Personalised Health and Nutrition: DNA Analysis

The impact of diet, lifestyle, exercise, and environment on an individual’s genetic makeup should not be underestimated. Knowledge of how genes are influenced by external factors enables the development of personalised health programs. The NHS in Essex are trialling a personalised weight-loss plan based on a DNA test – the scheme from a study in Italy, which showed that 'people put on diets tailored to the results from a simple commercially-available DNA test kit lost 33% more weight than those on a generic plan'. 

What is Personalised Health through DNA analysis Testing? 

DNA testing involves providing a sample of your DNA (in the form of a saliva sample) which is sent to a lab for analysis. ‘Your Health Dietitian’ uses Nordic Laboratories to provide their testing.  Using the extensive databases and associated research, the analysis can predict your risk of developing certain diseases based on what gene variants are present in your code.

Nordic Laboratories provide the most comprehensively developed laboratory evaluations. They are a independent, unaffiliated distributor, who assess the testing laboratories to ensure the highest degree of quality control, and ensure that their tests are always the most reliable and clinically relevant. Nordic Laboratories believe that genetic testing should always be considered in the context of a broader medical examination; Their tests are therefore available exclusively through appropriately trained medical practitioners.

Nordic Laboratories and Dnalysis come together to create DNALife. The DNALife tests focus on health management, dietary disposition, athletic performance and drug metabolism. Each test provides a unique insight into your genetic code: revealing sensitivities, susceptibilities, and keys to your true health potential. Genetic testing gets to the basis of a patient’s biochemistry. Such a sensitive subject demands careful measures for revealing and interpreting the results of genetic testing.  Therefore, DNALife has set standards, not only in the development of their tests, but also in the education of those delivering the tests. 

Therefore it is important that you see a trained practitioner to help you interpret your results. Your Health Dietitian Lucy Perrow has attended 6 days of training with Nordic Laboratories and DNAlysis to ensure she is fully qualified to help interpret your results and provide a comprehensive personalised plan based on your DNA.    

Tests Offered: All tests have been scientifically proven to help determine the best way forward for individuals to reach their health, nutrition and sports potential. 

Click to view sample test reports: 

DNA Diet: Approximately 40% to 80% of the variance in body weight is due to genetic factors. This helps to explain why not everyone gains or loses weight while following the same diet, despite being exposed to similar environments. Identifying an individual’s responsiveness to diet and lifestyle modification to control weight can be extremely advantageous. One of the first products of its kind in the world, DNA Diet tests for 15 genes that impact metabolism, exercise, body weight and body mass index. A detailed report with recommendations that include dietary changes and an exercise programme is provided. 

DNA Health: The DNA Health test is designed to optimise well-being and health by personalising lifestyle and diet choices and, where necessary, using supplements tailored to offset any particular nutritional deficit based on specific gene variants. The DNA Health approach helps establish the optimal nutrition necessary for good health, longevity and disease risk mitigation. Diet is a key factor in determining genomic stability as it impacts on all relevant pathways: exposure to dietary carcinogens, biotransformation, DNA repair and synthesis, and apoptosis. Current recommended dietary allowances for vitamins and minerals are based largely on the prevention of diseases of deficiency. However, because diseases of lifestyle are partly caused by damage to DNA it stands to reason that we should focus our attention on defining optimal requirements of key minerals and vitamins for preventing genomic instability. 

DNA Sport: DNA Sport examines various biological areas that impact training responsiveness and sporting performance. These include soft tissue and bone formation and remodelling; inflammation; oxidative stress; oxygenation influenced by blood flow and respiration; energy and fuel production; and metabolism during exercise. Knowledge of gene variations that influence these key biological areas can be used to exploit any genetic advantages and identify any weaknesses that need to be supported, through diet and the training strategies. 

DNA Oestrogen: Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history.  Oestrogen affects the function of a number of target tissues and research has shown that an increased lifetime exposure to oestrogen is a strong risk factor in the development of breast cancer. DNA Oestrogen tests for gene variants that have been shown to have an impact on how oestrogen is metabolised. Guiding the personalisation of diet, hormone and nutritional supplement recommendations, based on the insight gained from the DNA Oestrogen test, to improve oestrogen metabolism is of benefit to men and women who suffer from numerous oestrogen-dominant conditions and who have higher lifetime exposure to oestrogens, oestrogen metabolites and other carcinogens. DNA Oestrogen includes 11 genes involved in oestrogen biosynthesis, oestrogen metabolism, and phase I and phase II detoxification, providing information to guide personalised diet, lifestyle, hormone, and nutra-ceutical recommendations. 

COSTS*:

• • Starting at £125 for a consultation and report (not including test costs)

  • Tests costs currently starting at £127 (normal price £149)