The Nestle Research Center and General Electric company GE Global Research have announced a collaboration to scientifically assess associations between body composition, metabolic status, diet and lifestyle habits.

The primary goal of the collaboration is to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between body composition, metabolic profile and health, the groups said.

GE Healthcare's Lunar iDXA system, a new imaging technology, will be used by Nestle (other-otc: NSRGY.PK - news - people ) scientists to measure subjects' body fat, muscle and bone mineral density, extending beyond the limited measures of body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip-ratio.

'With this knowledge, Nestle can continue to deliver science-based nutritional products to improve and enhance the quality of peoples' lives,' said Peter van Bladeren, Head of Nestle Science and Research.

The cooperation is in-line with Nestle's increasing positioning as a nutritional health company.