An article published this week in the Huffington Post hailed the benefits of nutrigenomics as the “future of personalized nutrition.” Nutrigenomics is the study of how our genes react to nutrients in the foods we eat. Recent research has found that not all people respond to food in the same way, and that these differences are based on variations in their DNA. Nutrigenomics is quickly becoming a tool to give professional athletes a competitive advantage to improving sport performance and longevity.
- Energy & Fuel Utilization: DNA tests can determine whether your body processes carbohydrates or fats more efficiently for sustained energy.
- Metabolism & Caffeine Sensitivity: Genetic polymorphisms—such as the CYP1A2 gene—dictate how quickly your body metabolizes caffeine. This helps athletes pinpoint the exact dosage and timing of caffeine for a performance boost.
- Recovery & Inflammation: Nutrigenomics identifies predispositions to inflammation and muscle damage, allowing you to personalize your intake of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Injury Prevention: Some genetic markers are linked to a higher risk of soft-tissue damage (e.g., Achilles tendon or ligament issues). Knowing this allows athletes and trainers to incorporate targeted strength and mobility work.
Nutrigenomics allows for a personalized nutrition plan that is based on your DNA. As a dietitian, I am extremely interested in this area of nutrition as it allows me to offer dietary recommendations that are based on the individual’s genetic makeup. I have found that clients are able to develop a deeper understanding of how food uniquely impacts their health, performance and disease risk. Currently, there is one standardized nutrigenomics test available in Canada, and it was developed by researchers at the University of Toronto. It is available only to Registered Dietitians, and only a handful of dietitians are trained to use the test.
Fueling With Food is the only location in Kelowna that provides complete Nutrigenomix testing. I have been using the tool for years now and am thrilled with the level of personalization it allows me to provide my clients. If you’re interested in letting your genes determine what you eat, set up an appointment with me for Nutrigenomics testing, using a small saliva sample. More about the package can be found here. You’re one simple DNA test away from personal nutrition recommendations!
Learn more about the Nutrigenomix test in this brief brochure: Nutrigenomix Test
