Introduction
Nutritional genomics seeks to understand the relationship between nutrients and gene expression. In the recent past, there has been a heightened interest in applying genomic technologies to comprehend the role of diet in disease development and health. It is critical to emphasize the role of diet on chronic illnesses and health. Studies are utilizing genotyping techniques that can help practitioners to customize a diet for better health outcomes both in the short term and in the long term (Camp & Trujillo, 2014). This paper answers questions regarding nutritional genetics.
Main body
A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a change of a base within the genome. According to this definition, every SNP signifies a variation in a nucleotide. As an illustration, an SNP can replace adenine with guanine in an individual’s DNA. At the core of SNPs is their critical biological role in maintaining the uniqueness of people, including different eye colors and blood types (Camp & Trujillo, 2014). Nevertheless, a few SNPs result in specific diseases and disorders.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an example of a disorder resulting from an SNP. This disease manifests when there is a nucleotide variation in the PNPLA3 gene. Patients of this disease have a build-up of fat in their livers since they have abnormal metabolism. Since NAFLD falls under nutritional genomics, people can prevent it by maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
Polygenic implies that a genetic trait or phenotype occurs due to the additive participation of multiple genes. These phenotypes occur at polygenic loci, specific sites in the gene system that allow allelic variations or substitutions (Camp & Trujillo, 2014). A polygenic locus might be either a particular gene or a block of similar genes.
Diabetes is an example of a disorder resulting from the influence of many genes – a polygenic situation. A patient suffering from diabetes has altered or abnormal blood glucose metabolism. Children can inherit polygenic types of this disorder from their parents. Physicians screen for diabetes by determining blood sugar levels in a patient, analyzing risk factors, and running genetic tests.
Lynch syndrome test is a type of screening that has attained analytical validity, clinical usefulness, and clinical validity. This test looks for genetic mutations an individual has inherited from parents. Outstandingly, these genetic changes negatively affect DNA repair; consequently, DNA mismatches lead to the phenotypic expression of the disorder. Some of the critical genes for the disease are EPCAM, MLHL, and PMS2. Positive results of this screening significantly associate with dietary changes (Camp & Trujillo, 2014). As an illustration, persons who consume fried food are more likely to test positive for Lynch disorder.
The alter genetic destiny with diet article primarily advises the audience to maintain a healthy diet to achieve unique healthcare outcomes. The author contends that people inherit genes responsible for important phenotypes, for example, eye color, the same way they get genetic information that could lead to diseases (Palmer, 2013). Researchers in nutritional genomics understand factors that can switch genes on and off. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), as well as other proteins in the gene system, comprises molecular codes that initiate genes to be lively or inactive. Importantly, a person’s lifestyle and surroundings could prompt these tags for gene expression or suppression. Palmer (2013) suggests that gene expression involves translating inheritable information to gene products, preparing the path for a disorder or disease. Finally, the article recommends fruits and vegetables to characterize diets for people to live healthy lives.
The science of nutrigenomics article commences by defining nutrigenomics as the scholarship of the relationship between genes and diet. Research has found a close link between good heart health outcomes and diet among people with a high intake of fruits and vegetables (Rountree, 2009). The most important denominator in the context of attaining lives free from chronic diseases and cancer is leading lives that are free from oxidative strain and free-radical pressure (Rountree, 2009). Genetic changes significantly affect how cells react to food items. For example, people who consume a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables have lower cases of bladder carcinomas. In conclusion, the author argues that all food items have an instruction that influences genetic information.
The two articles have helped me gain more insights into the interplay between genetics and diet. It is important to emphasize that the outcomes between the relationship between these two factors result could either be good or bad health. From a personal viewpoint, I strongly agree with the assertions of the authors of the two readings that individuals should carefully choose what they eat since their diets could lead to consequences in the long term.
Nutrigenomix collects samples and runs genetic tests to detect nutrition-linked markers crucial in writing a nutrition program. The company analyzes mutations in seventy genes that influence nutrient metabolism, diet patterns, physical activity, and weight management. On the other hand, 23 and Me-Health and Ancestry screens for health predispositions, traits, ancestry and individual wellness.
Upon completing both tests, the firms send results to clients’ dietitians via the internet. Although the test outcomes are in the form of encrypted information, there is the issue of breaching confidentiality if hacking of the internet or computer systems occurs. Therefore, there is the need to send hard copies of the results to the client and his or her dietitian.
While it costs an individual to have a Nutrigenomix test $365, a person pays an average of $199 for a 23 and Me-Health and Ancestry test. It is critical to state that these costs cover sample collection, analyses, and reports.
A CLIA-certified laboratory is a testing facility with approvals from the Center for Medicine and Medicaid Services (CMS). This laboratory must satisfy important quality standards, such as accuracy and validity. Both Nutrigenomix and 23 and Me-Health and Ancestry services use CLIA-certified laboratories.
I perceive the benefits of using Nutrogenomix services. First, test results can help people to achieve optimal health. Second, screening outcomes may motivate clients to lead healthier dietary habits. Finally, individuals could utilize test results to change their eating habits for better health goals.
23 and Me-Health and Ancestry Company is better than Nutrogenomix since the latter does not focus on providing results that can prevent or cure illnesses. Contrary to the latter, the former firm offers clients medical advice and diagnoses. Finally, 23 and Me-Health and Ancestry Company offers a higher probability for concluding about elevated or common risks.
Conclusion
Nutritional genomics plays a critical role in expanding the knowledge base of how diets influence genetic expressions that ultimately affect health outcomes of individuals. Various genetic testing services that focus on dietary and gene system factors help clients make informed decisions on their nutritional intakes and general lifestyle. The advancement of nutritional genomics and thorough-put technologies will lead to better services and health choices in the future.
References
Camp, K. M., & Trujillo, E. (2014). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutritional genomics. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(2), 299-312.
Palmer, S. (2013). Alter genetic destiny with diet. The Newsletter of Food, Nutrition & Health, 36(11), 3-6.
Rountree, R. (2009). Roundoc Rx: The science of nutrigenomics. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 15(3), 104-108.