How Nutrigenomics May Impact the Way You Eat

Choosing what to eat and the steps you need take to achieve your health goals can be overwhelming. With so many diets out there and numerous experts who all have different opinions, how can you determine what’ll work for you? Nutrigenomics provides some clarity.

“Nutrigenomics is a way to zoom in on what will help you reach your goals based on what we know about your genes and how they interact with the food you eat,” says registered dietitian Devon Peart, RD, MHSc, BASc.

Peart explains how the latest in personalized nutrition works and how it may help promote weight loss, disease prevention, athletic performance and more.

What is nutrigenomics?

Nutrigenomics — or nutritional genomics — is the study of how genes and nutrition interact, Peart says. Variants (differences) in your genes predict how your body will likely respond to certain nutrients.

For instance, variants on your FTO gene are related to metabolism, energy expenditure and energy balance; they impact weight management and body composition. Your FTO gene variants reveal how your body metabolizes fat and protein. With guidance from a dietitian, you can use that knowledge to choose an eating plan that works well with your genetic makeup.

The results from nutrigenomic testing can help inform your everyday decisions. For example, your genetic variants may signal that you’re more likely to:

• Develop high blood pressure or cholesterol: Knowing this, you can take steps to prevent these conditions from occurring. For example, you can reduce your sodium or saturated fat consumption.
• Crave sweets: You can create a game plan to counter your cravings and avoid eating too much sugar. The results may prevent you from developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Get jitters when you drink caffeine: Now you know why you feel so shaky after having caffeine! You may feel inspired to skip it for good.
• Lose weight on a high-protein diet: You can confidently stick to an eating plan knowing how your body responds to macronutrients like carbohydrates, fat and protein.
• Burn more fat with strength training or cardio: Zeroing in on your most efficient system for fat burning means you can see faster results.

How does nutrigenomic testing work?

The DNA test for nutrigenomics is a simple swab of the inside of your mouth. That’s sent off to a lab for analysis, and you get the results a few weeks later. Labs may analyze 70 or more different genes.

Test accuracy

Nutrigenomic testing is based on science and is very accurate, Peart says. “Keep in mind that the results show your potential for health conditions or how your body will likely respond to nutrients. But just because you’re genetically prone to something doesn’t mean it’s a given.”

Over-the-counter nutrigenomic tests

Several companies sell direct-to-consumer genetic tests, but Peart says you really need to work with a professional. Registered dietitians with training in nutrigenomics can explain the relevance of the results: what they mean for your health and how to choose foods that minimize your risk (and optimize your health) based on your specific variants.

For example, let’s say you have the genetic variant associated with high levels of triglyceride (circulating fats in your blood). A dietitian can help reduce that risk by looking for ways to add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. They’re proven to lower triglyceride levels.

How can nutrigenomics impact your diet?

Nutrigenomics lets you pinpoint the parts of your diet that have the most impact on your health and can reduce disease risk factors, says Peart. “Research also shows that when people have genetic information about themselves, it strengthens their motivation to work on health goals.”

Take high blood pressure. It’s one thing to know it runs in your family, and it’s another to see the solid, genetic evidence of risk. But just because you have the variant for it doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. And that’s where the empowering part of nutrigenomics comes into play. Working with a dietitian, you can create an actionable plan — like looking for ways to lower sodium — to live your healthiest life.

Genetics vs. lifestyle choices

Genetics is one part of the health picture, but factors like your lifestyle and environment are key influencers, too. How much does each component contribute to how your body responds to food? That’s a question tackled in the PREDICT 1 Study.

The study gathered data from 1,000 participants, more than half of who were twins. They ate specially designed muffins, and afterward, researchers measured the levels of sugar (glucose), insulin and fat in the participants’ blood. They also collected information about each participant’s amount of exercise and sleep. From stool samples, researchers analyzed each person’s gut bacteria (microbiome), too.

Here are the findings:

• Meal macronutrients (protein, fat and carbs in the meal) had the biggest impact on blood-sugar levels.
• Gut bacteria had the most impact on blood-lipid (fat) levels.
• Genetics had a greater influence on blood-sugar levels compared to lipids, although less significant compared to meal composition.

The bottom line: Genetics plays one part in a complex dance among factors that vary from person to person. And it’s possible to change many of those factors, including:

• Diet.
• Exercise.
• Gut bacteria.
• Sleep.

Is nutrigenomics the future of nutrition?

Personalized nutrition — recommendations based on your genetics, preferences and predispositions — may well replace one-size-fits-all advice in the future.

“As people learn more about their genetic makeup, I think nutrigenomics will become a routine part of making nutrition choices,” Peart says.

Genetic tendencies are forecasts, not guarantees. And nutrigenomics can’t eliminate all of the trial-and-error when it comes to diet, supplements and workout routines. But nutrigenomics does give you a more targeted approach to figuring out what steps you can take to feel your best.