The available information from metabolomic and genomic studies has increased enormously the possibilities of generating nutritional therapies based on the data acquired from genomic variations. Nowadays, it is possible to discover precisely the predisposition of certain patients to metabolize certain nutrients, thus improving their biochemical and clinical parameters.
What to expect from a genetic test?
A genetic test talks about genetic predispositions. Genes carry all information about the eyes and hair color to respond to food and physical exercise. Our genetic test analyzes variations in the most relevant genes related to different metabolic pathways involved in weight management and nutritional needs. All these genetic variations are connected to the individual’s health status, and the genetic results will help understand how the body works. However, understanding how the body responds doesn’t mean we can diagnose.
What is the science behind NutriGen™?
Nutrigen™ looks at significant genetic variations connected to each individual’s predisposition to metabolize certain nutrients and deal with the caloric intake in food. Polymorphisms in specific genes allow whether someone is prone to obesity and diseases related to it. Individuals who store fat more efficiently are more likely to present obesity. Some other gene variations may also indicate the ability or not to digest lactose, for instance, thus predicting if they might or not experience discomfort after eating food containing it.
Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics: Where are we?
The idea of promoting health through the complete personalization of pharmacological therapy and nutritional recommendation has been around for decades. Genomics has, ever since, been regarded as capable of providing the necessary information for that purpose. Initially, genetics in nutrition was restricted to the knowledge of putative polymorphisms related to inborn errors of metabolism, e.g., phenylketonuria.
Nowadays, chronic diseases play an essential role in the life quality of the population in general, and obesity is a crucial driver of many of those pathologies. Obesity is a multifactorial condition involving numerous elements that imbalance caloric intake and energy expenditure. There are relevant genetic predisposition factors related to how prone the individual is to eat more and how their metabolism works concerning spending energy and storing fat. Nutrigenomics allows knowing in advance which factors enable healthcare professionals to indicate therapeutical management to prevent obesity. As we may see, despite the presence of a predisposition, genetic screening linked to nutritional management allows the patient to have a healthy everyday life. This is possible by aligning 1) genetic knowledge, 2) metabolic pathways, and 3) clinical nutritional management.
The nutrigenomics approach connects the statistical propensity of specific genetic variations, mainly the SNPs, to nutritional parameters. Therefore, the dietary and personalized nutraceuticals recommendations are based on the objective connection between alterations in specific metabolic pathways, blood tests, and the patient’s clinical history.
