Wild Atlantic Health – taking preventative care to new heights

Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happens to all people. Irish people are living longer today, with women living an average of 84 years versus 81 years for men.

But the population is also ageing faster than anywhere in the EU. Those aged 65 and over will grow from one-fifth to more than one-third of the working population over the next 20 years, making it harder to fund health services.

As advocates for healthy ageing, Wild Atlantic Health, which is based near Kinsale, is a preventative health company with founder Jonathan Amm saying: “Although lifespan has increased, life without chronic disease or health span has declined significantly.

“According to the HSE’s research, we have over one million people in Ireland living with chronic health conditions. These lifestyle-related conditions include type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease.”

Fortunately, these diseases can be prevented or improved with nutrition and lifestyle modifications. TILDA’s research at Trinity College found that 74 per cent of adults aged 58 years and older report the presence of two or more chronic conditions, with only 8 per cent reporting nothing.

When people reach their 30s, it’s easy to be oblivious to ageing and the transition towards disease. This is typically driven by inflammation, oxidation, glycation and stagnation or lack of movement.

Wild Atlantic Health has created a simple finger prick home blood test to help people identify nutrient deficiencies as well as the risks of chronic health conditions in advance.

Customers receive their results back via an app with recommendations on diet and lifestyle changes within two weeks. It tests vitamin D and Omega-3 biomarkers and aims to add additional tests to the range.

In Ireland, more than half the population is deficient or on low levels. It’s important as high vitamin D levels have been linked to stronger bones and immune systems, while low levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Research suggests that having higher levels of Omega-3 can add 4.7 years to your life, whereas being a regular smoker reduces life expectancy by 4.7 years.

At a time when most customers don’t know which supplements they need or what really works, the SME has developed a range of scientifically formulated supplements that can change the way people think, feel and age.

We are delighted our customers are seeing substantial improvements in their results and, more importantly, how they feel

The supplement market has long been crowded with confusing products that lack clinical validation.

“One of our key differences is that we can go one step further and stand over the quality of our supplements,” said Amm. “We are delighted our customers are seeing substantial improvements in their results and, more importantly, how they feel.”

“Suboptimal nutrition leads to suboptimal health. There is more attention on macronutrients for diet, but people aren’t getting enough micronutrients in their everyday life. This is driven by consuming ultra-processed foods, increased medication, stress and two hours less sleep a night than our parent’s generation.”

Health and wellness is in the midst of a massive reboot in Ireland. With the emergence of smart wearables and connected apps, younger generations are actively pursuing wellness.

Wellness is now a $4.2 trillion industry that has worked its way into every aspect of our daily lives. The global wellness economy is forecast to reach $7 trillion by 2025.

Wild Atlantic Health is tapping into this trend, having raised close to €800,000 from investors. This has funded R&D, new product development, and the launch of five new products with a seamless online health platform back in 2022.

Early anchor investors include Chris Martin in Cork and Dr Deirdre Fitzsimons based in Connecticut, as well as several other investors.

This year, the team’s goal is to raise another €500,000 from EIIS investors interested in digital health, sustainability and personalisation. Funds will be used to launch new products, grow market share and scale the business into international markets.

As a local start-up, Wild Atlantic Health has found EIIS vital in helping it raise investment to drive its growth through its health store and e-commerce channels.

For people with pensions, high earners with shares, or those earning rental income, the ability to get 40 per cent tax relief and support local companies is an attractive opportunity.

“Our investors tend to understand the sector or have experienced their own health challenges and want to make a difference to their health while also empowering others,” adds Amm.

For more details visit www.wildatlantichealth.com Use promo code #EIIS2023 for 23 per cent off everything.