Beyond the Buzzwords: What does ‘Food as Medicine’ Really Mean?

Discover 6 PeakBridge Portfolio Companies Combining Science, Nutrition, and Technology to Transform Health 

Written by: Taire Brown

 

The idea of “food as medicine” is rooted in the recognition that nutrition plays a central role in preventing, managing, and even reversing chronic diseases. With diet-related illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity at record levels, the global health crisis demands a shift in focus. Research shows that poor diet is now the leading risk factor for early mortality and disability worldwide, contributing to over 11 million deaths annually.

 

“Food as medicine” is not just an idea at this point – it’s a science-backed, actionable step towards transforming the way we approach wellness. At PeakBridge, we are deeply invested in advancing this transformation. Nutrition & Health form one of our 5 core investment segments, where we focus on improving nutritional decisions, consumer health, and wellness through innovative products and services with proven health benefits.

 

 

Our portfolio companies in this space are redefining how food and science intersect, using technology and groundbreaking research to create real-world solutions that deliver measurable impact. These companies are not only addressing global health challenges but also showing how food can become a cornerstone of preventative care and personalized wellness. 

 

Here’s how six PeakBridge portfolio companies are leading the charge in this transformative field.

 

1. Myota: Unlocking the Gut’s Potential to Transform Health

Gut health has emerged as a foundational pillar of wellness, with growing research linking the microbiome to metabolic, immune, and mental health. Myota is pioneering the use of precision prebiotic fiber blends to optimize gut function, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood sugar. Backed by clinical trials, their innovative solutions address the root causes of chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. By focusing on the microbiome, Myota exemplifies the potential of food-as-medicine approaches to deliver long-lasting health benefits.

 

 

 2. Bitewell: Making Personalized Nutrition Accessible and Actionable

With diet-related diseases on the rise, Bitewell is simplifying how people make food choices that align with their health goals. Through its FoodHealth Score, Bitewell evaluates meals and grocery items based on their impact on individual health. By integrating this technology into food-as-medicine programs and partnering with retailers like Kroger, Bitewell empowers consumers to make smarter, data-driven dietary decisions. Whether preventing disease or managing chronic conditions, Bitewell’s solutions highlight how food can be a powerful tool for better health outcomes.  

 

 

 3. InsideTracker: Turning Biometrics into Personalized Wellness Plans

InsideTracker takes a precision approach to food as medicine, using blood biomarker analysis, DNA insights, and lifestyle tracking to deliver hyper-personalized health recommendations. Their platform connects science to actionable advice, offering tailored diet, supplement, and activity plans to optimize health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. InsideTracker’s technology bridges the gap between advanced diagnostics and practical nutrition, redefining how individuals engage with their health through food-based interventions. 

 

4. Enhanced Medical Nutrition (EMN): Tackling Malnutrition with Scalable Nutrition Solutions

While many food-as-medicine initiatives focus on chronic conditions, EMN is addressing the critical issue of malnutrition. Their nutrient-dense, fortified food products are designed to combat deficiencies in underserved populations. By delivering essential vitamins and minerals through cost-effective and scalable solutions, EMN is proving that food as medicine can also drive global health equity. Their work demonstrates how nutrition innovation can impact entire communities by addressing fundamental health disparities.

 

 

5. IWI: Algae as the Future of Sustainable Nutrition

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for heart, brain, and immune health, yet traditional fish oil sources are environmentally unsustainable and inaccessible for many. IWI is transforming this space with algae-based omega-3 supplements that offer superior bioavailability and minimal environmental impact. Their innovation showcases how food-as-medicine solutions can be both effective and sustainable, meeting global health needs without compromising the planet.

 

6. Una Health: Precision Nutrition to Reverse Metabolic Dysfunction

Una Health is transforming how we tackle chronic metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. By combining biosensors, AI, and precision nutrition, Una Health delivers actionable insights and lifestyle interventions tailored to each individual’s unique biology. Their innovative approach empowers patients to make smarter choices about food and exercise, directly addressing the root causes of metabolic dysfunction.

 

 

PeakBridge’s Vision for the Future

 

At PeakBridge, we see the ‘Food as Medicine’ movement as the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future. As investors, we believe that scientific advancements, combined with technology, can transform the food system to directly impact how people live their lives. ‘Food as Medicine’ solutions are not just about combating disease—they’re about empowering people to take control of their health, improving longevity, and enhancing quality of life. 

 

We see how the ‘Food as Medicine’ movement is growing exponentially in the coming decade. By 2028, the global functional foods market is expected to exceed $275 billion. Advances in fields such as AI, microbiome science, and precision nutrition will continue to drive this growth, making personalized dietary interventions more accessible and effective than ever. 

 

We believe the next frontier will be deeper integration of food into healthcare systems. Healthcare based food assistance programs, such as Medicare Advantage initiatives in the United States, are already emerging as models for how food can be woven into preventative care.  This integration could lead to significant cost savings and better health outcomes. According to Tufts University, expanding programs that prepare medically tailored meals for patients with serious illnesses could save the U.S. nearly $13.6 billion per year. Beyond the financial benefits, these programs have the potential to prevent 1.6 million hospitalizations annually, significantly reducing the strain on healthcare systems. 

 

As ‘food as medicine’ becomes more mainstream, it will reshape how people approach their daily lives. Individuals will have greater access to personalized nutrition plans informed by their genetics, microbiomes, and lifestyles. Grocery shopping will be more intentional, with tools like Bitewell’s FoodHealth Score enabling consumers to align their purchases with targeted, and specific, health goals. Precision nutrition solutions like those from Una Health will empower individuals to take charge of their health, making prevention an everyday habit rather than a medical intervention. Families will also rely on fortified and functional foods, such as those developed by EMN and Myota, to address nutrient gaps and improve long-term wellness. 

 

Communities, too, will benefit. Companies like IWI are addressing both nutritional deficiencies and environmental sustainability, ensuring that food as medicine solutions support planetary health alongside individual health. Innovations in this space could lead to healthier populations, reduced healthcare disparities, and a more resilient global food system. 

 

At PeakBridge, our role goes beyond funding; we work closely with our portfolio companies to accelerate their growth, scale their impact, and ensure their innovations reach the people who need them most. Whether it’s helping Myota bring its microbiome-focused solutions to market or supporting InsideTracker’s mission to democratize precision nutrition, we are proud to partner with companies shaping the future of food and health. 

 

By combining scientific rigor, bold innovation, and a deep commitment to improving lives, we’re not just transforming how we think about food—we’re helping to create a world where everyone has access to the tools and knowledge they need to live a better, longer, happier life.