Nutrigenomics: Understanding how your genes shapes your diet and health

Genetic variations can impact how efficiently our bodies absorb and utilize essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.(image Canva)

There has been a notable transition from the pre-pandemic to the post-pandemic era when it comes to the concept of preventive healthcare and nutrition. The covid-19 pandemic has made people more cautious and serious about their overall health, making preventive healthcare one of the major elements in people’s life.

Nutrition has always been a complex and evolving field, with dietary recommendations constantly shifting in response to new research and emerging health trends. However, recent advancements in genetics and genomics have brought about a paradigm shift in the way we approach nutrition. Nutrigenomics, the study of how our genes interact with our diet, is revolutionising the way we understand and personalize nutrition, says Dr Aparna Bhanushali, Head of Growth & Scientific Support, Haystack Analytics

According to her, the blend of genetics and nutrition, often termed "nutrigenomics," explains why some individuals thrive on specific diets, while others struggle to achieve desired health outcomes despite following popular nutritional guidelines.

Combining nutrition and genomics

Genes play an important role in determining how our bodies respond to the food we eat. As each individual carries a unique genetic blueprint, the genes influence the way nutrients are absorbed, processed and digested, says Bhanushali. It also indicates that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach may not be the right approach towards a healthy lifestyle as it may not provide you with optimal results.

The expert says that Nutrigenomics delves deep into the genetic variations that underline how our bodies process nutrients, explaining why certain individuals thrive on specific diets while others struggle to attain the same benefits.

Optimizing nutrient absorption: genetics and nutrient utilisation

Genetic variations can impact how efficiently our bodies absorb and utilize essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Nutrigenomics can identify individuals who may have a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies and recommend appropriate dietary adjustments or supplements.

Personalized nutrition plans: beyond one-size-fits-all

Traditional dietary guidelines are often based on population-wide recommendations. However, what works for one person may not work for another due to genetic variations. Nutrigenomics allows for the creation of personalized nutrition plans that take into account an individual's genetic predispositions. For example, someone with a genetic predisposition for lactose intolerance can be advised to limit dairy consumption or choose lactose-free alternatives.

Weight management: genetics and the battle of the bulge

Weight loss and maintenance can be challenging, obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, and is associated with several health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and fatty liver. Genes are central to nutrition and involved in interplay in several nutrition related pathways. Nutrigenomics can provide insights into how an individual's genes affect their response to different diets, making it easier to tailor weight management strategies that are more likely to succeed.

Food allergies and sensitivities: genetic insights into dietary restrictions

Nutrigenomics can help identify genetic factors that contribute to food intolerances and sensitivities. Hippocrates, the father of medicine has quoted “all disease begins in the gut”. Food intolerances can result in inflammation in the gut, this can also affect the functioning of the brain resulting in foggy thinking, poor memory among other things. Nutrigenomics utilizes this information to create intolerance-free diets that are tailored to an individual's genetic profile.

As nutrigenomics continues to unfold, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in how we approach nutrition and are no longer confined to generic dietary guidelines.