Nutrigenomics is the science that studies the role of genes and their variants in the absorption, metabolism and catabolism of food.
This study was made possible with new discoveries and new research on the human genome that allow us to better understand the effect of genes on the functioning of an organism.
In fact it is known that there is a variability of about 0.1% of differences in the genetic heritage of an individual which in turn differentiates the variability of individual responses to environmental stimuli, to the susceptibility or protection of such stimuli on the onset, protection and course of some diseases, response to drugs and nutrition, prevention and treatment of cellular aging.
These genetic differences between individuals are often made up of single DNA variations that can lead to modifications in the structure and activity of genes and proteins.
Having or not having these variants is not an indication of disease but an indicator: knowing these genetic variations and their effect can be fundamental to identify individual predispositions and implement preventive measures on possible metabolic imbalances through nutrition and lifestyle programs “on measure “in order to maintain and / or improve the state of well-being
Nutrigenomics therefore allows to implement an effective natural preventive therapy by preventing or delaying the onset of pathologies related to metabolism and lifestyle (eg: diabetes, obesity, dysmetabolisms, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, etc.) through the right amount and type of food suitable for the particular genetic profile of each person.
For example, several scientific studies (see bibliography) have shown how a diet built according to the genetic profile of the person gives more lasting and better results in terms of achieving normal blood sugar and homocysteine values, thus reducing or slowing down the risk of onset of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Today all this is made possible by a simple test that can be performed in the doctor’s office. Through a simple sampling of the cells of the mucous membrane of the mouth with a swab, the DNA is extracted at advanced specialized centers to perform genetic analysis (genotyping) which allows to verify the presence of polymorphic variations in the DNA sequence of some genes key functions in the regulation of relevant metabolic processes (lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, bone metabolism, lactose intolerance, antioxidant functions, insulin modulation, inflammatory response).
This test is obviously valid for life as it is an analysis of some variants of one’s genetic heritage.
Based on the results obtained, the doctor can make a prediction of predisposition for pathophysiological conditions relating to pathologies related to the polymorphic variants and / or interpret phenotypic characteristics (i.e. typical of that individual) determining for health and often related to pathological traits of the same.
Obviously it is not a diagnosis of disease, but a personal preventive tool for the doctor who, in addition to the anamnesis, family history, lifestyle, general psychophysical conditions and symptoms detected during his visit, will be able to take into account the genetic information of that individual .
Based on this information, the doctor can propose a personalized program aligned with the individual objectives of weight loss, fitness, anti-aging and well-being
