Quantum Metabolic Avatar: A digital replica of metabolism enhanced by quantum algorithms

• Quantum computing exhibits proficiency in digitally representing metabolic processes. • Quantum Echo State Networks achieve comparable results to classical models under optimal conditions using a minimal number of qubits (4). • Quantum Echo State Networks outperform classical ESN significantly when trained with limited data. • QESN demonstrate higher resilience to outliers compared to classical models. The integration of quantum computing (QC) into predictive modeling represents a transformative advancement in machine learning, providing substantial improvements over traditional methods. This study compares classical Echo State Networks (ESN) with quantum Echo State Networks (qESN) for time-series forecasting, emphasizing the concept of a metabolic avatar—a dynamic data-driven model of individual metabolic processes. Utilizing time-series data from six distinct users, we assessed both models’ precision and adaptability through Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). Our results demonstrate consistent superiority of qESN over classical ESN, highlighted by a 30% RMSE reduction during cross-validation (CV). Notably, qESN showed remarkable stability and accuracy even with limited training data, underscoring its effectiveness in data-sparse scenarios. Furthermore, we examined model performance in datasets containing outliers. QESN significantly outperformed classical ESN, achieving approximately 76% lower RMSE in CV and about 55% lower RMSE in walk-forward validation (WFV). This demonstrates qESN’s enhanced robustness and reduced susceptibility to overfitting. Crucially, our findings highlight the Quantum Metabolic Avatar’s (QMA) profound potential for personalized predictive analytics, essential for applications in personalized healthcare and customized wellness programs. The study strongly supports integrating quantum algorithms into predictive modeling, marking a pivotal advancement towards highly personalized and dynamic metabolic avatars.