Nutrition Genetics: Which Topics Are Covered?
Nutrition genetics (nutrigenetics) studies how genetic differences can affect the body's response to foods and nutrients. Hub Genetik does not offer a separate "nutrition test". Nutrition-related topics are included in the packages listed below. On this page you can find which topics are covered, what these findings do and do not show, and which topic is included in which package.
Which topics are covered? With examples
Lactose digestion (LCT / MCM6)
In many people, the activity of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, declines after weaning. The C/T-13910 variant, located about 14 thousand bases upstream of the LCT gene, is strongly associated with whether lactase activity persists into adulthood.
What it does not show: Digestive complaints can have many causes other than lactose. If you have complaints, consult your doctor regardless of your genetic result.
Caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2)
Caffeine is broken down largely by the CYP1A2 enzyme. A common variant in this gene (rs762551) is used to group people into "fast" and "slow" metabolizers. In a case-control study examining the relationship between coffee consumption and heart attack, higher coffee intake was associated with higher risk only in the slow-metabolizer group. A study in athletes found that the effect of caffeine on endurance performance differed by genotype.
What it does not show: This finding does not tell you how much caffeine you should consume. Your own observations of how caffeine affects your sleep and heart rate matter at least as much as your genotype in your personal decision. In situations such as heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure or pregnancy, your doctor's advice applies.
Satiety response (FTO)
A common variant in the FTO gene is one of the best-known genetic findings associated with body mass index. Adults carrying two copies of the risk allele have been reported to weigh about 3 kg more on average. In a study in children, the same variant was associated with lower satiety responsiveness as measured by a parent questionnaire.
What it does not show: It does not explain weight change on its own and does not show that a particular diet is "right" for you. General recommendations such as regular meal patterns, the share of fiber and protein, and portion control apply to everyone. The finding can only remind you why they are worth paying attention to.
Variants associated with vitamin D levels (GC and other regions)
A genome-wide association study of about 34 thousand people confirmed three regions associated with vitamin D levels: GC, which encodes the vitamin D-binding protein, and regions near DHCR7 and CYP2R1. People in the highest quarter of the combined score of these variants were found to be more likely to have low vitamin D levels.
What it does not show: Your vitamin D level also depends on sun exposure, season, diet and body weight. Only a blood test (25-hydroxyvitamin D) shows your actual level. A genetic finding can be a reason to discuss this test with your doctor. Decisions about supplements and their amount are a matter for your doctor's assessment.
The limits of nutrition genetics
- A blood test measures levels; a genetic test shows tendencies. For values such as vitamins, minerals, cholesterol or blood sugar, measurement is what counts.
- Evidence for genotype-based dietary advice is limited. In the Food4Me study, completed by 1,269 adults, personalized dietary advice led to greater improvement in eating habits than general advice. However, adding genetic information to this advice did not further increase the effect.
- Genetic risk information alone has not been shown to change behavior. A systematic review of 18 studies found no significant effect of communicating DNA-based risk information on diet, physical activity or smoking cessation.
- The level of evidence varies from finding to finding. Frameworks have been proposed for assessing which findings in nutrition genetics can be considered actionable. For this reason, each card in the report is given its own evidence level.
What these limits mean: see your nutrition findings not as a diet prescription, but as a starting point you can use in a conversation with your dietitian or doctor.
Which nutrition topics are in which package?
| Package | Nutrition-related topics | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Health Map | Nutrition response, vitamin–mineral tendencies, metabolic predispositions | Adults who value a preventive approach to health |
| Sports & Fitness Genetics | Metabolic response (in the context of training) | Adults who want to personalize their training program |
| Sports & Health Analysis Package | Nutrition response, vitamin–mineral tendencies, metabolic predispositions and sports topics | Adults who want to manage performance and health together |
| Health & Skin Analysis Package | Nutrition response, vitamin–mineral tendencies and skin topics | Adults planning preventive health and skin care together |
| Sports, Skin & Health Analysis Package | All sports, health and skin topics | Adults who want to see all three areas in one report |
| GEN's UP Package | All sports, health and skin topics (with additional sections) | Adults who want the broadest scope |
| Kids' Genetic Health Map | Nutritional sensitivities, vitamin–mineral tendencies | Children |
| Kids' Genetic Learning Map | Nutrition and sleep | Children |
| Genetic Potential Map | Nutrition, health and development | Children |
| KID's UP Package | All sports, health and learning topics | Children |
You can see how nutrition cards appear in the report on the sample report page. To compare packages side by side, use the comparison page; to find the package that suits you, use the package finder. Methods and evidence levels are explained on the Science & Safety page.
Process
The sample is collected at home with a cheek swab. The report is prepared within 18–21 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory. For other questions, see the frequently asked questions page.
References
- Enattah NS, Sahi T, Savilahti E, et al. Identification of a variant associated with adult-type hypolactasia. Nat Genet. 2002;30(2):233-7. PMID: 11788828. doi:10.1038/ng826
- Cornelis MC, El-Sohemy A, Kabagambe EK, et al. Coffee, CYP1A2 genotype, and risk of myocardial infarction. JAMA. 2006;295(10):1135-41. PMID: 16522833. doi:10.1001/jama.295.10.1135
- Guest N, Corey P, Vescovi J, et al. Caffeine, CYP1A2 Genotype, and Endurance Performance in Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2018;50(8):1570-1578. PMID: 29509641. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000001596
- Frayling TM, Timpson NJ, Weedon MN, et al. A common variant in the FTO gene is associated with body mass index and predisposes to childhood and adult obesity. Science. 2007;316(5826):889-94. PMID: 17434869. doi:10.1126/science.1141634
- Wardle J, Carnell S, Haworth CMA, et al. Obesity associated genetic variation in FTO is associated with diminished satiety. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(9):3640-3. PMID: 18583465. doi:10.1210/jc.2008-0472
- Wang TJ, Zhang F, Richards JB, et al. Common genetic determinants of vitamin D insufficiency: a genome-wide association study. Lancet. 2010;376(9736):180-8. PMID: 20541252. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60588-0
- Celis-Morales C, Livingstone KM, Marsaux CF, et al. Effect of personalized nutrition on health-related behaviour change: evidence from the Food4Me European randomized controlled trial. Int J Epidemiol. 2017;46(2):578-588. PMID: 27524815. doi:10.1093/ije/dyw186
- Hollands GJ, French DP, Griffin SJ, et al. The impact of communicating genetic risks of disease on risk-reducing health behaviour: systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ. 2016;352:i1102. PMID: 26979548. doi:10.1136/bmj.i1102
- Grimaldi KA, van Ommen B, Ordovas JM, et al. Proposed guidelines to evaluate scientific validity and evidence for genotype-based dietary advice. Genes Nutr. 2017;12:35. PMID: 29270237. doi:10.1186/s12263-017-0584-0