Discovering The Best Nutrition Through Nutrigenomic Research

By Anna Hall


Most people go on a diet or take supplements at some point and time. Nutrigenomic research and testing now provides a method in which individuals can determine the best foods and supplements based on specific genetic markers. In most cases, the focus of this type research and testing is to help individuals understand how nutrition relates to individual genomes.

As each individual has a different genetic marker, nutrients can effect different people in different ways. Current hope allows for the possibility that this personalized form of a dietary lifestyle will contribute to better overall human health. While this is the case, there are many pundits and skeptics whom seem to denounce the ideology while focusing on more traditional forms of diet and nutrition.

Through the use of biological aspects which are specific to each individual, there is now a new understanding of how each body reacts to food and supplements based on these specific genetic markers. As a result, there are several companies offering information and testing in this area. For example, companies such as 23&me and others which offer ancestral DNA testing are now also offering test related to different genetic markers.

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:



No comments:

Post a Comment