AI’s New Frontier in Personalized Nutrition and Health: A Tutorial

Harnessing Advanced AI to Challenge Big Pharma and Big Food by Tailoring Diets for Individual Wellness

Read to the end to learn how to use ChatGPT to build your personalized diet.

The News

At the Whitehouse today, Softbank, OpenAI and Oracle announced their effort to build out $500B of AI infrastructure to transform the US economy: Project Stargate

Larry Ellison took the podium to explain that with Stargate infrastructure, a doctor on an Indian reservation will enter patient data into the system and receive guidance to deliver a standard of care equal to Memorial Sloan Kettering. A blood test will detect a trace of cancer, and then AI will construct an mRNA immunotherapy solution personalized to the patient, manufacture it on demand, and cure the cancer.

We worry about how Big Pharma, Big Ag, and Big Food undermine our health. A breakthrough GLP-1 drug is a cure, or is it a Trojan horse to more pharma profit? The USDA publishes standards on the best diet. But US obesity continues to rise. Is the USDA diet best for my health or BigCo profits?

Can Big Ag, Food, and Health Make America Healthy Again?

Amazon was an Online Book Store

I take a different view. The right diet is the diet that works for you. Personalized, like Ellison’s immunotherapy example. For you.

The way to create a Elon Musk like breakthrough innovation in Food is Health is based on two key elements of first principle thinking:

1. Once you understand evolution knows more about health than science, better health is cheap.

2. All care will ultimately be N of 1. Build that first. Like Amazon Books

Start at N of 1, and engineer out all care delivery failings from the solution so you deliver frictionless access to a standard of care. Then, systematically expand the library of solutions. Keep removing any friction.

It is then that you will achieve Food is Health.

N-of-1 care refers to a highly personalized approach to healthcare that tailors treatments, interventions, and care plans specifically to an individual patient's unique needs and circumstances. Unlike traditional care, which relies on population-level data and averages from large randomized controlled trials, N-of-1 focuses on the variability between individuals, often using real-time data from technologies like wearable devices, continuous monitoring, or advanced diagnostics. It may involve structured experimentation, such as testing different medications or therapies on the same patient, to determine the most effective approach. This patient-centered model dynamically adjusts care based on ongoing responses and integrates factors like genetics, physiology, lifestyle, and personal goals. While resource-intensive and challenging to scale, N-of-1 care represents a significant shift toward precision medicine, optimizing outcomes by recognizing and addressing the complexity of individual health.

In time, you will load your genome, RNA, and even proteomics reports into Project Stargate.

But why wait?

You should be able to take the cross-product of PubMed data and your health assays to create your personalized evidence-based diet.

While still in development, it is possible to get close now. You can ask OpenAI o1 pro for the right dietary guidelines, considering your uploaded Function Health results. Creating a tailored plan you are more likely to adopt. If you are on the right diet for you, and you comply, you reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimers, and cancer.

Enter Function Health

Mark Hyman’s Function Health offers a series of tests that produce results for 150+ biomarkers. (Link to signup for the beta). Around Christmas time, with my orders from Function Health, I went to Quest, where they took 22 vials of blood and some urine.

I am an overweight 58 year old white male with a heart attack risk from my father. I am under a doctors care and compliant with the standard of care against known risk factors. I respond well to the Keto diet and have lost 30 lbs over the last year through a combination of diet, including Prolon.

Here is the rundown of my real results (I wave HIPPA)

Clinician Summary

A few out-of-range findings warrant careful attention. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) percentage free is slightly below the optimal threshold, which may require further evaluation to ensure prostate health is maintained, particularly given the longstanding conditions of hypertension and obesity. Additionally, zinc and copper levels are deficient, which could affect immune function and energy production, critical factors when pursuing weight loss and improved longevity. There's also a mild elevation in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), indicating low-grade inflammation in the body, which is a notable concern in the context of chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension. The Lipoprotein (a) levels and the presence of small and medium dense Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) particles are elevated, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk. These results suggest a need to focus on managing inflammation and cardiovascular health.

Conversely, various test results are favorable, indicating numerous aspects of your health are well-maintained. Pancreatic enzyme levels, including amylase and lipase, are within normal limits, suggesting efficient digestion, which is crucial given your current ketogenic and low-carb diet. The hormone levels, such as estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), indicate balanced endocrine function, with no pressing issues. In terms of stress and aging indicators, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate, cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are within normal ranges, supporting your goals of longevity and improved quality of life. Thyroid function appears normal, with no signs of thyroid dysfunction, and the tests for heavy metals show no significant exposure or accumulation. Furthermore, renal tests demonstrate healthy kidney function, and metabolic health markers like adiponectin and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are optimal, which is promising for managing blood glucose levels and lowering cardiovascular risk.

Overall, the current health status demonstrates a blend of robust functioning systems and a few areas necessitating further monitoring and potential intervention. The existing chronic conditions of hypertension and obesity highlight the necessity for a comprehensive health management strategy. Keeping to a low-carb, ketogenic diet, alongside regular physical activity, may enhance your weight loss efforts and improve cardiovascular health. Nevertheless, addressing trace element deficiencies and inflammation is important to optimize overall wellness. It is pivotal to maintain ongoing dialogue with your primary care physician to tailor these findings into a personalized health plan that meets both short- and long-term goals, ensuring alignment with your lifestyle choices and the necessary medical interventions.

A Tailored Diet

I took the objective recommended diet I created with Open AI o1Pro in a previous post:

Unmasking the USDA Dietary Guidelines: Leveraging AI to Propose New Standards

Then, I uploaded my Function health blood tests and the AI-generated USDA Dietary Guidelines. I asked Open AI to create a diet for me - as a prototype for a N-of-1 treatment plan.

The Prompt

I want you to take the recommended diet above and tailor it to my specific situation as a N-of-1 personalized diet recommendation based on my blood test data (attached) from Function Health Clinician Notes below. And the following general overview of my age and condition: For background, I am an overweight 58 year old white male with heart attack risk from my father. Compliant with the standard of care against known risk factors. I respond well to the Keto diet and have lost 30 lbs over the last year through a combination of keto diet, including Prolon. I do have a stressful job that causes me to eat poorly episodically.

The N-of-1 Plan (ChatGPT Results)

Below is a personalized, “N-of-1” style diet and lifestyle outline that builds upon the general evidence-based, low‐carb/keto‐friendly principles while also taking into account your specific lab results, family history, and clinical notes.

Please remember this is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice from your physician or a registered dietitian.

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1. Primary Goals & Rationale

1. Support Cardiovascular Health

   • Address elevated Lipoprotein(a), LDL particle number, small/medium LDL, and mild systemic inflammation (hs‐CRP of 1.4 mg/L).

   • Continue managing hypertension and familial heart‐attack risk through careful selection of dietary fats and anti‐inflammatory foods.

2. Maintain Weight Loss Trajectory

   • You’ve successfully lost 30 lbs in the past year using a keto/low‐carb approach. Aim to preserve this momentum while refining the quality of fats and nutrients in your diet.

3. Correct Trace Mineral Deficiencies

   • Lab results show below‐range zinc and copper, which are essential for immune function, antioxidant defense, and energy production.

4. Address Inflammation & Stress‐Related Eating

   • Elevated CRP suggests some ongoing inflammation. Periods of high stress can lead to “binge” or poor‐quality eating episodes. Incorporating anti‐inflammatory strategies is key.

5. Support Prostate & Overall Longevity

   • Slightly low PSA % free warrants continued monitoring. Maintaining healthy weight, balanced hormones, and nutrient adequacy may help support prostate health.

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2. Macronutrient Framework

You respond well to a ketogenic or very low‐carb diet, so the following macronutrient ranges are consistent with nutritional ketosis:

• Carbohydrates: ~5–10% of total calories (primarily from non‐starchy vegetables, leafy greens, low‐glycemic berries).

• Protein: ~20–25% of total calories (emphasizing quality sources to help manage cardiovascular risk).

• Fats: ~65–75% of total calories (focusing on anti‐inflammatory and nutrient‐dense fats).

Why This Matters

• Carbs: Staying low in refined carbs is crucial to preventing blood sugar spikes, supporting weight control, and reducing small, dense LDL.

• Protein: Adequate but not excessive protein helps maintain muscle mass, aids satiety, and can modestly reduce small LDL particles.

• Fats: The type of fat is critical given elevated Lipoprotein(a) and LDL particle number. Favoring monounsaturated and omega‐3 fats can help reduce inflammation and potentially improve lipid profiles.

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3. Food Quality & Fat Choices

3A. Emphasize Heart-Healthier Fats

• Monounsaturated Fats

  • Examples: Extra‐virgin olive oil, avocados, macadamia nuts.

  • Rationale: Often linked to lower LDL particle density and may reduce inflammation markers like CRP.

• Omega-3 Fats (EPA/DHA)

  • Examples: Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), algae‐based omega‐3 supplements if needed.

  • Rationale: Well‐established anti‐inflammatory benefits; can help favorably shift LDL particle distribution.

• Limit Excess Saturated Fat

  • Examples: Minimize high‐quantity butter, cream, processed red meats. Use them sparingly alongside monounsaturated & omega‐3 fats.

  • Rationale: Some individuals see increased LDL particle numbers (especially small, dense particles) when saturated fat is very high.

3B. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• Low‐Starch Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts.

• Low‐Glycemic Berries: Blueberries, raspberries (in small amounts to stay within keto carb limits).

• Herbs & Spices: Turmeric, ginger, rosemary, garlic—these can help reduce systemic inflammation.

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4. Targeting Micronutrient Deficiencies (Zinc & Copper)

Your labs show Zinc at 52 mcg/dL and Copper at 73 mcg/dL, both below normal ranges. On a low‐carb or keto plan, it’s possible to miss out on certain trace minerals, so consider:

• Foods Rich in Zinc

  • Examples: Oysters, crab, beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas (though be mindful of total carbs if including legumes).

• Foods Rich in Copper

  • Examples: Shellfish (lobster, crab), organ meats (liver), nuts (cashews, almonds), seeds (sunflower, sesame).

Because you are already on a keto diet, shellfish and moderate organ meat intake can be particularly efficient in boosting both minerals while staying low in carbs.

• Supplementation: A balanced zinc‐copper supplement might be beneficial if dietary changes are not sufficient. Always verify with your physician or a registered dietitian.

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5. Specific Strategies for Lipoprotein(a) & LDL Particle Management

1. Focus on Adequate Omega-3 Intake

   • 2–3 servings of fatty fish per week (e.g., salmon, mackerel) or a high‐quality fish oil supplement providing ~1–2 g EPA/DHA daily.

2. Fiber Boosters (Even on Keto)

   • Ground flaxseed, chia seeds, psyllium husk can help bind excess lipids in the gut. Even though keto typically limits carbs, these sources are mostly fiber and can modestly help lower small, dense LDL.

3. Nuts & Seeds in Moderation

   • Almonds, macadamias, walnuts—rich in monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats and minerals. Keep portion sizes measured to maintain ketosis.

Note on Lipoprotein(a)

Lipoprotein(a) is often genetically driven. While diet and lifestyle have limited direct impact, maintaining low inflammation and healthy LDL levels overall is helpful. Some individuals also explore niacin supplementation under physician guidance.

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6. Managing Inflammation (hs-CRP) & Stress

1. Intermittent Fasting or Time-Restricted Feeding

   • You mentioned good results with ProLon and keto. A structured IF (e.g., 16:8 window) a few days a week might help reduce systemic inflammation and aid weight control.

2. Stress-Reduction Techniques

   • Chronic stress can raise CRP and worsen “cheat” or binge episodes.

   • Suggestions: Brief mindfulness breaks, short walks, or deep breathing during work. Even 5–10 minutes daily can blunt stress eating.

3. Balanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio

   • Reduce processed seed oils (corn, soy, sunflower).

   • Emphasize olive oil, avocado oil, or macadamia oil. The goal is to keep pro‐inflammatory omega‐6 intake in check.

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7. Practical Meal Composition

To illustrate how this might look day‐to‐day:

• Breakfast (Optional or Light)

  • Black coffee or tea if practicing intermittent fasting.

  • Alternatively, 2–3 eggs (lightly cooked in olive oil) + sautéed spinach + small portion of smoked salmon for an omega-3 boost.

• Lunch

  • Salad of mixed greens, arugula, avocado, olives, grilled chicken or salmon. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Top with pumpkin seeds for extra zinc.

  • Keep carbs low by limiting high‐carb veggies (beets, carrots) in moderate portions.

• Snack (If Needed)

  • Handful of macadamia nuts or almonds.

  • Celery sticks with sugar‐free almond butter.

• Dinner

  • Grilled or baked fatty fish (salmon, sardines) with herbs (rosemary, oregano).

  • Roasted non‐starchy vegetables (broccoli, zucchini) with olive oil.

  • Consider a side of sautéed mushrooms + a small portion of cauliflower rice to add fiber.

• Optional Dessert

  • Berries (raspberries, blackberries) with unsweetened coconut cream or a small piece of dark chocolate (>80% cacao) to satisfy sweet cravings without spiking insulin.

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8. Addressing PSA Free % & Prostate Health

• Include Lycopene‐Rich Foods: While you are low‐carb, you can still enjoy moderate portions of cooked tomatoes or tomato paste (low in net carbs if portion‐controlled). Lycopene is thought to support prostate health.

• Green Tea or Hibiscus Tea: May offer mild benefits for prostate health and blood pressure support.

Though these factors alone don’t resolve low PSA% free, they can be part of an overall prostate‐friendly routine, along with continued monitoring by your physician.

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9. Ongoing Monitoring & Labs

1. Inflammation & Lipids

   • Check CRP, LDL particle size/number, Lipoprotein(a) every 3–6 months if possible, to see if dietary adjustments improve your out‐of‐range markers.

2. Zinc & Copper

   • Re‐test within 3–6 months to confirm you’ve corrected deficiencies through diet (and/or supplementation).

3. Prostate Health

   • Follow up on PSA free% with urology or primary care, especially given family history of heart disease and general men’s health concerns.

4. Weight & Body Composition

   • Aim for continued modest weight reduction or maintenance if you’ve reached a healthy plateau. Body composition (lean mass vs. fat mass) is as important as raw pounds on the scale.

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10. Putting It All Together

• Keep the Keto Foundation: Low‐carb and moderate‐protein has served you well for weight loss.

• Upgrade Fat Quality: Emphasize monounsaturated and omega‐3 fats; moderate saturated fats.

• Address Mineral Gaps: Increase zinc & copper via shellfish, organ meats, nuts/seeds—or consider targeted supplementation.

• Fight Inflammation: Add anti‐inflammatory foods/spices, manage stress, consider intermittent fasting.

• Monitor & Adapt: Revisit labs and progress with a healthcare professional to refine your plan.

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Reflection

• Which specific mealtime behaviors tend to trigger “poor eating episodes” under stress, and how can you preempt them with convenient, keto‐friendly snacks or meal prep?

• Could a periodic fasting protocol (e.g., a 24‐hour fast once a week or extending your nightly fast) help further reduce inflammation and support continued weight loss?

• How can you ensure consistent intake of zinc‐ and copper‐rich foods without tipping into higher carbs or dietary patterns that don’t fit your current success?

By continually fine‐tuning your plan with these questions in mind—and staying in close contact with your medical providers—you can target inflammation, maintain weight loss, and optimize cardiovascular markers in a way that best suits your unique physiology and lifestyle.

Conclusion

The path to Food is Health is the nutritionally dense food you will consistently eat, tailored to your health condition. This highly personalized plan use to take the effort of food scientists, doctors, and nutritionists with constant monitoring of the patient. Or a one-size-fits-all diet published by USDA. Either way a lot of friction and imprecision.

With the advancement of AI, blood tests, and other monitoring tools, a quickly slapped them together in an o1 Pro model to build a roadmap to highly personalized answers.

The technology already exists to vastly improve today’s standard of care. The right path to Food is Health, and a breakthrough opportunity for startups is to start with the notion that all care should be N-of-1, and then innovate the friction out of current care delivery to serve care with N-of-1 as a first principle.