Nutrigenetics is the field of science that seeks to understand how we metabolise and process different nutrients, based on our unique genetic make-up.
Our DNA can have a significant effect on the way our bodies use nutrients, such as how these nutrients are absorbed, transported, activated, and eliminated from the body. Once our genetic profile has been determined, we can match our nutrient intake to our genetic make-up to achieve enhanced physical and cognitive performance.
Simply following government recommended dietary allowances is not going to give you what you specially need to best realise your health and fitness goals. Prof. Michael Fenech, of CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship commented in his key 2011 paper:
'Dietary reference values, e.g. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) are designed for the general population and based on different metabolic outcomes, are not optimised for genetic subgroups which may differ critically in the activity of transport proteins for a micronutrient and/or enzymes that require that micronutrient as a cofactor. The ultimate goal (of nutrigenetics) is to match the nutriome (i.e. nutrient intake combination) with the current genome status (i.e. inherited and acquired genome) so that genome maintenance, gene expression, metabolism and cell function can occur normally and in a homeostatically sustainable manner. Better health outcomes can be achieved if nutritional requirements are customised for each individual taking into consideration both his/her inherited and acquired genetic characteristics depending on life stage, dietary preferences and health status.'
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121546/
DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid and is a chemical found in nearly every cell in the human body.
Our DNA is arranged as a double helix and holds the genetic information that determines our physical traits and characteristics – from our eye colour to how we metabolise and process different nutrients.
Each double helix is composed of four base pairs: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The order, or sequence of these components is called a gene (and collectively genotype). This is similar to the way in which letters of the alphabet are ordered to form words and sentences. These genes provide the instructions our bodies need to make molecules such as protein, which perform functions such as breaking down and processing nutrients.
To understand your unique nutritional requirement, our DNA Nutrition test analyses the following panel of genes.
Find out more about the genes and related nutrients below:
Description:
The MTHFR gene plays an important role in folate (vitamin B9) metabolism. The test is used to identify variations in two specific regions of the MTHFR gene - C677T and A1298C that determine the level of MTHFR enzyme activity and the corresponding ability to utilise folate.
MTHFR – C677T
MTHFR – AA1298C
Description:
The RFC1 gene is a transporter of folate and is involved in the regulation of intracellular concentrations of folate. Variants on this gene are associated with reduced ability to take up, retain, and metabolise folate.
Description:
The TCN2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called transcobalamin. This protein transports vitamin B12 from the bloodstream to cells throughout the body.
Description:
The VDR gene provides instructions for making the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) receptor, which allows the body to respond to vitamin D. This test is used to identify variations in two specific regions of the VDR gene to determine the level of response.
VDR – rs731236
VDR – rs1544410
Description:
CYP1A2 plays an important role in the body detoxification process and how we process and eliminate caffeine. Individuals who carry one or more CYP1A2*1C alleles are slow caffeine metabolisers.
Description:
CAT, SOD2 and GPX1 genes provide instructions for making proteins and enzymes (such as antioxidants) that protect against and breakdown free radicals, which cause damage to healthy cells and DNA.
CAT
SOD2
GXP1
Description:
The Interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene is associated with the synthesis of IL-6, a multifunctional cytokine that regulates immune responses such as inflammation by secreting substances to influence other cells.
Description:
Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) helps regulate the immune response involved in inflammation. Variants on TNF are associated with an overactive immune response and susceptibility to a range of inflammatory health conditions.
Description:
Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) is involved in the regulation of triglyceride (the most common form of fat in the body) blood plasma levels and the subsequent levels of α-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E).
Description:
CYP4F2 is one of the enzymes known to mediate vitamin E metabolism in humans.
Description:
The BC01 gene converts beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) into vitamin A so that it can be used by the body.
Variants on the BCO1 gene can reduce your ability to convert beta-carotene by more than 50 percent. This test is used to identify variations in two specific regions of the BC01 gene to determine how well you convert beta-carotene.
BCO1 - rs12934922
BCO1 - rs7501331
Description:
GSTT1 and GSTM1 belong to the glutathione transferase (GST) gene family which use glutathione (a super antioxidant) to bind toxins for removal from the body in phase 2 of the detoxification process.
GSTM1
GSTT1
Description:
The LCT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme helps to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
Description:
The HLA-DQA2/8 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a critical role in the immune system. Variants on HLA genes are associated with auto-immune conditions including Coeliac Disease, which is an inability to digest gliadin, the component of gluten found in wheat, rye and barley.
Take our DNA Nutrition Test and discover what your personal nutrition should ideally look like for your genes and body type with this comprehensive genetic test and report.
Take our DNA Nutrition Test and discover what your personal nutrition should ideally look like for your genes and body type with this comprehensive genetic test and report.