Nutrient deficiencies and interactions in medical conditions

Abstract

Methods and systems use a particular medication administered to a patient to identify one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication, identify one or more drug-nutrient interactions associated with the particular medication, and / or identify one or more symptoms or side effects associated with the particular medication. Information stored in a database contains one or more of these associations and is used for the identification. The method may then provide one or more nutritional interventions and / or one or more dietary recommendations based on (i) the one or more nutrient deficiencies, (ii) the one or more drug-nutrient interactions, and / or (iii) the one or more symptoms or side effects.

Description

TITLENUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AND INTERACTIONS IN MEDICAL CONDITIONSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for providing patients and / or clinicians personalized nutritional recommendations based on deficiencies or interactions associated with prescribed agents.BACKGROUND

[0002] While some medications are effective for treating certain medical conditions, consumption of these medications may affect the nutritional status of the body. For example, certain medications may affect the absorption or excretion of vitamins and minerals in the body. Conversely, some nutrients in foods may influence the effectiveness of medications by affecting bioavailability and half-life.

[0003] Currently, large databases of information on medications exist. These databases provide information on medication usage, dosage, mechanism of action, drug-drug interactions, and side effects. However, these solutions do not provide guidance on relevant nutrition interactions based on medication usage, and particular not in the context of medication usage for certain medical conditions. Other tools focus on providing supplementation, but lack clinical relevance for medical conditions. Currently, there is no such tool that personalizes clinical nutrition recommendations based on medication use.SUMMARY

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure is a method to personalize nutrition based on a particular medication administered to a patient, the particular medication is administered to the patient to treat a medical condition in the patient.

[0005] The method comprises:

[0006] storing, in a database, information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of nutritional interventions, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the nutritional interventions;

[0007] accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient;

[0008] identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient;

[0009] identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database;

[0010] identifying the one or more of the nutritional interventions associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; and

[0011] providing, to the patient, the one or more of the nutritional interventions associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database, wherein a formulation and / or amount of the one or more of the nutritional interventions provided to the patient is effective to treat the one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication.

[0012] In some embodiments, the information stored by the database also associates one or more drug-nutrient interactions associated with each of the plurality of medications, and the method further comprises: using the information stored by the database to identify the one or more drug-nutrient interactions associated with the particular medication administered to the patient, wherein the formulation and / or amount of the nutritional intervention is also effective to decrease or prevent the one or more drug-nutrient interactions associated with the particular medication administered to the patient.

[0013] In some embodiments, the information stored by the database also associates one or more side effects or symptoms associated with each of the plurality of medications, and the method further comprises: using the information stored by the database to identify the one or more side effects or symptoms associated with the particular medication administered to the patient, wherein the formulation and / or amount of the nutritional intervention is also effective to decrease or prevent the one or more side effects or symptoms associated with the particular medication administered to the patient.

[0014] In some embodiments, the information stored by the database also associates one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with a medical condition of a patient, and the method further comprises: using the information stored by the database to identify the one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the medical condition of the patient, wherein the formulation and / or amount of the nutritional intervention is also effective to treat the one ormore nutrient deficiencies associate with the medical condition of the patient. In some embodiments, the medical condition is selected from the group consisting of heart disease, kidney disease and cancer. In some embodiments the cancer is selected from a cancer of the brain, kidney, lung, stomach, pancreatic, liver, skin, esophagus, bladder, colon, breast, and prostate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one or more nutritional interventions provided to the patient comprise at least one food product selected from the group consisting of a beverage product, a food supplement, an oral nutritional supplement (ONS), a medical food, and any combination thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more nutritional interventions provided to the patient comprise at least one dietary supplement and at least one oral nutritional supplement (ONS).

[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more nutritional interventions provided to the patient comprise at least one dietary supplement.

[0018] In some embodiments, the providing the one or more nutritional interventions to the patient comprises orally administering the nutritional intervention to the patient.

[0019] In some embodiments, the medical condition comprises cancer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the medication is a chemotherapy.

[0021] In some embodiments, the particular medication is selected from the group consisting of platinum-based antineoplastics, vinca alkaloids, epothilones, taxanes, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory inhibitors, hormonal inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, the identifying steps are computer-implemented.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more nutrient deficiencies comprises a deficiency of one or more nutrients selected from the group consisting of a vitamin, a mineral, a phytonutrient, a macronutrient, and an essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient. In some embodiments the vitamin is one or more vitamins selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, thiamin (vitamin Bl), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cobalamin (vitamin B12), biotin, and folate / folic acid. In some embodiments, the mineral is one or more minerals selected from the group consisting of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, sulfur, cobalt, copper, fluoride,manganese, and selenium. In some embodiments the macronutrient is one or more macronutrients selected from the group consisting of: protein, fat, and carbohydrate. In some embodiments, the fat includes medium chain triglycerides (MCT). In some embodiments, the essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient is one or more essential and / or conditionally essential nutrients selected from the group consisting of: carnitine, taurine, and choline. In some embodiments, the phytonutrient is selected from the group consisting of: carotenoids, lutein, catechins, indoles, glucosinates, tannins, quercetin, and lycopene.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method to personalize nutrition based on a particular medication administered to a patient, the particular medication is administered to the patient to treat a medical condition in the patient. The method comprises:

[0025] storing, in a database, information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of dietary recommendations, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the dietary recommendations;

[0026] accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient;

[0027] identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient;

[0028] identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database;

[0029] identifying the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; and

[0030] providing, to the patient, the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database, wherein a formulation and / or amount of the one or more of the dietary recommendations provided to the patient is effective to treat the one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication.

[0031] In some embodiments, the one or more dietary recommendations comprises one or more recipe recommendations.

[0032] In some embodiments, the one or more dietary recommendations comprises one or more dietary supplements having a formulation and / or amount effective to reduce the one or more nutrient deficiencies.

[0033] In some embodiments, the one or more dietary recommendations comprises one or more foods, beverages and / or dietary supplements having a formulation and / or amount effective to reduce the one or more nutrient deficiencies.

[0034] In some embodiments, the one or more dietary recommendations comprises one or more oral nutritional supplements and one or more dietary supplements having a formulation and / or amount effective to reduce the one or more nutrient deficiencies.

[0035] In some embodiments, the particular medication is selected from the group consisting of: platinum-based antineoplastics, vinca alkaloids, epothilones, taxanes, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory inhibitors, hormonal inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the information stored by the database associates one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with a medical condition of the patient, and the method further comprises: identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the medical condition in the information stored by the database; and providing to the patient the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the medical condition. In some embodiments, the medical condition is selected from the group consisting of: heart disease, kidney disease and cancer. In some embodiments the cancer is selected from a cancer of the brain, kidney, lung, stomach, pancreatic, liver, skin, esophagus, bladder, colon, breast, and prostate.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more nutrient deficiencies comprises a deficiency of one or more nutrients selected from the group consisting of: a vitamin, a mineral, a phytonutrient, a macronutrient, and an essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient. In some embodiments the vitamin is one or more vitamins selected from the group consisting of: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, thiamin (vitamin Bl), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cobalamin (vitamin B12), biotin, and folate / folic acid. In some embodiments, the mineral is one or more minerals selected from the group consisting of: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, sulfur, cobalt, copper, fluoride, manganese, and selenium. In some embodiments the macronutrient is one or more macronutrients selected from the group consisting of: protein, fat, and carbohydrate. In oneembodiment, the fat includes medium chain triglycerides (MCT). In some embodiments, the essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient is one or more an essential and / or conditionally essential nutrients selected from the group consisting of: carnitine, taurine, and choline. In some embodiments, the phytonutrient is selected from the group consisting of: carotenoids, lutein, catechins, indoles, glucosinates, tannins, quercetin, and lycopene.

[0038] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprises: a processor; a database storing information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of nutritional interventions, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the nutritional interventions; and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; and identifying the one or more of the nutritional interventions associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database.

[0039] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprises: a processor; a database storing information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of dietary recommendations, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the dietary recommendations; and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; and identifying the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database.

[0040] An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a digital tool that provides evidence-based personalized nutrition recommendations based on commonly prescribed therapeutic agents and concomitant medications.

[0041] Another advantage of one or more embodiments provided by the present disclosure is to remedy nutritional deficiencies caused by prescribed therapeutic agents.

[0042] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a user with dietary recommendations that avoid foods with negative drug-nutrient interactions.

[0043] Yet another advantage of one or more embodiments provided by the present disclosure is reducing unwanted side effects associated with medications.

[0044] Additional features and advantages are described herein and will be apparent from the following Figures and Detailed Description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] Fig. 1 depicts a methodology to determine drug-nutrient interactions according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig. 2 illustrates a system according to an example of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Definitions

[0048] Some definitions are provided hereafter. Nevertheless, definitions may be located in the “Embodiments” section below, and the above header “Definitions” does not mean that such disclosures in the “Embodiments” section are not definitions.

[0049] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a protein” or “the protein” includes two or more proteins.

[0050] The words “comprise,” “comprises” and “comprising” are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms “include,” “including” and “or” should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. Nevertheless, the systems and methods disclosed herein may lack any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment using the term “comprising” includes a disclosure of embodiments “consisting essentially of’ and “consisting of’ the components or steps identified.

[0051] The terms “at least one of’ and “and / or” used respectively in the context of “at least one of X and Y” and “X and / or Y” should be interpreted as “X without Y,” or “Y without X,” or “both X and Y ” Where used herein, the terms “example” and “such as,” particularly when followed by a listing of terms, are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive.

[0052] As used herein, “related to,” “associated with” and “linked with” mean occurring concurrently, preferably mean caused by the same underlying condition, more preferably mean that one of the identified conditions is at least indirectly caused by the other identified condition, and most preferably mean that one of the identified conditions is directly caused by the other identified condition.

[0053] The terms “food”, “food supplement”, “food product” and “food composition” mean a product or composition that is intended for ingestion by an individual such as a human and provides at least one nutrient to the individual. The compositions of the present disclosure, including the many embodiments described herein, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the elements disclosed herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or elements described herein or otherwise useful in a diet supplement.

[0054] The term “dietary supplement” means a product or composition that is intended for ingestion by an individual such as a human and is intended to be ingested in addition to the individual’s diet. A dietary supplement may include many embodiments described herein, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the elements disclosed herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or elements described herein or otherwise useful in a diet supplement. Dietary supplements may be in any form, e.g, solid, liquid, gel, tablets, capsules, powder, and the like. In one aspect, they can be provided in convenient dosage forms. In some embodiments, they can be provided in bulk consumer packages such as bulk powders, liquids, gels, or oils. Dietary supplements may comprise one or more nutrients. In some embodiments, dietary supplements may comprise one of more micronutrients. In some embodiments, dietary supplements may comprise one or more macronutrients. In some embodiments, dietary supplements may comprise at least one micronutrient and at least one macronutrient.

[0055] The term “nutrient” means a substance that an individual needs to survive, grow, maintain body function, and / or maintain health. Nutrients includes micronutrients (e.g. , vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential and / or conditionally essential nutrients, and phytonutrients) and macronutrients (e.g., water, fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber). A“conditionally essential nutrient” is a compound ordinarily produced by the body in amounts sufficient to meet its physiological requirements but under in patients suffering from certain medical conditions or in other physiologically stressful conditions, their biosynthesis of these compounds may be inadequate to meet physiological requirements. In some embodiments, the phytonutrient is selected from the group consisting of: carotenoids, lutein, catechins, indoles, glucosinates, tannins, quercetin, and lycopene.

[0056] “Prevention” includes reduction of risk, incidence and / or severity of a condition or disorder. The terms “treatment” and “treat” include both prophylactic or preventive treatment (that prevent and / or slow the development of a targeted pathologic condition or disorder) and curative, therapeutic or disease-modifying treatment, including therapeutic measures that cure, slow down, lessen symptoms of, and / or halt progression of a diagnosed pathologic condition or disorder; and treatment of patients at risk of contracting a disease or suspected to have contracted a disease, as well as patients who are ill or have been diagnosed as suffering from a disease or medical condition. The terms “treatment” and “treat” do not necessarily imply that a subject is treated until total recovery. The terms “treatment” and “treat” also refer to the maintenance and / or promotion of health in an individual not suffering from a disease but who may be susceptible to the development of an unhealthy condition. The terms “treatment” and “treat” are also intended to include the potentiation or otherwise enhancement of one or more primary prophylactic or therapeutic measures. As nonlimiting examples, a treatment can be performed by a patient, a caregiver, a doctor, a nurse, or another healthcare professional.

[0057] As used herein, a prophylactically or therapeutically “effective amount” is an amount that prevents a deficiency, treats a disease or medical condition in an individual, or, more generally, reduces symptoms, manages progression of the disease, or provides a nutritional, physiological, or medical benefit to the individual.

[0058] The term “composition” may mean a food, beverage, dietary supplement, complete nutrition or oral nutritional supplement (ONS) or medical food composition, or mixture thereof.

[0059] The term “chemotherapy” shall refer to the treatment of a disease by use of chemical substances. In a preferred embodiment, “chemotherapy” is the treatment of cancer by cytotoxic and other drugs.

[0060] The term “drug-nutrient interaction” shall refer to the interaction between a drug and a nutrient in the body. In some embodiments, drug-nutrient interactions shall referto a drug affecting the nutritional status of the body. In some embodiments, drug-nutrient interactions shall refer to nutrients affecting the mechanism of action of a drug, such as bioavailability, half-life, and plasma concentrations of the drug.

[0061] The term “user” refers to a patient and / or a patient’s health care professional (HCP).

[0062] Embodiments

[0063] An aspect of the present disclosure is a method of reducing unwanted side effects associated with medications. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a system configured to recommend a user a dietary recommendation and / or a nutritional intervention based on the medication being administered to the patient.

[0064] The systems and methods may be used to treat, prevent, or reduce unwanted side effects associated with medications, such as oncology medications. Unwanted side effects may include a nutrient deficiency and / or side effects associated with the nutrient deficiency. Further, unwanted side effects may include side effects associated with drugnutrient interactions. Additionally or alternatively, the systems and methods may be used to treat, prevent, or alleviate symptoms associated with the nutrient deficiency. In some embodiments, the nutrient deficiency may include a deficiency in potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, and / or copper.

[0065] The system may include a processor, and a memory storing instructions. In some embodiments, the system may be provided, in whole or in part, as all or part of a desktop computing device, laptop, tablet, mobile electronic device, computing module, processor, server, cloud computing system, distributed computing system, or the like.

[0066] The system may be configured to receive input data from a user to identify the type of medication(s) currently taken to treat a medical condition or medication(s) commonly used in patients with the medical condition. For example, the system may include a user interface for a user to input the medication(s). The user interface may be implemented on a computing device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other wearable.

[0067] In some embodiments, the user interface may provide the user with an index of medications, and the user may select the specific medication being administered from the index. The system may be configured to store the medication input by the user. Based on the input from the user, the system may identify nutritional deficiencies and interactions caused by consumption of the drug.

[0068] The system may include a nutrient-drug interaction database. The database may be located within the system or located externally from the system. In some embodiments, the database is located externally from the system, wherein the database is wirelessly accessible by the system.

[0069] The drug-interaction database may store a plurality of medications for treating a medical condition and / or commonly taken by patients with the medical condition. For each of the plurality of medications, the database may store one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with or caused by consumption of the medication. Additionally or alternatively, for each of the plurality of medications, the database may store one or more foods with interactions associated with the medications. In some embodiments, for each of the medications, for each of the nutrient deficiencies, and / or for each of the foods with interactions associated with the medications, the database may store one or more side effects commonly experienced by patients as a result of the consumption of the medication generally, the nutrient deficiency, and / or the food-drug interaction. The database may also include peer reviewed articles and / or verified research for each of the nutrient deficiencies and / or for each of the foods with interactions associated with the medications.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the medical condition is cancer. The database may include drug classes used in the treatment of cancer, including, but not limited to: platinum-based antineoplastics (e.g. oxaliplatin), vinca alkaloids (e.g. vincristine), epothilones (e.g. ixabepilone), taxanes (e.g. paclitaxel) proteasome inhibitors (e.g. bortezomib), immunomodulatory (thalidomide), hormonal (e.g. lupron), and aromatase inhibitors (e.g. letrozole).

[0071] Figure 1 illustrates an example of methodology to identify a nutrient deficiency and / or interaction associated with the medication. As shown in the figure, the system may determine if the drug: is associated with nutritional deficiencies; has potentially harmful drug-nutrient interactions; and / or is associated with side effects. The system may also determine if there is research behind the drug effects and management of these effects, for example peer-reviewed and / or verified research. Further, the system may determine if the drug input by the user is a commonly used drug for the specific medical condition or from a drug category that is commonly used in patients with that medical condition.

[0072] The system may be configured to operate according to one or more algorithms (e.g., a machine learning algorithm), routines, conditional filter(s), etc. to identify nutrient deficiencies and interactions associated with the medication. For example, after auser has input medications taken, the system may access the drug-interaction database. In some embodiments, the system identifies the medication taken from a stored value already input by the user. The system may compare the input medication with the plurality of medications in the database in order to identify the input medication as one of the plurality of medications. The system may then obtain the one or more nutrient deficiencies and / or the one or more food interactions associated with the medication in the database. In some embodiments, the system is configured to display the obtained information on the user interface.

[0073] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to identify nutrient deficiencies associated with a medical condition.

[0074] Based on the information obtained by the system, the system may provide the user with a personalized recommendation. For example, the system may provide the user with specific dietary recommendations and / or nutritional solutions that prevent unwanted fooddrug interactions and / or remedy nutrient deficiencies associated with the drug and / or associated with a medical condition.

[0075] In some embodiments, the system includes a food database. The food database may include a plurality of foods, where the database stores the nutritional information (e.g., nutrients (macro- and / or micronutrients), calories) for each of the plurality of foods. In some embodiments, the database includes a plurality of recipes, where the database stores the nutrient values (e.g., nutrients (macro- and / or micronutrients), calories, fats) for each of the plurality of recipes.

[0076] The food database may also include one or more pre-determined associations between the food and / or recipe and the nutrient deficiency and / or the food-drug interaction. The system may be configured to identify and provide a user with a personalized recommendation based on the one or more predetermined associations. In some embodiments, the system includes a dietary supplement database. The dietary supplement database may include a plurality of dietary supplements, where the database stores the nutritional information (e.g., nutrients (macro- and / or micronutrients), calories) for each of the plurality of dietary supplements.

[0077] In some embodiment, the system include a dietary supplement database and a food database.

[0078] In some examples, the food database and / or the dietary supplement database may store one or more tags for each of the plurality of foods, recipes, and / or dietarysupplements that indicate which of the plurality of foods, recipes, and / or dietary supplements may help to remedy the nutrient deficiency and / or avoid the food-drug interactions. The tags may include nutritional information (e.g., nutrients (macro- and / or micronutrients), calories), indications that the food, recipe and / or dietary supplement remedy certain nutrient deficiencies, indications that the food, recipe and / or dietary supplement alleviates one or more symptoms associated with the nutrient deficiency, indications that the food, recipe and / or dietary supplement avoids a food-drug interaction, and / or or any other tag for providing a personalized dietary recommendation. In order to provide a personalized recommendation, the system may search one of the databases for foods, recipes, and / or dietary supplements with a relevant tag.

[0079] In a non-limiting example, the food database and / or the dietary supplement database may store a calcium tag with a foods, recipes, and / or dietary supplements high in calcium. If the system determines a medication is associated with a calcium deficiency, the system may search the food database and / or the dietary supplement database for foods, recipes, and / or dietary supplements with a calcium tag. The personalized recommendation may be based on the determination of which foods, recipes, and / or dietary supplements contain relevant tags.

[0080] The system may be configured to operate according to one or more algorithms (e.g., a machine learning algorithm), routines, conditional filter(s), etc. to identify and provide specific dietary recommendations and / or nutritional solutions. The system may be configured to compare the obtained nutrient deficiency with the nutritional information or association, such as tags, stored in the food database and / or dietary supplement database to identify and provide specific dietary recommendations and / or nutritional solutions. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide the user specific dietary recommendations and / or nutritional solutions by displaying these on a user interface. In some embodiments, the system is configured to further provide the user a description of the nutrient deficiency.

[0081] Figure 2 illustrates an example embodiment provided by the present disclosure. As depicted in the figure, a user may input that they are being administered prednisone, which is an anti-inflammatory agent commonly used by patients with cancer. The system may identify deficiencies associated with taking the drug, such as that prednisone depletes the level of vitamin D in an individual. Further, the system may identify common drug-nutrient interactions, such as that prednisone negatively interacts with grapefruit. Accordingly, the system may provide the user with specific dietary recommendations and / ornutritional solutions that avoid these side effects, such as dietary recommendations and / or nutritional solutions with increased levels of vitamin D while avoiding grapefruit.

[0082] In some embodiments, the specific dietary recommendations and / or nutritional solutions comprise diet recommendations, menu recommendations, and / or recipe recommendations. Specifically, the dietary recommendations may comprise recommendations related to one or more of the following: nutrients, foods and beverages, dietary supplements, combinations of foods and beverages as menu recommendations, and / or recipe recommendations.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the system provides recommendations, suggestions or recipes related to one or more nutrient(s), for example vitamin(s) and / or mineral(s), the system may provide recommendations to the form of said one or more nutrient(s), for example said vitamin and / or mineral. In particular, the system will recommend the specific form of said nutrient(s) that is most appropriate in view of the medical conditions of an individual and / or other relevant parameter(s) associated with said individual (age, BMI, ongoing treatment, diet etc...). For example, the example may recommend Magnesium Glycinate instead of Magnesium Citrate for specific medical conditions due to enhanced absorption in such medical conditions.

[0084] In some embodiments, the system may provide menu suggestions or recipes that incorporate foods, beverages and / or dietary supplements to reduce unwanted side effects associated with taking certain medications. These foods, beverages, and / or dietary supplements, as well as the menus and recipes that use them, can be recommended for consumption on a daily basis, a weekly basis, or a monthly basis.

[0085] In some embodiments, the providing of the nutritional intervention comprises orally administering a nutritional intervention to the individual. In some embodiments, the nutritional intervention comprises at least one of a nutrient, food product, beverage product, a dietary supplement, complete nutrition or oral nutritional supplement (ONS), or medical food composition, or combinations thereof.

[0086] The nutritional intervention may include an effective amount of a nutrient to alleviate the side effects caused by the medication. For example, if a medication is determined to cause a calcium deficiency, a specific nutritional intervention may be provided to counteract the deficiency caused by the medication. Further, if the medication is determined to cause a calcium deficiency, the system may determine that a calcium deficiency is associated with bone density loss. A specific nutritional intervention may be provided to counteract the calciumdeficiency and to improve bone density, such as a nutritional intervention including an effective amount of calcium and magnesium.

[0087] The system may provide the user with articles, research, videos, audios, and classes based on the information about the drug and its interactions. The system may provide the user with articles, research, videos, and classes based on the nutrient deficiency. The system may provide a summary of said articles, research, videos, audios and classes based on the information about the drug and its interactions or based on the nutrient deficiency. When providinga summary of said articles, research, videos, audios and classes based on the information about the drug and its interactions or based on the nutrient deficiency, the system may also provide the references and / or links to said articles, research, videos, audios and classes. Further, the system may provide the user with lifestyle and fitness recommendations based on the drug. As can be seen in Figure 2, the system may recommend specific exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other lifestyle changes to help manage or reduce side effects from the drug. Additionally or alternatively, the system may provide the user with the option for messaging with an expert.

[0088] For example, in some embodiments, the system may include a lifestyle database. Similar to the nutrient-drug interaction database, the lifestyle database may store a plurality of medications. For each of the plurality of medications, the database may store one or more of articles, research, videos, classes, lifestyle recommendation, and fitness recommendations. The system may be configured to obtain one or more of the stored associations, such as through the use of tags, based on the input medication and the plurality of medications in the database.

[0089] All of the disclosed methods and procedures described in this disclosure can be implemented using one or more computer programs or components. These components may be provided as a series of computer instructions on any conventional computer readable medium or machine readable medium, including volatile and non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, optical memory, or other storage media. The instructions may be provided as software or firmware, and may be implemented in whole or in part in hardware components such as ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs, or any other similar devices. The instructions may be configured to be executed by one or more processors, which when executing the series of computer instructions, performs or facilitates the performance of all or part of the disclosed methods and procedures.

[0090] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the examples described here will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSClaim 1 : A method to personalize nutrition based on a particular medication administered to a patient, the particular medication is administered to the patient to treat a medical condition in the patient, the method comprising: storing, in a database, information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of nutritional interventions, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the nutritional interventions; accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; identifying the one or more of the nutritional interventions associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; and providing, to the patient, the one or more of the nutritional interventions associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database, wherein a formulation and / or amount of the one or more of the nutritional interventions provided to the patient is effective to treat the one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication.Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the information stored by the database also associates one or more drug-nutrient interactions associated with each of the plurality of medications, and the method further comprises: using the information stored by the database to identify the one or more drug-nutrient interactions associated with the particular medication administered to the patient, wherein the formulation and / or amount of the nutritional intervention is also effective to decrease or prevent the one or more drug-nutrient interactions associated with the particular medication administered to the patient.Claim 3: The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the information stored by thedatabase also associates one or more side effects or symptoms associated with each of the plurality of medications, and the method further comprises: using the information stored by the database to identify the one or more side effects or symptoms associated with the particular medication administered to the patient, wherein the formulation and / or amount of the nutritional intervention is also effective to decrease or prevent the one or more side effects or symptoms associated with the particular medication administered to the patient.Claim 4: The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the information stored by the database also associates one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with a medical condition of the patient, and the method further comprises: using the information stored by the database to identify the one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the medical condition of the patient, wherein the formulation and / or amount of the nutritional intervention is effective to treat the one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the medical condition of the patient.Claim 5: The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the system stores one or more tags for each of the one or more nutritional interventions, and wherein the identifying the one or more of the nutritional interventions associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies, the one or more drug-nutrient interactions, and / or the one or more side effects or symptoms comprises searching the database for one or more nutritional interventions that comprise one or more tags associated with the one or more nutrient deficiencies the one or more drug-nutrient interactions, and / or the one or more side effects or symptoms.Claim 6: The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more nutritional interventions provided to the patient comprises at least one dietary supplement.Claim 7: The method of claim 56, wherein the dietary supplement comprises at least one micronutrient.Claim 8: The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the one or more nutritional interventions provided to the patient comprise at least one food product selected from the groupconsisting of a beverage product, a food supplement, an oral nutritional supplement (ONS), a medical food, and any combination thereof.Claim 9: The method of claim 8, further comprising providing to the patient a dietary supplement.Claim 10: The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the providing the one or more nutritional interventions to the patient comprises orally administering the nutritional intervention to the patient.Claim 11 : The method of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the medical condition comprises cancer.Claim 12: The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the medication is a chemotherapy.Claim 13: The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the particular medication is selected from the group consisting of: platinum-based antineoplastics, vinca alkaloids, epothilones, taxanes, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory inhibitors, hormonal inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.Claim 14: The method of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the identifying steps are computer-implemented.Claim 15: The method of any one of claims 1-14, wherein at least one of the one or more nutrient deficiencies comprises a deficiency of one or more the group consisting of: a vitamin, a mineral, a macronutrient, a phytonutrient, and an essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient.Claim 16: The method of claim 15, wherein the vitamin is one or more vitamins selected from the group consisting of: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, thiamin (vitamin Bl), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cobalamin (vitamin B12), biotin, and folate / folic acid.Claim 17: The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the mineral is one or more minerals selected from the group consisting of: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, sulfur, cobalt, copper, fluoride, manganese, and selenium.Claim 18: The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the macronutrient is one or more macronutrients selected from the group consisting of: protein, fat, and carbohydrate.Claim 19: The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein(a) the essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient is selected from the group consisting of: carnitine, taurine, and choline; and / or(b) the phytonutrient is selected from the group consisting of: carotenoids, lutein, catechins, indoles, glucosinates, tannins, quercetin, and lycopene.Claim 20: A method to personalize nutrition based on a particular medication administered to a patient, the particular medication is administered to the patient to treat a medical condition in the patient, the method comprising: storing, in a database, information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of dietary recommendations, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the dietary recommendations; accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; identifying the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; and providing, to the patient, the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database, wherein a formulation and / or amount of the one or moreof the dietary recommendations provided to the patient is effective to treat the one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication.Claim 21: The method of claim 19, wherein the information stored by the database further associates one or more nutrient deficiencies associated with a medical condition of the patient, and the method further comprises: identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the medical condition in the information stored by the database; and providing to the patient the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the medical condition.Claim 22: The method of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the system stores one or more tags for each of the one or more dietary recommendation, and identifying the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies comprises searching the database for one or more dietary recommendations that comprise one or more tags associated with the one or more nutrient deficiencies.Claim 23 : The method of any one of claims 20-22, wherein the one of more dietary recommendations comprises one or more dietary supplements having a formulation and / or amount effective to reduce the one or more nutrient deficiencies.Claim 24: The method of claim 23, wherein at least one dietary supplement comprises at least one micronutrient.Claim 25: The method of claims 19-24, wherein the one or more dietary recommendations comprises one or more recipe recommendations.Claim 26: The method of any one of claims 20-25, wherein the one or more dietary recommendations comprises one or more foods and / or beverages having a formulation and / or amount effective to reduce the one or more nutrient deficiencies.Claim 27: The method of any one of claims 20-26, wherein the particular medication isselected from the group consisting of: platinum-based antineoplastics, vinca alkaloids, epothilones, taxanes, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory inhibitors, hormonal inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.Claim 28: The method of any one of claims 20-27, wherein the one or more nutrient deficiencies comprises a deficiency of one or more nutrients selected from the consisting of: a vitamin, a mineral, a phytonutrient, a macronutrient, and an essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient.Claim 29: The method of claim 28, wherein the vitamin is one or more vitamins selected from the group consisting of: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, thiamin (vitamin Bl), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cobalamin (vitamin B12), biotin, and folate / folic acid.Claim 30: The method of claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the mineral is one or more minerals selected from the group consisting of: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, sulfur, cobalt, copper, fluoride, manganese, and selenium.Claim 31 : The method of any one of claims 28-31, wherein the macronutrient is one or more macronutrients selected from the group consisting of: protein, fat, and carbohydrate.Claim 32: The method of any one of claims 28-31, wherein(a) the essential and / or conditionally essential nutrient is selected from the group consisting of: carnitine, taurine, and choline; and / or(b) the phytonutrient is selected from the group consisting of: carotenoids, lutein, catechins, indoles, glucosinates, tannins, quercetin, and lycopene.Claim 33: A system comprising: a processor; a database storing information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of nutritional interventions, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the nutritional interventions; anda memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; identifying the one or more of the nutritional interventions associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database.Claim 34: A system comprising: a processor; a database storing information about a plurality of medications, a plurality of nutrient deficiencies, and a plurality of dietary recommendations, wherein the information associates each of the plurality of medications with one or more of the nutrient deficiencies and associates each of the nutrient deficiencies with one of or more of the dietary recommendations; and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: accepting user input identifying the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying at least one of the plurality of medications in the information stored by the database as corresponding to the particular medication administered to the patient; identifying the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database; identifying the one or more of the dietary recommendations associated with the one or more of the nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular medication in the information stored by the database.

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