As biological and genetic technology has improved, it has also become less expensive.
Nowadays, Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is now accessible to most people.
The lifestyle genetic tests taken are based on nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. These two very similar words represent different areas of study and information as well as sector.
Before beginning to learn about genetic testing and how we can use them to guide health goals and strategies, make sure to understand these and other terms.
What is Nutrigenetics?
Nutrigenetics is the discipline of how genes determine the effects nutrients have on the body and health.
How our body responds to what we eat is our unique nutrigenetic profile.
This is based on our specific genes that relate to things like nutrient absorption and utilization, food intolerances, allergies, and nutrient deficiencies.
For instance, nutrigenetic information can outline if we have the genetic variation that makes us prone to poor vitamin B12 absorption, which can lead to deficiency and a condition called pernicious anemia.
Nutrigenetic information also provides details about how our body composition and weight respond to certain proportions of macronutrients and how our health measures like blood sugar and cholesterol change based on what we eat.
What is Nutritional Genomics, or Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is the opposite of nutrigenetics.
While nutrigenetics provides information about how our specific genome should inform what and how to eat to maximize health, nutrigenomics is all about how the foods we choose change how our genes are expressed.
These changes can have a big impact on health, wellness, weight, and fitness.
Understanding nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics is an important part of the role of a coach and trainer.
It will help them educate their clients and help them benefit from their ongoing expertise.
Technically speaking, nutrigenomics is more useful for addressing medical conditions and health issues, such as disease prevention.
This can be a little outside the scope of practice for a nutrition coach or trainer.
It’s better to focus on the information from nutrigenetics to optimize health in general and meet weight, fitness, and body composition goals.
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Writer
Kulsuma Bahar Bethi
Content Writing Intern
YSSE