Nutrigenomics: what it is
Nutrigenomics studies how nutrients and bioactive compounds modulate gene expression and metabolic pathways. Its aim is to translate this diet-gene interaction into personalised and measurable dietary recommendations.Differences between nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics
- Nutrigenomics: how diet influences gene expression and biological pathways.
- Nutrigenetics: how genetic variants (e.g., SNP nucleotide) condition the individual response to nutrients.
Nutrigenomics test
A rigorous approach usually includes:- SNP nucleotide panel supported by scientific evidence (folate/B12 methylation, vitamin D metabolism, lipids, caffeine/lactose, inflammation, antioxidants, detoxification).
- Phenotypic matrix: analytical parameters, habits and objective (weight, performance, cardiometabolic risk).
- Evidence-based interpretation: effect size, quality/replication of studies, possible interaction with microbiota and lifestyle, and degree of recommendation. Reviews highlight that, despite the volume of associations, clinical translation requires caution, independent validation and monitoring of clinical endpoints.
| Component | What it includes |
|---|---|
| SNP nucleotide panel | folate/B12 methylation, vitamin D metabolism, lipids, caffeine/lactose, inflammation, antioxidants, detoxification |
| Phenotypic matrix | analytical parameters, habits and objective (weight, performance, cardiometabolic risk) |
| Evidence-based interpretation | effect size, quality/replication of studies, possible interaction with microbiota and lifestyle, and degree of recommendation; caution, independent validation and monitoring of clinical endpoints |
SNP nucleotide: How to establish a nutrigenetic profile
- Panel selection: prioritise SNPs with clinical utility and replicated evidence in the target of interest (e.g., lipids, blood pressure, vitamin metabolism).
- Sampling and genotyping: saliva/blood, quality control and coverage; document technical limitations.
- Multi-source integration: combine genotype with biomarkers (e.g., 25(OH)D, lipid profile), dietary records and lifestyle factors; where appropriate, consider microbiota/metabolomics.
- Practical translation: adjust macros (quality of fats and carbohydrates), micronutrients (active forms and doses), bioactives (e.g., polyphenols, caffeine according to metabolism) and behaviours (sleep, activity) that modulate pathways affected by SNPs.
- Follow-up and reassessment: define indicators (biomarkers and clinical outcomes) and review the plan in the event of changes in objective or new evidence.
Importance in precision nutrition
Precision nutrition seeks to define personalised dietary strategies to correct metabolic imbalances and improve quality of life, integrating knowledge of the intestinal microbiome, the functioning of the microbiota and the genetic information of each person. This approach makes it possible to understand with greater granularity how diet impacts the body and to design guidelines tailored to the individual, rather than average recommendations. The integration of nutrigenomics and SNPs makes it possible to move from general recommendations to targeted and measurable interventions. These are some of the benefits:- Greater clinical response: prioritisation of targets (methylation, inflammation, lipids) with fine-tuned adjustments.
- Personalised prevention: early detection of susceptibilities and protective dietary modifications.
- Clear risk communication: reports with understandable language, limits and realistic expectations
