What Does My Family Tree Have To Do With My Nutrition?

DNA traces our ancestry and helps our family tree flourish.

It can determine what we look like and can influence what diseases we may develop.

It even has the power to solve crimes.

Today, science has cooked up a new twist (pun intended) when it comes to our strands of DNA.

An analysis of our saliva can give each of us our own, unique roadmap to optimal health—through food.

In order to survive, our ancestors ate the foods that were available to them. They had to align their eating habits with their environment. This resulted in the evolution of metabolisms, and digestive systems, that are better suited for different foods.

Here’s an example. When Europeans started farming cattle and drinking milk they adapted in order to digest lactose, the sugar that’s found in milk and other dairy products. Regions without access to milk most likely didn’t evolve in the same way.

We’ve all been taught in science class that we inherit two sets of chromosomes—one copy from your dad and the other from your mom. This gives each of us 46 total chromosomes. Because we each have two copies of each chromosome, we also have two copies of each gene. We all have genetic variants within our genes that can significantly impact how our genes interact with food and influence our health.

This genetic interaction is called nutrigenomics. It is the study of the relationship between the human genome, nutrition and health. It is an area of scientific research that is growing rapidly and proving that our genetics determine how our bodies process food.

We use this whole-body science to determine what you should eat based on your family tree.This is why the foods your ancestors ate are relevant to your health.

GenoPalate’s nutrition DNA test is just like the saliva test you’d take to map out your ancestry. Once you’ve submitted your DNA test kit or existing DNA data from other genetic tests, your DNA is securely analyzed.

We take a look at over 100 genetic variants to develop your genetic profile and to help you learn how it relates to different nutrients.

Upon review of your report, you’ll see the percentage of the population that shares your same genetic results for the variants we analyze. You’ll have a better understanding of how your body processes carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. We’ll provide you with a guide to the type, amount and best sources for each nutrient. You’ll also become aware of lactose or gluten sensitivities and how you metabolize caffeine and alcohol.

Unlike other DNA tests on the market, we also include a personalized food list. We compile this list by comparing your gene-based nutrition profile to the nutrient profile of the hundreds of foods in our food database.

Each personalized list includes all the major food groups broken down into 16 subcategories and over 85 foods that are the best fit for your body.

While the science may seem complex, the formula is simple: Your Genes + Nutritional Science = Your Foods.

Put personalized nutrition science to work for you and your family

Because genes are passed down within bloodlines, you tend to be more genetically similar to those you are related to.

Let’s revisit the lactose sensitivity example:

The LCT gene helps determine if you are lactose intolerant or not. The GG genotype tends to have a harder time digesting lactose, whereas the AG and AA genotypes have an easier time.

If we were to run our nutritional analysis on a traditional family, for instance, we may discover that the father is lactose intolerant while the mother is lactose tolerant.

If the mother’s and father’s genotypes looked like the above, any children would likely be lactose tolerant and could likely continue to buy traditional dairy products.  

Research has shown that positive health outcomes are experienced when people with certain genotypes consume certain nutrient levels.

While the use of nutrigenomics to support health is relatively new to the mainstream marketplace and to modern medicine, its future is limitless.