Discovering The Best Nutrition Through Nutrigenomic Research

By Anna Hall


When it comes to diet and exercise, there are different ideologies and theories. New research in this area relates to the study of Nutrigenomic foods and supplements. In most cases, the focus is to help individuals better understand how various foods and supplements relate to genomes.

The research has now shown that food and supplements can effect different people in different ways. As a result, there is hope that custom diets and exercise routines based on genetic aspects can improve health and prevent a number of conditions and illnesses. For example, scurvy long thought to be related to poor health and nutrition has shown great improvement and resistance to this new scientific research during trials.

Biology is the main focus in the scientific aspect of the research. For, the process relates as to how the biological aspects of the body relates to different foods and supplements. As a result, there are now companies such as GeneticHealing and 23&me which are providing genetic testing this area.

Research in the field works with nutritional science and data collection to reflect foods and supplements which are best absorbed into the body. After which, data collected through scientific research along with testing is used to determine the best diet and nutrition program for each specific individual.

The first individuals to undergo research in this area were those suffering from scurvy and vitamin deficiencies. After which, the studies then focused on food allergies, Celiac disease, gluten-intolerance and other issues. While some individuals may need to be on gluten-free diets or take supplements, others can be become quite ill if these diets and supplements are not necessary or absorbed properly into the body.

The percentage of people needing to undergo this type of testing is significant. For, while everyone need consider doing so, it is especially important for individuals on a specific diet, exercise regiment and those taking supplements. For, diets, exercise regiments and supplements are often good when working well with the body. However, when on a dietary plan, taking a supplement or participating in an exercise routine which is working against the body, results are often more negative.

In some cases, individuals have a high and active metabolism, others individuals experience a slower metabolism and can not digest or process foods properly. In most cases, when nutrients are not working, it is due to the lack of validation of an enzyme in the genetic mark-up. As such, this type of testing can be used to better understand whether individual dietary focus needs to be on gaining weight, losing weight, building muscle strength or increasing vitamin in-take.

For individuals interested in obtaining a test, it is often advised that one choose a company which provides testing on 55 SNPs and enzymes. For, there are companies which provide these extensive tests and some which only test for specific nutrients as related to enzymes in the body. If self-testing is available, it is advised that anyone choosing this option check with a health care provider before adding or making changes to supplements, exercise or diet, especially if undergoing medical treatment or taking OTC or prescribed medication.




About the Author: