Nutritional Genomics
Our genes are the instructions for how we build, regulate and repair our body. These instructions determine how our body responds to food, exercise, stress and toxins.
As humans, we’re genetically over 99% the same. That's why general nutrition, exercise and stress management recommendations apply to most of us. And, while great as a foundation, this one-size-fits-all approach could limit us from reaching our full potential for health and wellness.
The under 1% difference in our DNA is still millions of variations that impact our looks (physical traits), behaviour and potential for health and disease, as well as the way our body processes particular nutrients.
Your nutritional genomics profile summarises key genetic variations that influence your health, and provides information to assist with food, supplement and lifestyle interventions.
This is the science of genomics using nutrition to its fullest potential, to prevent, manage or improve various health issues.
The common genetic variations that have been analysed from your DNA sample are different to genetic mutations that result in a rare genetic disease or serious condition.
With nutritional genomics we're looking at common genetic variations that don't directly cause disease. They are not considered deterministic genes, but can influence our health, via the interaction with our nutrient intake, medications or environmental exposures.
Although we're unable to change our DNA code, we may be able to reduce the effect of specific variations via nutrient cofactors, bioactive compounds and lifestyle interventions. .
Our DNA is made up of four nucleotides, also called bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T).
Sections of DNA are genes that code for (mostly) proteins. Proteins are made from strings of amino acids and function as enzymes, receptors, transporters, structural proteins, hormones or neurotransmitters.
The most common differences in our DNA are caused by genetic variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A SNP is a change in a single nucleotide. For example, someone might have an C allele while another person has a A allele at the same position in their DNA code.
Genetic variations (SNPs) can result in an amino acid change when building the protein. This can alter the structure of the protein and result in a change of function.
Groups of proteins that work together in metabolic pathways or body systems can impact our digestion and metabolism, our absorption and utilisation of nutrients and our response to other environmental factors.
