Wearables & Digital Biomarkers: Enhancing Data Collection in Nutrition Studies

Wearables and digital biomarkers are making it possible to measure the real-world impact of nutrition in more dynamic and meaningful ways. By integrating these tools into clinical study designs, researchers can obtain richer datasets, enhance participant experience, and draw stronger, more actionable conclusions. 

It is exciting to watch the industry harness the power of digital innovation to push the boundaries of evidence-based nutrition science. Let’s take a closer look at some innovations.

What Are Digital Biomarkers?

Digital biomarkers are objective, quantifiable physiological and behavioral data points collected through digital devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other wearables. In the context of nutrition studies, these biomarkers can include measures like heart rate variability, activity levels, sleep patterns, glucose monitoring, hydration, and even food intake patterns.

When paired with validated analytical models, these data streams can reveal meaningful health trends that go far beyond traditional self-reported methods.

Advantages of Using Wearables in Nutrition Research

Continuous and Real-Time Data Collection

Unlike periodic check-ins or food diaries, wearables can capture data 24/7. This continuous monitoring allows researchers to observe how variables like physical activity, sleep, and metabolic response fluctuate throughout the day and in response to dietary interventions. This level of granularity can improve the sensitivity of outcome measures and reduce reliance on participant recall.

Objective and Passive Monitoring

Self-reported data, such as dietary intake and exercise logs, are often limited by human error, recall bias, or intentional misreporting. Wearables provide an objective, passive alternative that minimizes participant burden and increases the reliability of the data collected.

Improved Participant Engagement

Many wearables offer feedback and progress tracking directly to the user, which can enhance motivation and adherence in long-term studies. Engaged participants are more likely to follow study protocols and provide higher quality data over time.

Personalization and Precision

By integrating multiple streams of data, wearables allow for a more personalized understanding of how individuals respond to specific diets or nutrients. This supports the growing field of precision nutrition, where interventions can be tailored to an individual’s unique biology and lifestyle.

Challenges and Considerations

Data Privacy and Compliance

Handling sensitive health data collected via digital devices requires strict compliance with privacy regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. Informed consent, data encryption, and secure storage must be core components of any study using wearables.

Device Accuracy and Validation

Not all consumer-grade wearables are created equal. Ensuring that devices are validated for research use is critical to maintaining data integrity. Additionally, inter-device variability can affect the consistency of measurements across participants.

Participant Accessibility and Usability

Some participants may not be familiar with or comfortable using wearable technology. Researchers must consider factors like tech literacy and ensure adequate support and training are provided to all study participants.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.