NutriScan - Intelligent Nutrition Management Platform

Enterprise-Grade Nutrition Tracking • RAG-Based AI Assistant • Real-time Analytics

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Overview

NutriScan is a comprehensive nutrition management platform that leverages cutting-edge AI technology to provide personalized dietary insights and recommendations. Built with modern web technologies and powered by Neon's serverless PostgreSQL database, the platform offers scalable, real-time nutrition tracking capabilities for health-conscious individuals and organizations.

Key Features

🔍 Intelligent Food Recognition

• Barcode Scanning: Advanced barcode detection using ZXing library
• Product Database Integration: Real-time data from OpenFoodFacts API
• Nutritional Analysis: Comprehensive macro and micronutrient breakdown

🤖 RAG-Based AI Chatbot

• Conversational Interface: Natural language conversations about nutrition and health goals
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation: Personalized responses based on user history, consumption logs, and preferences
• Context-Aware Responses: AI maintains conversation context and provides relevant nutritional guidance
• Personal Health Insights: AI analyzes user data to provide tailored dietary advice and goal tracking support

� Intelligent Product Analysis

• AI-Powered Health Scoring: Comprehensive health assessment of food products (1-100 scale)
• Nutritional Insights: Detailed analysis of positive aspects and health concerns for each product
• Alternative Suggestions: AI-recommended healthier alternatives with availability information
• Personalized Recommendations: Product-specific consumption advice based on user preferences and health goals

� Nutrition Tracking & Goals

• Daily Goal Management: Customizable targets for calories, macros, and micronutrients
• Consumption Logging: Historical tracking of food intake with detailed nutritional breakdown
• Progress Monitoring: Real-time updates on daily nutritional goals and achievements
• User Profiles: Personalized settings and dietary preferences management

Architecture & Technology Stack

Frontend Architecture

• Framework: Next.js 14 with App Router for optimal performance and SEO
• Language: TypeScript for type safety and enhanced developer experience
• Styling: Tailwind CSS with custom component library using Radix UI primitives
• State Management: React Context API with optimized re-rendering patterns
• PWA Features: Next-PWA integration for offline functionality and app-like experience
• Performance: Code splitting, dynamic imports, and image optimization

Backend Infrastructure

• Runtime: Node.js with Express.js framework for scalable API development
• Database ORM: Sequelize with advanced query optimization and relationship management
• Authentication: Firebase Admin SDK for secure token validation and user management
• Rate Limiting: Express-based throttling for API protection and performance
• Middleware Stack: Helmet for security, Morgan for logging, Compression for optimization

Database & Storage Solutions

• Primary Database: Neon PostgreSQL - Serverless, auto-scaling, and branch-based development
• Authentication Store: Firebase Auth for user credentials and session management
• Performance Optimization: Database indexing and query optimization scripts
• Data Integrity: Sequelize migrations and model relationships for consistent data structure

AI & Machine Learning Integration

• Language Model: Google Gemini Pro for natural language processing and generation
• RAG Implementation: Custom retrieval system combining user data with nutritional knowledge base
• External APIs: OpenFoodFacts integration for comprehensive product information
• Data Processing: Advanced nutrition calculation algorithms and recommendation engines

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+ and npm/yarn package manager
• Neon PostgreSQL database instance
• Firebase project with Authentication enabled
• Google Gemini AI API access

Installation & Setup

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/aamrindersingh/NutriScan-backend.git
cd NutriScan-backend

2. Backend Configuration

cd backend
npm install

# Configure environment variables
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your configuration values

# Initialize database
npm run init-db

# Start development server
npm run dev

3. Frontend Configuration

cd frontend
npm install

# Configure environment variables
cp .env.local.example .env.local
# Edit .env.local with your configuration values

# Start development server
npm run dev

Environment Configuration

Backend Environment Variables (.env)

# Database Configuration
DATABASE_URL=postgresql://user:[email protected]/nutriscan

# Firebase Configuration
FIREBASE_SERVICE_ACCOUNT_KEY=path/to/your/firebase-service-account.json

# AI Configuration
GEMINI_API_KEY=your_google_gemini_api_key

# Server Configuration
PORT=3001
NODE_ENV=development

# Security
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret_key
RATE_LIMIT_WINDOW_MS=900000
RATE_LIMIT_MAX_REQUESTS=100

Frontend Environment Variables (.env.local)

# API Configuration
NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL=http://localhost:3001

# Firebase Configuration
NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY=your_firebase_api_key
NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN=your-project.firebaseapp.com
NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID=your-project-id

# PWA Configuration
NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_NAME=NutriScan
NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION=Intelligent Nutrition Management Platform

Database Schema & Migrations

The application uses Sequelize ORM with the following core entities:

• Users: Authentication and basic user information
• Profiles: Extended user profiles with preferences and settings
• DailyGoals: Customizable nutritional targets and objectives
• FoodItems: Comprehensive food database with nutritional information
• ConsumptionLogs: Historical tracking of user food consumption

Running Migrations

cd backend
npm run migrate
npm run seed # Optional: populate with sample data

Development Workflow

Code Structure

backend/
├── config/          # Database and service configurations
├── controllers/     # Business logic and request handlers
├── middlewares/     # Authentication and validation middleware
├── models/          # Sequelize database models
├── routes/          # API route definitions
├── services/        # External service integrations
└── utils/           # Helper functions and utilities

frontend/
├── src/app/         # Next.js app router pages
├── src/components/  # Reusable React components
├── src/contexts/    # React context providers
├── src/hooks/       # Custom React hooks
├── src/lib/         # Utility libraries and configurations
└── src/types/       # TypeScript type definitions

Development Scripts

# Backend
npm run dev          # Start development server with hot reload
npm run build        # Build for production
npm run start        # Start production server
npm run migrate      # Run database migrations
npm run test         # Run test suite

# Frontend
npm run dev          # Start development server
npm run build        # Build optimized production bundle
npm run start        # Start production server
npm run lint         # Run ESLint code quality checks
npm run type-check   # Run TypeScript type checking

Performance & Scalability

Database Optimization

• Neon Database Features: Serverless PostgreSQL with automatic scaling and branching
• Connection Pooling: Optimized database connections for high-concurrency scenarios
• Query Optimization: Indexed searches and optimized JOIN operations
• Data Archiving: Automated cleanup and archival of historical consumption data

Frontend Performance

• Bundle Optimization: Code splitting and tree shaking for minimal bundle sizes
• Image Optimization: Next.js automatic image optimization and lazy loading
• Caching Strategy: Intelligent caching of API responses and static assets
• Progressive Loading: Skeleton screens and progressive enhancement

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