VEVEY, Switzerland — Nestle is teaming up with the Univ. of California San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI) to learn more about the relationship between nutrition and gut health.

Researchers at Nestle have studied the gut microbiome for several years, looking at its compositions during different life stages in people and pets. Studies also have focused on human milk oligosaccharides, a major component of breast milk that has been shown to influence early microbiome and immune system development.

The findings were used to launch new infant formulas. More recently, Nestle Purina launched a probiotic-based supplement called Calming Care, which helps manage anxious behavior in dogs.

 The partnership with CMI will help accelerate new discoveries through joint research programs and access to scientific and technological capabilities, according to Nestle.

“The microbiome is an important research area for us,” said Isabelle Bureau-Franz, head of Nestle research. “In addition to the continuous development of our innovative products, we are investing in long-term research enabling us to provide the next generation of personalized nutritional solutions adapted to the individual’s microbiome.”