In recent years, the world of nutrition has seen significant changes with the advent of DNA testing and personalised nutrition solutions in general. Nutrition DNA tests have promised to provide personalised dietary recommendations based on our unique genetic makeup, offering insights into what foods and nutrients our bodies may respond to best. While these tests do offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to manage our expectations and understand both their potential and limitations. In this blog, we’ll talk about what DNA test can provide and shed light on what it cannot, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.

 

Embracing the benefits:

Nutrition DNA tests can indeed be a valuable tool in optimising our diet and overall health. These tests can give us a good idea of the type of diet that may suit our bodies. For example, if we want to lose weight, knowing our genetic predisposition can help us start with an approach that may be more effective for us instead of trying out many different approaches before finding what works for us. They can also offer guidance on our tolerance to caffeine and salt, assisting us in maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting heart health. Furthermore, DNA tests may provide indications of potential genetic predispositions to certain nutrient deficiencies, allowing us to focus on consuming foods rich in those specific nutrients and prevent different disease.

 

Understanding the limitations:

As we embark on this journey of personalised nutrition, it’s essential to recognise that DNA tests have their boundaries. While they can offer insights into the types of foods our bodies might favour, they cannot provide exact quantities of each and every nutrient we should consume. The scientific evidence supporting precise, individualised nutrient recommendations for every vitamin and mineral is still in its infancy. Therefore, it’s unrealistic to expect a DNA test to reveal precise measurements that are always very different to general recommendations. For example, it is difficult, based on science, to say that “Jane” should be consuming (for illustrative purpose only): 2.3 mg of vitamin B2 (instead of 1.1. mg as a general recommendation), 750 micrograms of folate (instead of 400 as a general recommendation), or 2000 micrograms of vitamin A (instead of 600 as a general recommendation).

 

Choosing a science-backed DNA test that considers behaviour change and, remember, it still requires effort on your side:

With the growing popularity of nutrition DNA tests, it’s crucial to select a reliable and scientifically sound option. Look for tests developed by nutrition and genetics experts, backed by research. Avoid falling for marketing gimmicks that promise hyper personalised diet plans, as such claims may lack robust scientific evidence. Also, just because it is a DNA test and it is based on your genetic make-up, it doesn’t mean you won’t need to put in effort to achieve the results you want. It will take time and effort, but you know that you are doing something that is better suited to your unique biology. However, biology is just part of the story. DNA tests are more effective when they include behaviour change techniques and are paired with a professional who customises advice based on your needs and traits. For example, you may know that, based on your DNA, you would benefit from more frequent cardio workouts. But how you can incorporate it into your daily life and make it a consistent habit is a different story. That is why DNA tests that consider only biology (e.g. DNA) without considering your psychology (e.g. behaviour change and habit formation) probably won’t be as effective.

 

Conclusion:

Nutrition DNA tests have undoubtedly opened new doors to understanding our bodies’ unique needs and tailoring our diets accordingly. By managing our expectations and approaching these tests with a realistic mindset, we can fully embrace the valuable insights they offer. While DNA tests can provide essential guidance on our dietary choices, it’s essential to supplement this information with broader lifestyle considerations. Because, remember, your genetic makeup is just one piece of the puzzle, and achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle involves a holistic approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and overall self-care.