Genetic Testing for Personalized Nutrition

What is Nutrigenomics?

Nutrigenomics is an emerging science which investigates gene-nutrient relationships including how genetic variations influence the body's response to nutrients and how nutrients mediate genomic function. An important aim of nutrigenomics research is to study genome-wide influence of nutrition with specific focus on the role of metabolic stress in the genesis of metabolic syndrome including inflammation, metabolic stress, insulin resistance and diabetes. Nutrigenomics is used to learn more about how genes and diet together may affect a person's health and risk of developing diseases. This can provide valuable insight for disease prevention and overall improvement of health.

Specific variations in our individual DNA profile can explain how we will respond to the foods, beverages and supplements we consume. A nutrigenomics genetic test can give information on how your genes can affect:

cardiometabolic function
nutrient metabolism
eating habits
food intolerances
weight management
physical activity
injury risk

Various studies have shown that individuals who receive DNA-based dietary counselling compared to public-health recommendations has led to:

Greater weight loss
Positive dietary changes
Better understanding of dietary advice

Nielsen et al. Genes Nutr. 2012;7, 559–566. Nielsen et al. PLos ONE. 2014;9(11): e112665. Horne et al. Obesity. 2020;28: 1419-1427

About Nutrigenomix:

Nutrigenomix is widely regarded as the global leader in genetic testing for personalized nutrition. We have developed an award-winning panel of genetic tests exclusively for use by healthcare professionals. The company was founded by leading researchers in the field of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition, and our genetic tests were developed according to stringent standards of scientific evidence.

How is this more beneficial that just following general dietary recommendations? There is abundant scientific evidence that shows some people need to consume more (e.g. vitamin D) or less (e.g. sodium) of a particular nutrient than the general dietary recommendations in order to achieve optimal health. The only way to know which client needs to follow more stringent dietary advice, and for which nutrient or food bioactive, is a genetic test. Our DNA-based recommendations provide greater precision for each individual than the general dietary guidelines.

In addition Nutrigenomix is the only genetic testing company to offer a dietary assessment in addition to the DNA test. Nutrigenomix is the first and only genetic testing company to offer a validated dietary assessment questionnaire, which is a photo-based Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) that provides insight into which DNA-based recommendations are being met by a client's current diet, and which areas they may need to focus more on.

We are pleased to offer the following 77-gene tests: Nutrigenomix® Health & Wellness test (Health), Nutrigenomix® Sport & Performance test (Sport) and Nutrigenomix® Plant-Based test (Plant-Based; which is vegan-friendly). This includes a Hormone Metabolism & Methylation panel. The panel analyzes genes encoding enzymes involved in the production of androgens and estrogens, estrogen metabolism and elimination, and DNA methylation.

Also available:

Skin test: Helps determine how genes can influence the skin’s ability to combat signs of aging, as well as markers that affect eating habits and how the body metabolizes nutrients that support skin health.

How is your personal information protected?

Each DNA kit is marked with a unique barcode so no personal identifying information is stored at our lab. Only your provider will be able to link your barcode to your personal information, through your Nutrigenomix account. All genetic data is sent through a secure 256-bit encryption server. You can request to have your DNA sample and genetic data destroyed after testing if you wish. Nutrigenomix lab normally stores DNA samples only for future use when new test panels become available, so that you have the opportunity to purchase a new test at a discounted rate (since we would not have to collect another sample), but you can always just provide another sample if you prefer that we destroy your sample after it is analyzed. Nutrigenomix will never reveal client information or genetic data to a third party except as required to provide the services requested, or as required by law. Please note that we do not test for any markers that can be used to determine paternity, identify relatives or identify an individual (e.g. for forensics).

For more info