Your DNA, Your Diet: Personalised Nutrition Made Easy

13 hours ago
4 min read

Uncovering how your genes and food work together to support your wellbeing

Nutritional Genomics, also called nutrigenomics, explores how your genes affect your nutritional needs, health, and overall wellbeing. Everyone responds differently to food, and understanding your unique genetic profile can help tailor nutrition strategies to improve energy, digestion, immunity, and long-term health.

Q1: What is nutritional genomics?

Nutritional genomics is the study of how your genes interact with the food you eat and how that affects your health. It includes two main areas. Nutrigenetics looks at how differences in your genes influence how your body processes nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, or vitamins [1]. Nutrigenomics looks at how foods and nutrients can influence the activity of your genes, effectively turning certain genes on or off [2]. Put simply, your genes can affect how your body handles food, and your food can influence how your genes behave.

Q2: Why should I care about it?

Understanding your genetics can help explain why the same diet works for some people but not others. For example, two people might eat the same amount of fat, but one person’s body may process it differently because of their genes [1]. Some people may need more or less of certain vitamins or minerals based on how their bodies metabolise them [2]. Knowing your genetic blueprint allows our dietitians to give guidance tailored specifically to your body instead of generic diet advice.

Q3: Is there strong evidence that genetic testing can guide diet?

Research shows that genes can affect how your body responds to nutrients and influence health outcomes [1][2]. However, while genetic testing can add useful insights, evidence that it alone improves long-term health or prevents disease is limited [3]. Genetic information works best when combined with lifestyle, environment, and personal preferences, rather than being relied on as a stand-alone solution.

Q4: What kind of genetic information is used?

Genetic tests examine variations in your DNA that affect nutrient metabolism, food sensitivities, and health risks. Some gene variants influence how your body handles fat, carbohydrates, or vitamins [2]. These results allow our dietitians to create nutrition strategies personalised to your genes, health goals, and lifestyle. Your current diet and health history are also considered to provide a complete picture [1].

Q5: How can a dietitian help me with nutritional genomics?

A dietitian trained in nutritional genomics can interpret complex genetic results and turn them into practical, easy-to-follow advice. We provide meal strategies, portion guidance, and lifestyle tips that are realistic and safe. Our goal is to help you make changes that improve energy, digestion, immunity, or weight management while supporting long-term sustainability [2]. Ongoing support ensures you can apply these insights effectively in everyday life.

Q6: Are there limitations I should know about?

Yes. Genetic testing is only part of the story. Lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, exercise, and environment also play major roles in your health [4]. Not all gene variants have strong evidence for actionable recommendations [3]. Working with a trained dietitian ensures your results are interpreted safely. Lastly, nutrition changes still require effort; genetics can guide the plan, but consistent implementation is key to seeing results [4].

Q7: Who can benefit from nutritional genomics?

Anyone interested in understanding how their body responds to food can benefit. It is particularly helpful for people who have tried standard diets without success, those managing chronic health conditions, athletes looking to optimise performance, or anyone curious about personalised nutrition [2][4]. Essentially, nutritional genomics is for anyone who wants an approach tailored to their body instead of a generic diet.

Q8: How long does it take to see results from a DNA-based diet?

Results vary by individual. Many people gain clarity about how their body processes nutrients and make more informed food choices. Some may notice improvements in digestion, energy, or inflammation within a few weeks, while changes in weight or long-term metabolic health can take months. Consistency and follow-up support are key to achieving lasting benefits [2][3][4].

Q9: Can my genes really tell me what to eat?

To get started, book a consultation with one of our genomics-trained dietitians. Ask about which genes will be tested, how results will be interpreted, and how the plan will be personalised for your lifestyle and health goals. Genetic testing is optional we can provide excellent personalised nutrition guidance even without it. The important part is committing to the plan and working with our dietitians to make sustainable changes [2].

References

Kaput, J. & Rodríguez, R.L. (2004). Nutritional genomics: the next frontier in the postgenomic era. Physiological Genomics, 16(2), 166‑177. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00107.2003
Ordovás, J.M., Ferguson, L.R., Tai, E.S., & Mathers, J.C. (2018). Personalised nutrition and health. BMJ, 361:k2173. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2173
Celis-Morales, C.A., et al. (2017). Effect of personalised nutrition on health-related behaviour change: evidence from the Food4Me European randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Epidemiology, 46(2), 578‑588. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyw186
Brennan, L. & de Roos, B. (2021). Nutrigenomics: lessons learned and future perspectives. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 113(3), 503‑516. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa366