Nutrigenomics is the science that studies the relationships between dietary factors and individual genes. Scientists involved in this study examine the molecular connection involved between the food nutrition and how the genes of a certain individual react to such foods. The main objectives of nutrigenomics is to do some research and document all modifications of the body and its overall health, regardless of how strong or faint those changes are.
With the application of knowledge in Genomics, Transcriptomics, Metabolomics, and Proteomics, scientists are able to learn about the outcome that the nutrients have on different elements like the Genome, Metabolome, and Preteome.
Genome is the full set of chromosomes and is encoded in DNA. It is the human genes containing all biological data making up an individual. The Metabolome is the complete set metabolites or 'small molecules' of the human body, while the Proteome is the protein profile of a cell.
The specific nutrients and their corresponding value present in a certain diet can be revealed through a research on the actual working factors of the diet that produce the results and or effects on the human body through the three vital elements. This aspect of the study highlights the molecular relationship to improve the nutritional needs of the human body.
Therefore, Nutrigenomics aims to use Nutritional Diet based on genotype and individual information to be tailored in such a way that the nutrients can and will maximize the overall health and function of the body, which can help reduce the risks of contracting diseases such as cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes, weight management issues, skin and beauty, ageing, and more.
Also, using the knowledge from such field of study, scientists involved in pharmacology can devise a formula of vitamins and supplements based on the genome of an individual, and which can best serve his or her needs. Today, the number of pharmaceutical corporations engaged in applying nutrigenomics to pharmacology is increasing by each year.
They offer genetic profiling and analysis of DNA to people in order to come up and recommend individualized nutritional changes for optimal health and prevention of diseases. People will also have to answer a questionnaire on their lifestyle and nutritional diet to help the professionals devise the ideal diet for them. The genotyping of DNA can be accomplished from a swab of the interior portion of the cheek.
The results of genotyping the DNA will also include an estimate of the folate levels in the body, and the professional fees can range from $300 to $2,000. The companies will then introduce supplements and health products which are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of an individual based on the results of DNA profiling and the questionnaire.
In 2007, there were less than 20 genes tested for variations having nutrigenomic implications, and these are the genes that affect the insulin sensitivity, genes affecting cholesterol levels, MTHFR, and specific genetic variation that makes it difficult to absorb calcium if caffeine is present.
Nutrigenomics is of huge help to all of us. With more years of research, we can expect to have more in-depth knowledge on how certain genes react to particular foods or nutrients, which in turn can help come up with vitamins and supplements for optimal health.
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