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This week, we’re looking at food as medicine and personalized nutrition. Today, we’re highlighting Toronto, ON-based Nutrigenomix, a company that specializes in personalized nutrition through nutrigenomics, the study of genes and how they interact with diet.
Nutrigenomix offers DNA tests (based on cheek or saliva swab samples) consisting of 70 genetic markers for health and wellness, athletic performance and fertility, which the company says reveal how genes impact weight loss and body composition, nutrient metabolism, heart health, injury risk, physical performance, fertility, food intolerances, and eating habits.
How They’re Featuring Food as Medicine
The company provides the tests through more than 10,000 healthcare practitioners in over 40 countries. Based on the results of genetic testing, Nutrigenomix produces personalized recommendations that can be taken to a healthcare provider. The company also offers personalized nutrition and fitness reports based on a vegan or vegetarian diet.
The Nutrigenomix test kit was used in the first published, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial of genetic information. According to the company, the research showed that DNA-based nutrition recommendations result in increased motivation, increased weight loss, a greater reduction in blood glucose levels, and greater dietary improvements than general advice and nutritional plans. Nutrigenomix also says that eating based on your DNA can also decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases and optimize health, sports performance, and fertility.
The company is associated with the University of Toronto, and has an International Science Advisory Board featuring world-renowned researchers in the field of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition.