Nutrigenetics: Science at the Crossroads of Genetics and Dietetics

Back in school, we taught that genes determine our appearance. DNA fragments transmitted to us from parents form new “details” that make up the color of our eyes, hair, and other features. However, considering our DNA is not so one-sided. Indeed, a huge amount of information is encrypted in one molecule. According to geneticists, it’s genes who decide who we are, 70%. And only the remaining 30% form the environment, lifestyle, the influence of medicine.

Do genes affect our health?

Is it possible to connect the influence of genes with the processes of digestion, assimilation of food, and the expenditure of energy received from nutrition? Modern research says this is necessary. The impact of the genetic code is not carried out directly, but indirectly through proteins and enzymes controlled by it.

Here is an example: most of us prefer to start the day with a cup of coffee. Enzymes are responsible for its metabolism in the body, that is, the division of complex particles into simple ones and their assimilation. The work of the latter is not the same in different people, which is explained by the difference in genetic codes.

Coffee metabolism controls the CYP1A2 gene. There are 3 forms of it:

• A / A - provides a high metabolism of caffeine;
• A / C - forms the average speed of its assimilation;
• C / S - provides a metabolic rate 4 times lower than with genotype A / A.

In each of us, the CYP1A2 gene is presented in one of the forms (in which we can only say by making a DNA test). But knowing this information is incredibly important, as our health depends on it.

• Carriers of the A / A genotype can drink, need, and even benefit. Drinking up to 3 cups a day, such people experience vigor and tone up their cardiovascular system.
• For carriers of genotype A / C, the use of coffee is recommended in limited quantities., with an excess of caffeine, the development of diseases of the heart and blood vessels is possible.
• Carriers of the C / C genotype should not drink coffee. Each cup of an invigorating drink drunk per day increases the risk of myocardial infarction, and in geometric progression.

This example is just a single demonstration of the effect of food on our health. A genetic predisposition to a number of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, inflammatory processes of the intestines, impaired absorption of substances, vitamin deficiency, is inherent in us by nature. But understanding this gives us powerful weapons. Forewarned is forearmed! This means that we can not only prevent the occurrence of these diseases by simply controlling our diet. But we can also finally get rid of excess weight if we eat foods that are useful to us and avoid harmful ones. It is on this knowledge that the science of nutrigenetics is based.

At the junction of genetics and nutrition

Nutrigenetics received real development only in recent years. Large-scale studies were conducted, the most significant of which in 2010 was performed by the scientific team of the American Stanford University. Over 100 women who were overweight were invited to participate in the experiment.Each of them was offered to undergo DNA research, which helped to identify the types of major genes responsible for the metabolism of the main components of food: carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Then the group was divided into several parts. One part was recommended to adhere to a simple popular diet, without taking into account the characteristics of the body's DNA. The other part was divided into 3 more groups. And depending on the types of genes, diets with a low fat content, a minimal amount of carbohydrates or a complex balanced one were proposed.

The scientists summed up the first results six months later, when it turned out that the intensity of weight loss in women adhering to a DNA diet amounted to about 6% of fat mass per month. Women on a regular diet lose weight more slowly. After a test period of 12 months, startling results were published. The speed of losing weight on a DNA diet was 2-3 times higher than on a regular diet!

However, this study showed only the "tip" of the iceberg. After all, the division of food into proteins, fats and carbohydrates is a scientific fact, but it does not apply to the life of an ordinary person. We all love bitter or sweet, fatty or salty, whether we prefer dairy products or not, we treat alcohol differently. Nutrigenetics allows you to evaluate the features of the impact on our body of each component of our diet, to make a DNA diet not of a general nature, but exclusively individual. And thanks to this approach, to ensure effective weight loss and restore health.

DNA testing in Russia and abroad

Despite the young age, nutrigenetics are already incredibly in demand in the West today. The opportunity to choose an individual diet by DNA, find out your nutritional needs and find out which foods are really beneficial for our body, was liked by celebrities and people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

Several scientific organizations are involved in research in this area. For example, the American group 23AndMe. But despite the use of a modern scientific base, their services are not convenient for residents of Russia. Firstly, under Russian law, the sending of DNA materials from Russia to other countries is prohibited. Secondly, the duration of the study is at least 2 months, and the person receives the result in the form of hundreds of numbers and incomprehensible abbreviations, which in no way can be considered a practical guide to healthy eating.

To pass the test, you need to order a kit for collecting DNA samples on the mygenetics website. ru or through a network of partners (to collect genetic material, it is enough to draw a cotton swab on the inside of the cheek of the test person). Testing duration is 4 weeks. Its results are presented to the client in the form of an informative magazine, where the necessary information is presented in a colorful and understandable way, without complex medical terms.

Key sections of the MyGenetics report

• About recommended nutrition - what diet should be adhered to in order to maintain or gain ideal weight, to improve health.
• About sport - The reaction of our body to physical activity is also laid at the gene level. Therefore, some people just need a couple of workouts per week to keep fit, while others need to work on themselves daily for a long time.An individual report will tell you what type you are, what kind of physical activity you need for weight loss and health.
• About metabolism - how different foods affect your body, and what reactions should be considered based on your genetic code.

The powerful development of nutrigenetics, which was given the start of discovery in genetics in recent years, can and should benefit each of us. Indeed, instead of “wandering in the dark” in search of some kind of diet that can help you lose weight, or torturing yourself in the gym for many hours, you can get a detailed “road map” for harmony and good health. And this card will become an exact reflection of those features that nature has laid in your body. Visit the website and learn more about nutrigenetics.