Nutrigenetic Test
The nutrigenetic test is used to study genetic variants that influence metabolic response and to determine which diet is most suitable for each patient.
General Description
The nutrigenetic test is an examination that analyzes a person’s DNA and their body’s response to specific nutrients. It provides information on the patient’s metabolism and, therefore, helps identify the causes of overweight and the risk of diabetes.
This nutrigenetic test examines numerous key gene variants involved in metabolic response to fats and carbohydrates, response to exercise, intolerances, satiety, and inflammation risk. The goal is to identify genes with reduced metabolic efficiency in order to tailor diet and physical activity to the specific needs of each patient.
The use of the nutrigenetic test is part of preventive medicine, as it allows the identification of a patient’s genetic predisposition and enables modification of lifestyle habits before health deterioration occurs.
When is it indicated?
The nutritional genetic test is indicated in the following cases:
- Abdominal obesity
- Difficulty controlling body weight
- History of overweight or obesity
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Prediabetes
- Suspected prediabetes associated with overweight
- Personalized nutrition: to adapt diet to metabolism
- Sports performance: athletes who want to understand how their metabolism is affected by genetics
How is it performed?
The nutrigenetic test is performed using a blood sample. The sample is collected in a lavender-top tube containing the anticoagulant EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) to maintain the blood in a liquid state. In the molecular laboratory, DNA is extracted using the following procedure:
- Cell lysis: chemical bonds are broken to decompose the cells in the blood. Specific solutions (proteinase K) are added to disrupt cell membranes and the nucleus, releasing the DNA.
- Protein separation: a saline solution is used to separate cellular debris and proteins from the DNA.
- DNA precipitation: alcohol is added, causing the DNA, which is insoluble in this substance, to aggregate and precipitate after centrifugation.
- Washing: the resulting DNA is cleaned with 70% ethanol to remove salts and residual proteins, followed by centrifugation.
- Ethanol removal and pellet drying: the solid compact part at the bottom of the tube after centrifugation is dried.
- Resuspension: the DNA is dissolved in distilled water or an elution buffer (aqueous solution with constant pH) for analysis.
- Genetic analysis: using microarray or real-time PCR techniques, variants related to nutrition are analyzed. Typically, genes associated with obesity, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, food intolerances, vitamin requirements, and exercise response are studied.
Risks
The nutrigenetic test poses no health risk.
In some cases, bruising may occur at the puncture site.
What to expect from the nutrigenetic test
The patient is only present during blood sample collection, which follows the standard procedure:
- The patient sits and extends the arm.
- A tourniquet is applied above the elbow.
- The needle is inserted into a vein and a blood sample is collected.
- The tourniquet is removed.
- The needle is withdrawn.
Test results are typically available approximately 15 days after sample collection.
Specialties requesting the nutrigenetic test
The nutrigenetic test, performed within the specialty of Genetics, is commonly requested by Endocrinology and Nutrition, Aesthetic medicine, Sports medicine, and Preventive medicine and Public health.
How to prepare
No prior preparation is required for the nutrigenetic test, not even fasting, since genetic markers are stable.
