How genes influence Diet and Health?

Nutrigenetics is the branch of genetics that studies the effect of genetic variants on dietary response. This knowledge allows us to personalize the diet of each individual, adapting eating habits to each of the nutritional needs.

- Debasmita Sarkar Dietician

Some of these genetic traits may be associated with vitamin absorption, micronutrient metabolism and even predisposition to obesity.

Vitamin Levels

Vitamins are essential for optimal body function, however, not all people absorb and metabolize these substances in the same way. For example, some variants in the FUT2 gene can affect vitamin B12 levels in the body. People with these variants have a reduced ability to absorb vitamin B12, which can lead to deficiencies, even if their dietary intake is adequate.

Another crucial vitamin for the body is vitamin D, which has essential functions for bone health and the immune system. Certain variants in the VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene can influence the efficiency with which our body disposes of this vitamin, thus affecting our vitamin D levels and our overall health.

Obesity and Weight Gain