Personalised Nutrition

Nutrigenomics – Paving the Way for Personalised Nutrition

The past decade has seen the generation of a wealth of information in the field of nutritional research.

Until recently, nutritional research concentrated on nutrient deficiencies and excesses and their impact on health.

However, a new wave of molecular nutrition known as Nutritional Genomics or Nutrigenomics has emerged.

Nutrigenomics uses a persons’ unique genetic information to reveal their risk of disease and can be used to develop individualised eating plans to lower disease risk and improve health.

 

 

Nutrigenomics combines molecular biology, genetics and nutrition to pinpoint how gene expression can be regulated through specific nutrients.

That’s important because nutrients have been shown to affect gene expression through transcription factors (biochemical entities that bind to DNA and either promote or inhibit transcription of genes).

 

Gene-Diet Interactions

Inherited mutations in genes can increase one’s susceptibility for cancer. The risk of developing cancer can be markedly increased if there is a gene-diet interaction.

Studies of twins show that the likelihood of identical twins developing the same cancer is less than 10%, indicating that the environment plays an important role in cancer susceptibility.

There are various examples of the effects of diet on cancer risk:

  • High consumption of red meat has been shown to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
  • The incidence of colon cancer among Japanese increased dramatically after the 1960s as the Japanese diet became westernized.
  • Dietary fiber has a protective effect against bowel cancer.
  • Some studies have shown a relationship between dietary fat and breast cancer

Among people with high blood pressure only about 15% have sodium-sensitive hypertension. For the other 85%, eliminating salt from the diet has no effect on their blood pressure.

Nutrigenomics is addressing why some people can control their hypertension with diet, whereas others require drugs.

 

Nutrigenomics does not involve genetically modifying a food’s DNA by splicing and adding genes.

Instead, it focuses on using foods natural phytochemicals, nutrients and other components to promote better health.

And while current preventative recommendations that involve diet – such as eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to lower the risk of cancer – are generalities for the overall population, nutrigenomics research involves developing specific health recommendations that are modified to an individual’s needs.

 

The Nutrigenomic Effect of Sulforaphane

One of the most extraordinary of these nutrigenomic molecules found in food is Sulforaphane, which is found in broccoli sprouts.

Sulforaphane activates certain antioxidant genes and enzymes in specific immune cells that can battle the damage from free radicals.

Sometimes, we say that Sulforaphane talks to the DNA.

One of Sulforaphane’s most important functions is that it activates a ‘switch’ within the cell.

This ‘switch’ (a special molecule known as Nrf2) releases a small fragment which then travels into the nucleus, the part of the cell in which the genes are housed.

Once inside the nucleus, it locates the genes of the cell’s internal defence activities.

In some cases, the DNA in sections of these genes can be completely ‘switched off’; in other cases, the genes may be just ‘lazy’ or ‘sleepy’.

To date, scientists have found that there are around 200 genes that can be influenced by Sulforaphane.

If you don’t think you can stomach huge amounts of broccoli sprouts on a daily basis but still want the benefits of Sulforaphane you can supplement with Broccoli Sprout Powder.

EnduraCell is 100% Pure Whole Broccoli Sprout Powder with nothing added – and nothing removed. This product is grown in controlled conditions to ensure maximal bioactivity and carefully dried to retain the essential enzyme activity.

1 teaspoon of this powder is equivalent to 600g of raw broccoli.

Alternatively if you can’t handle powders, EnduraCell Plus is an easy to take veggie capsule form of EnduraCell. It also contains selenium for added effectiveness.

 

MTHFR and Folate Link

One of the best-known examples of a gene-nutrient interaction is the MTHFR gene.

MTHFR regulates folic acid and maintains blood levels of homocysteine.

People with the MTHFR gene have elevated levels of homocysteine in their blood, particularly if their intake of folic acid is low.

This condition is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression and neural tube defects.

By increasing dietary sources of folic acid such as beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, research has shown that it will reduce the development of these health conditions.

Dr. Vera’s Folinic Acid is the only available ‘activated’ form of folic acid. This form of folic acid is better absorbed and utilised within the body.

Click here for more information on the Emed MTHFR Gene Test.

 

Your Personalised Nutrigenomic Program – What Are Your Genes Telling You?

If you where predisposed to a particular condition, would you like to have the ability to make changes to reduce the risk or even avoid it happening to you?

It is true that you cannot change your “inherited genes,” however Nutrigenomics has paved the way to compensate for their influence.

It is now possible to maximise our genetic potential and change our health by targeted exercise, nutritional and lifestyle choices.

By looking at your Personal Genetic Profile, effectively your body’s blueprint, we can safely and effectively determine which supplements, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices are best for you to achieve an optimal state of health and vitality.

The Emed Genetic Profile includes:

  • 40 genes analysed across 6 categories of health
  • A Personal Genetic Profile – detailing your gene variations
  • A 40+ Page Reference Manual and Report – to help educate you on your genetic results and provide you with ready-to-go nutrition, exercise and lifestyle interventions
  • Online support to maximise your results within the first 30 days
  • 2x Personal health coaching phone consultations with our Emed Practitioners (initial and post 30 days)

If you would like to know more about Emed Genetic Profiling please contact your Emed Practitioner today.

 

Final Word

Nutrigenomics is almost certainly the wave of the future.

As more gene-diet associations are discovered, genetic profiling and nutritional prescriptions are expected to become commonplace.

 

Further Reading: