Dec 02, 2024 5:36pm

 

Your Genes, Your Diet: How DNA-Driven Nutrition is Transforming Health and Wellness

 

Written by: Gabrielle Julal

 

Introduction to Nutritional Genomics

 

The increasing popularity of genetic testing and nutritional genomic research is driven by the promise to transform the field of nutrition by informing an individual’s optimal diet based on their DNA. Nutritional Genomics studies gene-nutrient relationships including the influence of genetic variations on the body’s response to nutrients (nutrigenetics), and how nutrients mediate genetic function (nutrigenomics) (Morrison, 2020). It aims to provide individuals and healthcare practitioners with unique insights and tools to personalize dietary recommendations and improve adherence, ultimately helping to prevent chronic diseases and improve health outcomes. This article will provide an overview of nutritional genomics, its relevance to personalized nutrition, and its implications for digital health.

 

 

Why it is an important topic?

Nutritional Genomics holds significant possibilities for personalized nutrition research, disease prevention and management, public health, and private sector development. While it is important to account for its limitations, considering an individual’s genetic makeup could change how future nutrition guidelines and personalized recommendations are established (Ordovas, 2009). Global chronic disease rates highlight a need for a more tailored approach to prevention, and limited research suggests that lifestyle and dietary interventions guided by nutrigenomics can motivate long-term improvements beyond gold-standard population-based interventions (Horne, 2020).  Evolving research and continued consumer interest in nutritional genomics will lend itself to more potential investments, technological advancements, product expansion, and strategic partnerships within the personalized nutrition industry.

 

 

Market size and growth

The global nutrigenomics market was valued at $435.7 million in 2022 and is estimated to reach $2.1 billion by 2032. There has been a rapid increase in recent years in companies offering genetic testing, likely attributable to decreasing genotyping and sequencing costs. The market is divided into various subsections, based on application, product type, end-user, and region. Direct-to-consumer testing companies offering personalized health and wellness insights for overall wellness, disease prevention, and performance enhancement are growing in popularity. Like the rest of the personalized nutrition industry, continued growth in nutritional genomics and precision nutrition will be driven by consumer demand and interest in customized health solutions and the potential for improved health outcomes and quality of life.

 

Genetics in health

 

An overview of the past and the future on this topic

The study of the laws of inheritance began in the mid-19th century with Gregor Mendel, whose work was foundational for genetic research. The integration of genetics in healthcare started with genetic testing and counseling in the 1970s. Critical advancements in the field came from the Human Genome Project, which ran from 1990-2003, to generate the first sequence of human DNA. This project helped to establish the genetic basis of disease and inform novel approaches to drug design and treatment - opening the door to the future of personalized medicine, gene therapy, pharmacogenetics, and understanding complex diseases (Sivam, 2012).

 

Why is this topic important in health and healthcare?

Though once restricted to the research environment, genomics is now increasingly used in clinical practice (Genet, 2019). Developments in genetic research and technologies have played an important role in shaping diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies in the healthcare sector, particularly in the categories of infectious disease, rare disease, cancer, and chronic disease. It has helped advance genetic testing for disease risk assessment, genetic disorders, gene therapy, and epidemiology.

 

Emerging “-omics”-based technologies, such as genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics offer the potential for enhanced tailoring of treatment to individuals. (Thom, 2023). Continued integration of genomics into standard healthcare practices is anticipated to help inform public and private health sector interventions and enable more precise, personalized approaches to treatment and prevention.

 

 

Genetics in Digital Health

 

How does this topic play out in Digital Health?

 

The digital health landscape includes mobile health (mHealth) solutions, wearable devices, telehealth, telemedicine, electronic medical records, and personalized medicine. These solutions benefit practitioners and patients, offer affordable access to health services, give patients more control over their health, and provide more efficient monitoring and support of chronic conditions.

 

Digital health has helped to expand access to genetic testing companies and services. It has also allowed for more holistic interventions by integrating other data sources such as microbiome data, food and activity tracking, and biomarker tracking. Nutritional genomics companies often utilize direct-to-consumer testing and technologies such as online platforms, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This gives consumers easy access to their results, relevant health insights, dietary information ongoing support, and access to educational resources based on their genetic information.

 

Research suggests great possibilities for digital health applications to improve genetic healthcare outcomes through varied technologies: digital genomics decision support tools, conversational chatbots to scale the genetic counselling process, and the digital delivery of comprehensive genetic services (Bombard, 2022). However, potential negative implications of these technologies include data privacy concerns, affordability and accessibility for lower-income groups, and a lack of clearly defined regulatory frameworks.

 

 

Relevance of Genetics in Personalized Nutrition

 

How is this topic related to Personalized Nutrition?

Personalized Nutrition uses genetic, phenotypic, biochemical, and nutritional data to develop tailored nutritional interventions to prevent, manage, and treat chronic diseases (Singar, 2024). Nutritional Genomics was once almost synonymous with personalized nutrition and helped to shape the early days of the industry. Growth and innovations in the field have been pushed forward by research establishing the link between genetics, nutrition, and health-related outcomes. Continued advancements in technologies such as AI, machine learning, and deep learning, can revolutionize nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics by enabling more precise, personalized, and proactive approaches to nutrition and health (Lagoumintzis, 2024).

 

What is the current research?

Nutritional genomics has gained increased research attention given its potential to inform an individual’s optimal diet. It has in some ways, however, not yet lived up to its full potential. Although current research is evolving, evidence varies on the practical applications and impact of integrating genetics in personalized interventions. Leading Nutrition and Genetics researcher Dr. José Ordovás believes that accomplishing the tremendous goals set for nutritional genomics will require breaking the molds of traditional research and integrating multiple disciplines (Ordovas, 2009).

 

Providing actionable recommendations informed by genetic testing has been found to facilitate behavior change more than the provision of genetic information without actionable lifestyle recommendations (Horne, 2018). More recently, results from the NOW randomized control trial found that weight management interventions guided by nutrigenomics can motivate long-term improvements in dietary fat intake above and beyond gold-standard population-based interventions (Horne, 2020).

 

There is a higher proportion of studies showing mixed or inconclusive results. For example, a systematic review of 15 studies examining the dietary impact of incorporating genetic information into nutrition counseling found no significant differences in energy intake or macronutrient distribution compared to a control group (Robinson, 2021). This may be in part due to variations in sample size, populations, genetic variants, and dietary assessment tools used. Prioritizing genetic variants with the most potential to alter dietary outcomes could be beneficial for future research. Another review exploring the impact of personalized dietary advice, including genetic information, found little evidence that genotypic information was effective in improving dietary intake (Jinette, 2020).

 

More positively, research highlighting individual genes and specific dietary issues has yielded promising data that can be used to inform dietary interventions. For example, the relationship between caffeine sensitivity and the Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene is well established and shows significant variation in individual cardiometabolic responses (Mullins, 2020). Similarly, there is a definite correlation between the FTO gene and obesity and fat mass (Lan, 2020), confirmed also through independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Finally, there is an established association between the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) in lipid metabolism and the risk of cardiovascular disease (Liu, 2019).

 

 

Current market examples

Based on our current market data at Qina, nutrigenomics companies account for approximately 18% of personalized nutrition solutions. Here are a few examples of current market leaders:

 

Nutrigenomix - A Canadian-based B2B2C company, founded by leading Nutrigenomics professor Ahmed El-Sohemy. Nutrigenomix provides nutrigenetic tests and meal plans via healthcare professionals for health, sports, and fertility. The company also offers workshops throughout the year to promote professional development through training and education on the topic of genetic testing and personalized nutrition.

 

Genopalate - A US-based nutritional genomics platform offering nutrigenetic testing, supplements, meal plans, and recipes. The company has recently introduced its personalized protein and fiber supplement, Genoblend, which is customized to meet an individual’s unique genetic nutritional needs and enhance overall wellness.

 

DNA Nudge - A UK-based startup that provides instant genetic testing and a wearable device that makes healthy food shopping easy through nudges that encourage small, DNA-based personalized swaps from one product to another. The company recently launched the world’s first Express DNA Test service at select Holland & Barrett stores in the UK that provides genetic insights into skin health and sleep quality.

 

Lykon - A German digital health company that offers a range of genetics and blood tests. Their products and services include tailored nutrition and actionable recommendations to help customers achieve their health goals. Their tests analyze genetic predispositions to weight gain, metabolism, food intolerances, and nutrient deficiencies.

 

 

Limitations and Barriers

There are several challenges and limitations surrounding nutritional genomics research and its clinical applications. Some of these challenges include:

• Data and privacy concerns - Consumer concerns around the regulation of DTC genetic testing companies, third-party access to data, and storage of genetic material. Most recently the 23andme data breach refreshed these concerns.
• Ethical considerations - There are issues around poor consumer education, lack of transparency, and the psychological impact of results.
• Lack of counseling and clinical guidelines - There is a need for an established protocol on nutritional genomic counseling and training of healthcare practitioners on the subject.
• Generalizability of data - Most genetic research has been conducted in European populations, making the generalizability to other population groups limited.
• Polygenic nature of nutrition-related disease - The risk of chronic disease is attributable to various factors and genetic influences, which raises challenges in designing research.

 

Expert Interview

Watch this interview with expert Dr Leta Pilic Nutrigenetics expert talking about the role of genes in health. 

 

 

 

The Qina Take and Conclusion

Nutritional Genomics holds significant potential for enhancing dietary behaviors, disease prevention and management and improving overall health outcomes. The rise of digital health technologies and direct-to-consumer testing has increased the accessibility of genetic testing services, however, this has raised concerns about privacy, equity, and ethics.

There is also a need for more robust and diverse research, greater regulation, and access to training. Despite the challenges, the future of nutritional genomics remains promising and exciting as one part of the chronic disease puzzle.

At Qina, we aim to help solve some of the challenges around consumer trust, transparency, and quality. We have a comprehensive database of over 700 companies in the Personalized Nutrition industry, including the latest updates, research, and services offered by nutrigenetic testing companies.

 

Hungry for more? Sign up to Qina here for the latest in personalized nutrition insights and innovations.

 

 

 

References:

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8. Robinson, K., Rozga, M., Braakhuis, A., Ellis, A., Monnard, C. R., Sinley, R., Wanner, A., & Vargas, A. J. (2020). Effect of Incorporating Genetic Testing Results into Nutrition Counseling and Care on Dietary Intake: An Evidence Analysis Center Systematic Review—Part I. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 121(3), 553-581.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2020.04.001
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15. Nutrigenomics | https://nutrigenomix.com/
16. Genopalate | https://www.genopalate.com/
17. DNA Nudge | https://www.dnanudge.com/
18. Lykon | https://www.lykon.de/