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Nutrigenomics is the study of how nutrition impacts genes, with a specific interest in how the diet may contribute to or prevent disease. The study of genetics in general has been of interest to scientists for many years but has more recently sparked interest in the public as consumer testing is now available in easy, take-home kits. With one quick saliva sample you can discover your genetic disease risk, relatives, and country of origin. Expanding beyond just the basics, nutrigenomic testing is now widely available as well. Companies are offering basic suggestions on foods that fit best with your genetic makeup, such as foods that may contribute to weight gain or digestive upset, or genetic predispositions to certain types of nutrient deficiencies. Nutrigenomics is taking personalized nutrition to the extreme. So, what exactly do we know about nutrigenomics?

Nutrigenomics is relatively new to the public market

The topic of nutrigenomics is quickly becoming popular in the United States and around the world.  Scientists Neeha and Kinth point out, “…there is an urgent need to boost more research in this field to help people in understanding the relationship between diet and health, and to ensure that everyone benefits from the genomic revolution.”¹ However, the application of gene and nutrition technologies were mostly untried and untested in the early 2000s.² Even though that was 20 years ago, bringing a new scientific technology to the consumer market takes time. It has only been in the past couple of years that the average person could pick up a genetic and nutrition kit online or at the pharmacy.

This raises the question – is it too early to jump into genetic/genomic testing? Perhaps not, but test results should be digested with a few key points in mind.

Genetic results should only be interpreted by trained professionals

Just like any other type of specialist, the study of genetics and genomics is best understood by a specialist. A geneticist, a genetic counselor, or a medical provider who specializes in genetics and genomics is best equipped to help an individual understand results.³ Without proper interpretation, results could be confusing or even alarming. Just like if your doctor drew your blood and sent you home with results but no consultation, you likely won’t understand what is truly important and what isn’t. Many “abnormal” results still can easily be dealt with. If you are interested in trying genetic testing for yourself, purchase an all-inclusive kit from a reputable company, or ask your primary care provider for a referral.

Genetic tests raise ethical issues

Your genes tell the unique story of you. However, they tell a story about you that even you may not be familiar with. Looking into individual genes is almost something right out of a sci-fi movie; you can now get a glimpse into your future. Are you likely to develop Alzheimer’s? A genetic test can tell you. Although, that may not be something you really want to know. On the other hand, it might give you the option to take preventative steps now, like improving your diet. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you are interested in having an in-depth look into your health.

Nutrigenomics is debunking the “one-size-fits-all” philosophy

Food science is constantly evolving and is often confusing to consumers. The food pyramid today looks entirely different than the food pyramid in the 1990s. It’s difficult to keep up with the trends; keto, intermittent fasting, paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, flexitarian, are just a few diets that have become very popular just in the last 5 years. The future of nutrigenomics will help to answer the questions, “Are all foods really healthy?” and “Are any foods really bad”? Rather than blindly following the latest dietary trends, each individual can have access to understanding their own unique dietary needs. Imagine everybody eating for the benefit of their own body rather than spending time becoming frustrated when the diet their friend is finding success on doesn’t work for them. Nutrigenomic research shows even generalized micro- and macronutrient recommendations do not affect every individual in the same way.⁴ Scientists now even believe that diseases like obesity can be addressed on a molecular and metabolic level.⁵ As nutrigenomics continues to develop over the next few decades, we are sure to see a complete disruption of the current nutrition industry.  

If you are interested in personalizing and optimizing your nutrition, speak to your doctor about what genetic testing options would be best for you.

If you know you want a personalized supplement program but aren’t ready to dive into nutrigenomics, try taking our online assessment. You’ll receive supplement recommendations tailored to your diet, health, lifestyle, and prescription medications. Find out what your body really needs

Do you ever wish there was more you could do to help manage your stress? The supplement, Rhodiola may be a good option for you. Its apoptogenic properties make it one of our favorite “self-care” supplements. Rhodiola is a high-altitude plant and its roots are harvested to form an extract that has been used for centuries in ancient Chinese medicine for things like supporting mood and fighting fatigue. More recent research has helped us understand how Rhodiola works.

So, How Does It Work?

You may have felt the physical symptoms of stress like fatigue or mood changes. These physical symptoms are due to changes that are happening on a cellular level when your body is under stress. The active compounds in Rhodiola are rosavin and salidroside and have been shown to have neuroprotective activity (meaning they help protect your cells) and may also help cells adapt to stress and mitigate the harmful effects of stress (1). Additionally, the active compounds in Rhodiola stimulate the central nervous system which translates into Rhodiola’s ability to fight fatigue (2).

Key Benefits

• Supports Stress Adaptation
• May help fight fatigue (particularly fatigue brought on by stress)
• Supports mood

As with any supplement, make sure any Rhodiola you purchase has been tested for purity and quality. Our Rhodiola is batch tested to ensure it contains 3% rosavin and 2% salidroside. Take the assessment at Personanutrition.com to find out if Rhodiola is a good option for you!

Since their legalization in 2018, hemp-based products are available almost everywhere. From the pharmacy shelf to the checkout counter at the convenience store, it seems every retailor is now offering a variety of creams, lotions, and oils containing popular hemp products. This overwhelming accessibility points to the fact that more Americans are trying these products to relieve daily symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and pain. A recent Gallop poll found that one in seven Americans use some type of hemp-based product.¹

With the growing popularity of hemp products on the market, so also are growing consumer concerns about choosing the right product for you and avoiding any negative implications, such as a false positive on a drug screening.

How do drug screenings work?

Common drug screenings look for the psychoactive component of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or its metabolites in specific quantities to determine marijuana use. ² This is the chemical in marijuana responsible for the euphoric feelings or high.²

Can using a hemp product cause a false positive on a drug screening?

It all depends on the products quality and components. Using a hemp product that contains THC or THCA could result in a false positive on a urine drug screen.³ Hemp products are not supposed to contain more than 0.3% THC, however, there are mislabeled products on the market so consumers must be careful.^4,5 Furthermore, not all extraction processes are the same and some result in contamination. The safest option when concerned about THC content in your hemp supplement is to choose a hemp supplement that is proven to be completely THC free.

How to choose a quality hemp product that does not contain THC

Look for a broad spectrum or multi-spectrum hemp product as oppose to a full spectrum product that can contain THC. Find a manufacture that shares details of their extraction and purification process. These types of hemp products are generally treated to ensure their final product does not contain THC.⁶ Furthermore, look for a product that is willing to disclose their hemp supplement’s certificate of analysis. This document will detail exactly which cannabinoids are present in their product, including any THC.

Looking to see if a hemp supplement is right for you? Take Persona’s personalized vitamin assessment and find out how hemp extract fits within your wellness goals or interacts with your current medications. Persona offers a high-quality CBD Hemp Extract supplement extracted from pure hemp oil using CO2, instead of harsh solvents, and is tested to ensure this product is THC-free.