The advancement of technology and genetics has opened up a world of possibilities in the field of personalized health. Nowadays, genetic tests conducted with a simple saliva sample can reveal crucial details about your metabolism and genetic predispositions, offering deep insights into how your body processes nutrients, responds to different types of diets, and your risk of developing certain medical conditions. With this information, it is possible to tailor dietary interventions and lifestyles, thereby optimizing your overall well-being. For example, understanding if you metabolize certain vitamins quickly can guide you towards the need for supplementation, or knowing your genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance could help you identify and name your digestive symptoms. This knowledge is key to fostering long-term optimal well-being. And you, do you want to improve your health thanks to genetics?
I am Marta Alonso, nutrigenetics phD, and I am sharing with you three real cases where genetic knowledge has been key to making significant dietary changes that have improved these individuals' health.
Identifying gluten sensitivity through genetic testing - Case 1
Imagine discovering the root of your digestive discomfort thanks to a genetic analysis. A Mexican patient presented with continuous digestive problems that he had been struggling with for years without finding the cause. We identified that he carried the HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes, genetics highly compatible with celiac disease. The result was a very high predisposition to developing problems when ingesting gluten. By exploring his diet, we identified that symptoms like bloating and intestinal discomfort often appeared after consuming gluten-containing cereals. He was advised to get tested for celiac disease or, alternatively, to reduce or avoid gluten as much as possible. Indeed, weeks after reducing gluten following our recommendation based on his genetic profile, his quality of life improved dramatically. This is a clear example of how genetic knowledge allows you to make decisions that align with the unique needs of your body.
Personalized nutrition in vegetarians - Case 2
A vegetarian diet can be a perfectly healthy dietary choice, but it can also present a greater challenge in meeting nutritional requirements, such as in the case of iron. The genetic analysis revealed a predisposition to low iron levels due to genetic variants associated with poor metabolism. A recent blood test confirmed this suspicion with low iron reserves. For this reason, we recommended a plant-based iron supplement with vitamin C, as this type of iron is absorbed less efficiently, and this vitamin enhances its absorption.
On the other hand, this person experienced digestive discomfort without identifying the cause. To increase protein intake, this person did consume eggs and dairy, and the genetic results indicated a predisposition to lactose intolerance. By exploring their diet, we associated these symptoms with dairy consumption, so we recommended reducing the intake of this food group, thereby improving their symptoms. These personalized recommendations not only optimized their nutrition but also improved their overall well-being.
Cardiovascular risk reduction with the help of genetics - Case 3
The third case is related to high levels of homocysteine in the blood, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The genetic analysis revealed a variant in the MTHFR gene that affects folate metabolism. This genetic variant can influence blood levels of this vitamin and result in high homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is eliminated through the action of B vitamins. Upon reviewing their blood work, not only were low folate levels observed, but also slightly reduced levels of vitamin B12 and B6. Therefore, supplementation with a B vitamin complex was recommended. This advice managed to normalize both homocysteine and vitamin levels in just three months, thereby reducing the cardiovascular risk associated with this factor. This case demonstrates how nutrigenetics can guide precise interventions that not only prevent diseases but also promote overall well-being.
Conclusion
These examples highlight the importance of knowing your genetic information. It is not just about identifying risks, but empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your health. Genetics offers a map that, when interpreted correctly, guides you toward a healthier, more personalized lifestyle.
I invite you to explore how genetics, and nutrigenetics in particular, can help you better understand your body and optimize your health through truly personalized nutrition. With each advancement in this field, we move closer to an era where diet and health are as unique as our own DNA.
In short, genetic tests not only empower you to make informed decisions about your health but also offer the possibility of preventing diseases before they manifest. Discover what your DNA says and how it can help you with the genetic test from ADNTRO.
