An angel investor in healthcare and medical device companies, Ari Kellen holds leadership roles at a number of startups. One such startup is Myor, a company that creates customized baby formulas for multiple health conditions.
Baby formulas, regardless of delivery method, contain variants of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in proportions that emulate cow’s milk or breast milk. Whey and casein, the most common carbohydrates, lactose, and proteins, come from cow’s milk, and the lipids from vegetable oils. Additional ingredients include essential vitamins and minerals, with proportions set by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and probiotics to promote gut health.
Some babies experience problems digesting the traditional ingredients in most widely available baby formulas. To address this issue, Myor created a noninvasive test health care practitioners can use to identify the probability of developing food allergies. Pediatricians then select a formula that fulfills the conditions identified by the test. Examples include formulas that substitute hydrolyzed rice protein for lactose or L-amino acids for whey and casein.
