Nutrigenetic Tests: Everything You Need to Know

Do you know what nutrigenetics is and how it can help improve nutritional health? By understanding how each individual’s genetic variants interact with nutrients, it is possible to adapt the diet in a precise and personalized way. But how?

Discover how nutrigenetics and SYNLAB can positively impact your clinical practice by providing important information on how genetics influence the body’s response to food. Happy reading!

What is Nutrigenetics?

Nutrigenetics is a specialty within genomics that studies the interaction between an individual’s genetic variants and nutrient metabolism with the aim of personalizing diet to improve health and prevent the risk of developing nutrition-related diseases (1).

For example, imagine two people with a family history of heart disease who want to improve their health through diet.

Through nutrigenetic tests, it’s discovered that Roberto has a genetic variant making him more sensitive to the negative effects of saturated fats, while Laura has a genetic predisposition for a less efficient metabolism in absorbing carbohydrates.

With this information, the doctor can personalize Roberto’s and Laura’s diets according to their specific genetic needs to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of developing nutrition-related diseases.

With this example, it can be observed how nutrigenetics can be an important tool for the personalization of health promotion and prevention.

What are Nutrigenetic Tests?

Genetic variants, responsible for about 90% of differences in individuals’ DNA, can alter the body’s normal response by modulating protein transcription and disease development.

Thus, genes can define susceptibility to a disease, together with environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, determine who among those susceptible, will develop a disease.

In this way, nutrigenetic tests evaluate genetic variants that influence how our bodies interact and respond to certain foods and nutrients.

What are the advantages of nutrigenetic testing for you and your patients?

Due to genetic variants that influence how diet components are absorbed, metabolized, and how the body responds, each individual responds differently to dietary interventions (2).

Therefore, dietary recommendations personalized to the genetic profile are more effective at preventing chronic diseases than general recommendations (3).

The NutriHealth, a nutrigenetic panel offered by SYNLAB allows understanding an individual’s genetic predisposition related to dietary factors, helping to comprehend the metabolic response to foods consumed and their potential effects on the body.

This enables the adjustment of the diet in a personalized manner based on the genetic profile, being an important ally for maintaining health and preventing disease development.

What characteristics are analyzed?

The NutriHealth test by SYNLAB analyzes 31 parameters:

• Risk of overweight
• Response to saturated fats
• Response to monounsaturated fats
• Response to carbohydrates
• Type of diet
• HDL cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Blood sugar
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B9
• Vitamin D
• Iron
• Sodium (salt)
• Potassium
• Bone density
• Sweet consumption
• Insatiability and hunger
• Sweet taste perception
• Bitter taste perception
• Alcohol metabolism
• Lactose metabolism
• Selenium
• Vitamin E
• Oxidative stress
• Muscle structure
• Resistance training
• Achilles tendon
• Nicotine dependence
• Alcohol dependence
• Biological aging

All About the Nutrigenetic Test

Nutrigenetics studies the relationship between genes and diet with the aim of improving health through diet and helping in practicing healthy habits.

Determining the genetic profile from variants related to important biological processes for health and nutrition allows personalizing nutrition based on individual needs.

Knowing these needs, it is possible to develop a series of dietary recommendations taking into account the individual’s characteristics and, in this way, help to achieve a state of well-being based on their nutrigenetics.

The NutriHealth nutrigenetic test provides data on 31 parameters related to nutrition, sports, response to alcohol and tobacco, metabolism, and biological aging, offering extensive recommendations according to the patient’s nutrigenetic profile.

For whom is it indicated?

The NutriHealth test is indicated for:

• People who want to adapt their diet according to their genetics and understand their specific nutritional needs in a personalized way;
• People who want to proactively manage their health.

How is it Performed?

The nutrigenetic test is performed with a sample obtained from a single blood draw via venipuncture or saliva sample. The test analyzes 128 variants in 95 genes related to nutrition, sports, addictions (alcohol and smoking), metabolism, detoxification, and biological aging.

Technology Used

The NutriHealth test by SYNLAB is performed using Mutational Array technology, providing greater process agility by allowing the analysis of all genetic variants simultaneously.

Why Perform the NutriHealth Test?

In summary, nutrigenetics offers the opportunity to personalize the diet and improve health by considering the individual genetic characteristics of each person.

With the NutriHealth nutrigenetic test from SYNLAB, both doctors and patients can obtain important information on how genetics influence the body’s response to food. It is emphasized that results should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional for correct interpretation and guidance.

Now that you know more about what nutrigenetics is and its importance for health, contact the SYNLAB team to learn more about the available tests and how we can help you achieve your health goals in a personalized and effective way.

References

1) SIMOPOULOS, A. P. Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics. Annual review of public health, [S.l.], v. 31, 2010. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.publhealth.031809.130844.

2) HESKETH, J. Personalised nutrition: how far has nutrigenomics progressed? European journal of clinical nutrition, [S. l.], v. 67, n. 5, 2013. DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.145.

3) NIELSEN, Daiva E.; EL-SOHEMY, Ahmed. A randomized trial of genetic information for personalized nutrition. Genes & nutrition, [S. l.], v. 7, n. 4, p. 559, 2012.

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