The European Union , concerned about the special needs of its chop-chop maturate universe , is spending more than $ 4 million to develop 3D printers that will create food that is optimize for the elderly .
Theprogramis called functioning : an over - labor acronym that stands for “ PERsonalized FOod using Rapid MAnufacturing for the Nutrition of elderly ConsumErs . ” It ’s one of many initiatives that the EU is undertaking as it prepares for a future where one in five of its citizens will be 65 - years - older and over by 2025 .
As we age , our nutritional needs change , specially since health problems may expect us to follow exacting , specialized diets . Moreover , studies suggest that between 15 and 25 percent of people over the long time of 50 have difficulties swallowing their food — a condition known as dysphagia . ( In aided life facilities , the number are in high spirits , ranging from 30 to 60 percent . )
As a result , multitude deplete less and are malnourished . Plus , as onestudyhas take down , there are psychological effects that contribute to depression :
Eighty - four pct of patients felt that eating should be an enjoyable experience but only 45 percent actually found it so . Moreover , 41 pct of patients stated that they experienced anxiety or affright during mealtimes . Over one - third ( 36 per centum ) of patients reported that they avoid eating with others because of their dysphagia .
Alternative nutrition — porridge - like intellectual nourishment that have been pureed and mixed together from a variety show of constituent — doesn’t on the button ameliorate caliber of life story .
So , the dilemma : how to mass - produce meals that are palatable and nutritious , topically made , and personalize to come across the especial motive of each individual ?
And that ’s where 3D printing comes in . It ’s a technology that is ideally suited to the good deal product of specialized , recess production . operation envisions a system whereby healthcare workers and dietician compile personalized profile — dower sizing , nutritionary needs , food grain — which is then plant as data in QR codes that are pigeonhole on plates . A local 3D impression facility scan the codes and bring forth appropriate meal , which are then delivered to home or assisted living facilities .
solid food printers thatproducechocolate , alimentary paste and pizza pie are already on the market . The PERFORMANCE printers are more ambitious , using pickup satiate with liquefied vegetables , meat and carbohydrates .
The printer begin by creating a two - dimensional variation of the intellectual nourishment — for case , squawk roulade — with liquid from the meat cartridge and shaped by 48 nose in the printer head . A gelation agent , still under development , would be added , so that , as extra level are added , they retain their bod . Eventually , the ruined intersection emerge : a beef roulade , perhaps with sides of pasta and vegetables .
It ’s called “ reconstructed nutrient . ” Perhaps not the most likeable term , but it ’s practiced than a diet of Jell - O.
3D printingFoodTechnology
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