Diaita (A Digital Diet Assistant for Cancer Patients and Caregivers) by Bestiario and Alicia, is one of the 6 projects selected among over 100 proposals from 40 different countries that were submitted to the European Foodity Open Call #1.
Diaita aims to enable colorectal cancer patients to manage their diet independently, using expert knowledge provided by this tool. It offers personalized nutritional and dietary recommendations, scientifically validated and adapted to the specific needs of each patient. The goal is to improve the quality of life of patients by providing scientific information and involving both patients and caregivers in the decision-making process regarding their nutrition. This fosters a sense of control and autonomy among patients and their caregivers.
Alicia is a center recognized for its dedication to improving people’s diet, bringing expertise in nutrition and health with scientific rigor to the Diaita project. With over two decades of research in the field of nutrition and cancer, Alicia has deep knowledge about the interaction between diet and oncological diseases. Much of its work has focused on developing dietary strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This dedication is reflected in the creation of Oncoalica, an initiative that offers specific nutritional advice and solutions for cancer patients.
Alicia’s team (comprising nutritionists, chefs, food scientists, among others) collaborates with experts and professionals in oncological nutrition from leading hospitals in Catalonia to develop the content, as well as to scientifically validate the recipes and dietary plans. This process ensures that the recommendations are adapted to the different stages of cancer treatment and the associated side effects.
An industrial engineer and project manager, and a mathematician and computer scientist working as a data scientist and AI developer lead the technological integration, allowing the platform to understand the unique needs of each patient and provide precise and personalized recommendations.
Together, we are working to create an intuitive and easy-to-use application that offers cancer patients access to reliable and high-quality nutritional information. This enables users to make informed decisions about their diet, thus contributing to improving their quality of life during the oncological treatment process. Diaita is an example of how technology and scientific knowledge can come together to offer personalized and effective solutions in the field of health.
The project initially focuses on colorectal cancer patients but can extend its approach to other patients with similar nutritional needs. Diaita has the potential to significantly contribute to the EU’s FOOD 2030 research and innovation policy, improving the quality of life for cancer patients and contributing to better health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
