Maintaining a healthy weight has become a health necessity that cannot be set aside. Above all, because malnutrition, overweight and obesity are risk factors for most of the diseases that can affect humans. It is there, where nutrigenetics appears as a nutritional tool based on the study of genes, to help prevent diseases. Where, clear clues are offered to feed according to individual needs, managing to live better.
In fact, when we look at the possible causes of a disease, we see that they stem from genetic and environmental factors. Hence, the former cannot be modifiable, but the others have the possibility of being shaped mainly with food and physical activity. Therefore, nutritionists seek to create a relationship between DNA and the response of each individual to a specific nutritional plan, to improve their health.1
Nutrigenetics personalize the diet
Above all, because we can find a number of diets; hypocaloric, hypercaloric, protein, vegetarian and Mediterranean, among many others; that promise to lose weight and give the body the necessary nutrients to function in optimal conditions. However, we note that the response in each of the individuals is different. Because genetic information conditions nutritional status.
Especially, because, although only 0.01 of our genes make us different from others, these are what define the anthropometric, physical, metabolic and behavioral characteristics. Therefore, the study of these variants are those that allow discovering the predisposition to suffer some type of disease. In such a way, that eating parameters and lifestyle habits can be adapted to counteract negative genetic tendencies.2
This means that the nutrigenetics test must begin with a biochemical test in the laboratory. But, it must be accompanied by an anthropometric analysis and the collection of the patient’s family and nutritional history information. Since, in this way, an individualized clinical picture can be created where risks are identified. Thus, it becomes possible to establish a nutritional plan adjusted to the needs and expectations of the individual.3
Above all, because although human beings want to stay healthy and avoid fiscal anomalies that impair their well-being and quality of life. Many want to feel and look good. Hence, nutrigenetics is a foothold to lose weight in a healthy way, without having to follow strict diets that can affect health. If not, that on the contrary it is intended to found a lifestyle that will accompany him for the rest of his life.
In conclusion
We can see that nutritionists have found in nutrigenetics a tool to personalize food, preventing diseases. Hence, nutritional programs are carried out based on the study of the different genotypes. So that the diet is adjusted to the age, physical activity, gender and height, to take care of health and aesthetics in a way that is hand in hand with science.
References:
- Coronado H Marta, Vega and León Salvador, Gutiérrez T Rey, Pérez G José, Peláez M Karina. Applied nutrigenetics: Personalized diet and academic training for professional practice. Rev. chil. nutr. [Internet]. Dec 2011 [citado 2021 Jul 15]; 38 (4): 492-500. Available in:
http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-75182011000400013&lng=es.
- 2. Tapia RJC. Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics for nutritionists. Rev. Acta Medica. [internet] 2016 [consultado 15 jul 2021]; 17 (1). Available in: https://www.medigraphic.com/cgi-bin/new/resumen.cgi?IDARTICULO=68523.
- Adela Emilia Gómez Ayala. Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics. Offarm. [internet] 2007 [consultado 15 jul 2021]; 26 (4); 78-85. Available in: https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-offarm-4-articulo-nutrigenomica-nutrigenetica-13101543.