DNA Testing and Diet

Diet Test

DNA Testing and Diet: How Nutrigenetics Can Help You Eat Better (and Lose Weight More Effectively)

When you want to improve your diet or lose weight, you quickly realize that a “one-size-fits-all” method does not work for everyone. Two people can follow the same diet and the same exercise routine and achieve very different results.

Nutrigenetics (sometimes also called a “nutrition DNA test”) offers a more personalized approach: analyzing specific genetic markers to better understand how your body responds to nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals) and adapting your dietary strategy with a professional.

In this article, we explain:

• what nutrigenetics is,

• how a dietary DNA test works,

• what the results can (and cannot) tell you,

• and how to use this information to build a more consistent and sustainable diet.

Why take a DNA test to help with your diet?

A “nutrition” DNA test can be useful if you want to:

• better understand your metabolic tendencies,

• identify possible sensitivities to certain nutrients,

• detect predispositions linked to specific biomarkers,

• avoid “random” diets that lead to frustration and yo-yo effects.

The idea is not to replace common nutritional sense, but to add information to personalize your approach.

Understanding the basics of nutrigenetics

Nutrigenetics studies the relationship between our genetic makeup and the way our body reacts to food.

It seeks to identify markers that may influence:

• macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates, fats, proteins),

• the absorption of certain micronutrients (vitamins, minerals),

• certain physiological tendencies (for example blood lipids),

• and, more broadly, behaviors that can impact diet (such as appetite or sensitivity to stress).

The link between DNA and diet

Our genes influence many aspects of health, including weight. Some people gain weight more easily than others, even with comparable diets.

It is precisely this DNA ↔ diet link that makes a nutrigenetic test interesting: it helps you choose a strategy more effectively (rather than cycling through diets that are incompatible with your profile).

Dietary DNA test: what is it?

On your original page, the test is described as an analysis based on 700,000 DNA markers.

It aims to provide information on predispositions that may involve:

• proteins,

• carbohydrates,

• fats,

• vitamins,

• minerals.

The goal is to obtain an actionable assessment to personalize diet, ideally with the help of a nutritionist.

How does a dietary DNA test work?

The process is generally straightforward.

Order and sample collection

After ordering, you receive a kit and collect a sample (often saliva-based), then return the sample to the laboratory.

Genetic analysis

The laboratory then follows several steps:

• DNA extraction from the sample.

• Sequencing / genotyping: converting biological information into usable data.

• Application of algorithms: raw data are interpreted to produce a personalized report.

• Profile-based customization: the laboratory may take certain factors into account (e.g., sex, sometimes ancestry) to interpret the data.

Final report

You receive a detailed report with results and recommendations (to be interpreted with a professional).

The three types of genetic analyses mentioned (GWAS, multi-variant, monovariant)

Your page presents three approaches that can be used in genetic reports.

GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study)

A GWAS statistically compares DNA markers between:

• people who have a given characteristic (or disease),

• and people who do not,

in order to identify associations.

Multi-variant analysis

This analyzes several variants (mutations) from one or more genes, when these variants have a more direct link to the predisposition being studied.

Monovariant analysis

This focuses on a single variant of a single gene, when that variant is strongly linked to a predisposition.

Important: scientific knowledge evolves. New variants are regularly identified, and interpretation of results improves over time.

The influence of genetics on weight loss

It is common to observe that, for the same effort (diet + exercise), results vary greatly from one person to another.

Nutrigenetics looks at how your DNA may influence:

• your response to different types of diets,

• the effectiveness of certain dietary strategies,

• or metabolic tendencies associated with weight management.

Vitamins and minerals: understanding your predispositions

Even with a balanced diet, some people may have levels that are too low or too high for certain micronutrients.

Your page explains three distinct biological processes:

1. Absorption: the ability to extract micronutrients from food.

2. Storage: the ability to store certain micronutrients in organs.

3. Circulation: the amount of vitamins/minerals transported in the blood.

Knowing your predispositions can help you be more attentive and, if necessary, confirm your levels through standard tests (with a healthcare professional).

Biomarkers: cholesterol, triglycerides, anxiety, addiction

Certain physiological parameters (for example cholesterol, triglycerides) can be influenced by DNA.

According to your page, the test may indicate a predisposition and the possible consequences of inadequate levels, so that you can take appropriate measures under the supervision of a healthcare professional (physician or nutritionist).

Your page also mentions characteristics such as anxiety or addiction, which can impact health and eating habits.

Dietary DNA test results: timelines and use

Results are indicated as available 2 to 3 weeks after the samples are received by the laboratory.

Once you receive the results, you may learn:

• whether you have a relatively higher protein requirement,

• whether you metabolize certain carbohydrates more efficiently,

• whether you have specific needs for vitamins/minerals.

Adapting your diet to your genes (and maximizing your health)

The goal is to better target what works for your body, in order to reduce frustration and improve consistency.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that:

• genes are only one factor among others,

• lifestyle, environment, current diet, and medical history also matter.

Should you change your diet on your own after a DNA test?

Your page emphasizes an important point: it is preferable not to make “radical” changes on your own.

Genetic results should be interpreted with professionals, who will take into account:

• your health status,

• your medical history,

• your goals,

• and your current diet.

Nutrigenetic test vs. food intolerance test: not the same thing

A “nutrition” DNA test analyzes your DNA and genetic markers.

A food intolerance test evaluates reactions (often immune-related) to certain foods and is not based on genetic analysis.

Therefore, a genetic test can give you an indication of your profile, but it does not replace a diagnosis or medical follow-up.

Examples of diets (and why responses vary between individuals)

Your page cites several types of diets and their underlying principles.

The Mediterranean diet

It emphasizes:

• vegetables,

• fruits,

• fish,

• dairy products,

• olive oil,

• while limiting meat and eggs.

It is often considered easier to maintain over the long term and associated with a reduced risk of obesity. Certain genetic variations are thought to be linked to a better response in some individuals.

A low-carbohydrate diet

It reduces carbohydrates (both simple and complex). Your page recalls:

• simple carbohydrates: immediate energy, found notably in sugars and certain fruits,

• complex carbohydrates: more stable energy, found in vegetables and grains.

Some studies suggest that genetics can influence how easily weight is lost. Your page specifically mentions variations of the FTO gene that may be associated with a predisposition.

A low-fat diet

This involves reducing fat intake (often to less than 20% of total intake according to some methods), while noting that the WHO considers up to 30% acceptable.

Your page distinguishes:

• saturated fats (often solid at room temperature),

• unsaturated fats (often liquid).

It also mentions genetic variations (e.g., the IRS1 variant) associated with a better response to this type of diet.

The high-protein diet

This increases protein intake (meat, eggs, etc.). Your page indicates:

• an effect on satiety (appetite hormones, including ghrelin),

• possible effectiveness for weight loss and muscle mass,

• but also risks (rebound effect, ketosis, health issues).

Here again, effectiveness varies according to genetics, with links mentioned to FTO.