Discovering Nutrigenomic Foods And Constituents Of Gene Expression

By Anna Hall


When it comes to diet and exercise, there are different ideologies and theories. New research in this area relates to the study of Nutrigenomic foods and supplements. In most cases, the focus is to help individuals better understand how various foods and supplements relate to genomes.

The research has now shown that food and supplements can effect different people in different ways. As a result, there is hope that custom diets and exercise routines based on genetic aspects can improve health and prevent a number of conditions and illnesses. For example, scurvy long thought to be related to poor health and nutrition has shown great improvement and resistance to this new scientific research during trials.

Using basic biological principles, the process is often used to create better understanding of how a particular body relates to food based on these genetic aspects. Along with ancestral research and information, companies such as 23&Me, GeneticHealing and GeneSupport offer information in this area. For, as biological systems are genetic, it can be easier to determine the types of foods and supplements which are best suited for a specific genetic marker and enzymes through DNA testing in this area.

Nutritional science, data collection and research trials have all reflected positive results when it comes to the field. For, the combination of these different aspects have now proven that each individual reacts differently to nutrients based on genetic make-up. As a result, there are now custom-made diets and supplement regiments being created for those willing to undergo testing.

The first individuals to undergo research in this area were those suffering from scurvy and vitamin deficiencies. After which, the studies then focused on food allergies, Celiac disease, gluten-intolerance and other issues. While some individuals may need to be on gluten-free diets or take supplements, others can be become quite ill if these diets and supplements are not necessary or absorbed properly into the body.

Overall, the percentage is high for people with significant issues these areas. Some reasons to obtain this type of DNA testing include, if an individual takes nutritional supplements, especially expensive ones which have little to no benefit or suffers side effects related to these type products or experiences ongoing malnutrition. If so, then a genomic DNA test could provide information which the individual can use to select the best foods and products based on personal genomes.

In some cases, individuals have a high and active metabolism, others individuals experience a slower metabolism and can not digest or process foods properly. In most cases, when nutrients are not working, it is due to the lack of validation of an enzyme in the genetic mark-up. As such, this type of testing can be used to better understand whether individual dietary focus needs to be on gaining weight, losing weight, building muscle strength or increasing vitamin in-take.

For individuals interested in obtaining a test, it is often advised that one choose a company which provides testing on 55 SNPs and enzymes. For, there are companies which provide these extensive tests and some which only test for specific nutrients as related to enzymes in the body. If self-testing is available, it is advised that anyone choosing this option check with a health care provider before adding or making changes to supplements, exercise or diet, especially if undergoing medical treatment or taking OTC or prescribed medication.




About the Author: