Authored article by Dr. Prashant Raj Gupta, MBBS, DTCD, FCCS(USA), CTLS(Australia)
Nutrition is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. It plays a major role in maintaining energy levels and influences the body’s susceptibility to diseases
But here’s the thing: what works like magic for one person might not do squat for another. Why is that? Every individual is different, the constitution and genetic makeup of every person are unique. And that’s where nutrigenetics steps in.
Nutrigenetics explores how genetic variations influence individual responses to nutrients and dietary patterns. It helps pinpoint how your body reacts to different foods based on your unique genetic makeup. By understanding these genetic differences, personalized and customised diets can be tailored to maximise health outcomes for individuals.
What is Nutrigenetics?
Nutrigenetics is the scientific field that investigates and categorizes gene variations connected to different responses to particular nutrients. So, essentially Nutrigenetics delves into the complex relationship between an individual’s genetic makeup and their dietary requirements. The variations in these genes are linked to various diseases, which means it makes one person more susceptible to certain diseases for example some people have a tendency to develop obesity which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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How Genes Shape Nutrient Metabolism and Response
Genetic factors play an important role in determining how nutrients are metabolized, absorbed, and utilized in the body. For instance,
- Specific genetic variations can affect the efficiency with which individuals process carbohydrates, fats, or proteins.
- Moreover, genes can also impact how individuals respond to particular nutrients like vitamins and minerals, thus shaping their overall nutritional requirements.
Personalized Diets
Personalised diets or Individualised diets are formulated by incorporating the principles of nutrigenetics so as to tailor the diets to an individual’s genetic profile. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, personalized diets take into account an individual’s unique genetic predispositions and metabolic pathways. The diets aim to maximise nutrient intake by aligning with genetic traits thereby metabolic efficiency and promoting overall health and well-being.
Example of a Personalized Diet Plan
Let us consider a hypothetical scenario involving two individuals with distinct genetic profiles:
Nutrigenetic profile of Individual A and proposed Diet Plan
The Genetic analysis reveals that
- Individual A possesses a variation in the FTO gene which is associated with increased appetite and a tendency for weight gain.
- This individual also carries genetic variations that are associated with reduced efficiency in metabolizing carbohydrates.
Based on these genetic insights, a personalized diet plan may focus on:
- Prioritizing whole foods abundant in protein and fibre enhances feelings of fullness and regulates appetite.
- Restricting intake of refined carbohydrates and processed foods to minimize the likelihood of gaining weight.
- Integrating nutrient-rich foods that bolster efficient carbohydrate metabolism, such as legumes, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Engaging in consistent physical activity tailored to individual preferences and abilities to bolster weight control and metabolic well-being.
Nutrigenetic profile of Individual B and proposed Diet Plan
The Genetic analysis of Individual B reveals that
- This individual possesses genetic variants associated with impaired folate metabolism.
- Individual B also carries variations linked to increased antioxidant requirements.
A personalized diet plan based on these genetic insights may emphasize
- Including folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, lentils, and citrus fruits to support optimal folate metabolism.
- Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, nuts, and colorful vegetables to counteract oxidative stress.
- Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins B12 and B6, which are involved in folate metabolism.
- Considering supplementation with specific nutrients if dietary intake alone is insufficient to meet individual requirements.
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Take Away
Nutrigenetics holds significant potential in revolutionizing the field of nutrition by offering personalized dietary recommendations tailored to individual genetic profiles. By leveraging genetic insights, personalized diets can optimize nutrient intake, improve metabolic efficiency, and promote better health outcomes.
Though more research is required to completely understand the complex relationship between genetics and nutrition, incorporating nutrigenetics into clinical settings presents promising opportunities to advance personalized methods for promoting health and well-being.
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