terminal 2 as to whether the user has taken the recommended amount of supplements, etc. (FIG. 9: S35). In this embodiment, after pre-processing, the amount of equol excretion is not generally measured, and the amount of equol is predicted from vital data while modifying the prediction model. In this step, an input is received as to whether the user has taken the recommended amount of supplements, etc., for later use in determining whether or not the learning model needs to be modified. Alternatively, the server 1 may make an inquiry to the user's terminal 2 and receive a response in S34, or application software installed on terminal 2 may prompt the user for input at a predetermined timing, and the server 1 may receive a response in S34.

[0033] After S35, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the processor 11 predicts the amount of equol produced for the target user from the most recent vital data (FIG. 9: S36). The processing in this step is similar to S33 in FIG. 8, but the prediction is performed using the measurement values ​​of Measurement 2' in FIG. As mentioned above, equol generally appears in the blood approximately 8 hours after ingesting an isoflavone-containing food, reaches a maximum concentration in 12 to 24 hours, and is excreted from the body approximately 72 hours later. Therefore, if the user ingests a supplement after S34 in FIG. 8, the amount of equol is predicted in S36 after a predetermined time interval until equol is produced. In other words, the period for measuring vital data can be appropriately determined based on the timing when blood concentrations are expected to peak, such as 48 hours after ingesting an isoflavone-containing supplement.

[0034] After S36, the processor 11 also suggests supplements and the like to the user (FIG. 9: S37). This step is similar to S14 in FIG. 5 and S34 in FIG.

[0035] After S37, processor 11 determines whether to revise the prediction model, etc. (FIG. 9: S38). Specifically, processor 11 determines whether the user has taken the recommended amount of supplements, etc., and the predicted value of equol production is below a predetermined threshold. Whether the user has taken the recommended amount of supplements, etc., is determined based on the response in S35. The predetermined threshold may be a target value for equol production, or a value that takes a predetermined tolerance range into account based on the target value. In other words, if the user has taken the recommended amount of supplements, etc., to make up for a deficiency in equol, but the equol production subsequently falls short of the target value, the prediction model is determined to be revised.

[0036] For example, if the user takes the recommended amount of supplements, etc., and the predicted value of equol production reaches the target value as expected, as shown at time t+1 in Figure 10, the prediction model functions as expected and does not need to be revised. On the other hand, if the user takes the recommended amount of supplements, etc., but the predicted value of equol production falls short of the target value, as shown at time t+1' in Figure 10, the prediction model is revised based on the difference d2 between the target value and the predicted value e2. The prediction model may be revised if the user takes the recommended amount of supplements, etc., and the predicted value of equol production is determined to be below a predetermined threshold multiple times. The prediction model may also be revised if the user takes the recommended amount of supplements, etc., and the predicted value of equol production is determined to significantly deviate from the target value. The predicted value of equol production may also be determined using a moving average over the most recent specified period. The prediction model may also be revised if the predicted value of equol production deviates beyond the target value by more than an acceptable range.

[0037] If it is determined that the prediction model should be corrected (S38: YES), the processor 11 corrects the prediction model, etc., based on the difference between the target value and the predicted value (FIG. 9: S39). It is also possible to adjust coefficients for correcting the prediction results of the prediction model, the equol deficiency, or the recommended amount of supplements to be taken. In this step, if the user takes the recommended amount of isoflavones, the prediction model (or correction coefficient) is corrected so that the predicted value of equol production approaches the target value. For example, if the recommended amount is determined based on the difference d1 between the target amount and the equol production amount at time t in FIG. 10, and the user subsequently takes the recommended amount of supplements, etc., but a difference d2 occurs between the target amount and the equol production amount at time t+1', it can be seen that the recommended amount at time t will only increase equol production by d1-d2. In other words, it can be interpreted that the user should have taken (d1 / d1-d2) times the calculated recommended amount of isoflavones at time t, and therefore the correction coefficient is set to (d1 / d1-d2), for example. The correction coefficient may be adjusted based on a predetermined learning rate so as to gradually approach (d1 / d1-d2).The prediction model itself may also be modified to predict a lower equol production amount.

[0038] If it is determined in S37 that the prediction model is not to be corrected (S38: NO) or after S39, the processor 11 returns to S35 and repeats the process. For example, if a user has had their equol excretion measured at a testing institution, the prediction model may be corrected using the actual measured value.

[0039] <Effects> In this embodiment, after pre-processing, the equol production amount can be predicted from vital data while modifying the prediction model, without the need to measure equol excretion at a testing institution, etc. Furthermore, an appropriate amount can be suggested based on the deficiency and production capacity of each individual user. This allows for the improvement of each individual user's equol intake.

[0040] <Modification> The configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the scope of the claims. Furthermore, each aspect disclosed in this specification can be combined with any other feature disclosed in this specification.

[0041] At least some of the functions of the server 1 may be distributed to multiple devices, or multiple devices may provide the same functions in parallel. Also, the prediction model described in the second embodiment may be a rule-based prediction model rather than one created by machine learning.

[0042] The present disclosure also includes a method and a computer program for executing the above-described process, and a computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon. The recording medium having the program recorded thereon enables the above-described process by causing a computer to execute the program.

[0043] Here, a computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs electrically, magnetically, optically, mechanically, or chemically and can be read by a computer. Among such recording media, those that can be removed from a computer include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, memory cards, etc. Furthermore, recording media that are fixed to a computer include HDDs, SSDs (Solid State Drives), ROMs, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 100: System 1: Server, 11: Processor, 12: Storage device, 13: Communication interface 2: Terminal 3: Network

Claims

1. Calculating the user's equol deficiency using the predicted value of the user's equol production amount and a predetermined target amount; calculating a recommended amount of equol and / or isoflavones that the user should ingest based on the calculated equol deficiency and an index value representing the user's level of equol production ability; and outputting the calculated recommended amount; A recommended amount output system including one or more computers that execute the above.

2. The predicted value of the equol production amount is predicted using the equol excretion amount of the user. The recommended amount output system according to claim 1 .

3. The predicted value of the equol production amount is predicted using vital data acquired from the user's wearable device. The recommended amount output system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vital data includes at least one of the user's electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, an index representing sleep quality, body temperature, sweat amount, and sweat components. The recommended amount output system according to claim 3.

5. The index value is a value corresponding to the amount of equol excreted or blood concentration after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user refrained from ingesting isoflavones through diet for a predetermined period of time or longer and took a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement. The recommended amount output system according to claim 1 .

6. The predicted value of the amount of equol produced is the vital data and the amount of equol excreted after the user has refrained from ingesting isoflavones through diet for a predetermined period of time; The vital data and equol excretion amount after the user refrains from taking isoflavones through food for a predetermined period of time and takes a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement; The prediction is made using a prediction model that has learned the relationship between The recommended amount output system according to claim 3.

7. If the post-ingestion equol deficiency calculated after receiving information indicating that the user has ingested the recommended amount of isoflavone satisfies a predetermined condition, the prediction model or a correction coefficient for the deficiency or the recommended amount is corrected based on the relationship between the target amount and the post-ingestion equol deficiency. The recommended amount output system according to claim 6.

8. Calculating the user's equol deficiency using the predicted value of the user's equol production amount and a predetermined target amount; calculating a recommended amount of equol and / or isoflavones that the user should ingest based on the calculated equol deficiency and an index value representing the user's level of equol production ability; and outputting the calculated recommended amount; The recommended output method is to run one or more computers.

9. The index value is the equol excretion value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user refrained from taking isoflavones through food for a predetermined period of time or more and took a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement. The value corresponds to the amount of blood discharge or blood concentration. The method for outputting a recommended amount according to claim 8.

10. Calculating the user's equol deficiency using the predicted value of the user's equol production amount and a predetermined target amount; calculating a recommended amount of equol and / or isoflavones that the user should ingest based on the calculated equol deficiency and an index value representing the user's level of equol production ability; and outputting the calculated recommended amount; A program for causing one or more computers to execute the above.

11. The index value is a value corresponding to the amount of equol excreted or blood concentration after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user refrained from ingesting isoflavones through diet for a predetermined period of time or longer and took a predetermined amount of an isoflavone-containing supplement. The program according to claim 10.

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