From wellness trends to DNA kits, the idea that your genes can shape your diet has taken center stage. But what does this actually mean for your health—and how can understanding your genetics help you make smarter, more personalized nutrition decisions?
In this article, we’ll simplify the science behind nutrigenetics and explain how your genetic blueprint can help personalize your path to wellness.
Nutrigenetics vs. Nutrigenomics: What’s the Difference?
Though often confused, these two terms describe different aspects of the gene-nutrition relationship:
- Nutrigenetics explores how your unique genetic code influences your response to nutrients.
- Nutrigenomics looks at how the foods you eat can affect the way your genes behave.
At 3XYHealth, we focus on nutrigenetics to help fine-tune dietary and supplement strategies that are aligned with each person’s biology.
What Is Nutrigenetics?
Nutrigenetics is the science of how your DNA affects your nutritional needs. Tiny genetic differences—called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms)—can influence how well your body absorbs vitamins, processes fats and carbohydrates, handles inflammation, or detoxifies.
For example:
- Certain SNPs may reduce your ability to convert folate into its active form.
- Others may increase your sensitivity to caffeine or saturated fats.
- Some influence estrogen metabolism, detox pathways, or blood sugar regulation.
When combined with symptom analysis and lifestyle data, these genetic insights can help build a nutrition plan that works with your body, not against it.
Your Genes Are a Starting Point, Not a Sentence
Genetics provide helpful clues, but they don’t determine your health future. Having a genetic variation doesn’t mean you’ll develop a condition—it means you might benefit from targeted support in that area.
Think of it like a roadmap: it shows you the terrain, but you still get to choose the direction.
What the Science Tells Us So Far
Research has shown that genetic variations can impact various metabolic pathways. Among the most studied are those related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism, where specific SNPs influence how the body stores lipids or responds to insulin—factors that can affect blood sugar regulation and metabolic health 1.
Diet can also shape gene behavior. For instance, fat and calorie intake have been shown to influence tiny molecules called microRNAs, which help control how genes are activated—impacting processes like inflammation and energy balance 2.
Some nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, deliver greater benefits for certain genetic types. One study found that men carrying the APOE-E4 variant experienced notable reductions in triglycerides when supplementing with fish oil 3.
Polyphenols—compounds found in plant-based foods like berries, olive oil, and green tea—have also been shown to affect gene expression. They play a role in modulating inflammation, lipid metabolism, and vascular function by influencing how certain genes work 4.
While the science of nutrigenetics continues to grow, it’s important to acknowledge that current evidence is still developing. Many studies differ significantly in methodology—including differences in selected genetic markers, intervention intensity, sample sizes, and population characteristics—which makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions at this stage 5,6. Therefore, drawing strong conclusions remains challenging—but the field continues to evolve. Hence the importance of working with trained practitioners who can translate genetic information into safe, meaningful strategies.
Nutrigenetics as Part of a Bigger Picture
At 3XYHealth, we view nutrigenetic testing as part of a multifaceted personalization strategy. Our approach brings together in-depth dietary and lifestyle assessment, health history evaluation, biomarker analysis, and genetic insights. This comprehensive view helps us design recommendations that are not only tailored—but also realistic, sustainable, and aligned with your physiology.
Turning Insights into Action
Genetic insights are only valuable when they lead to action. That’s why we make sure your test results are translated into specific, evidence-informed recommendations—from nutrient forms and dosages to dietary tweaks and lifestyle habits.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s empowerment—making choices that support how your body actually works.
Ready to Personalize Your Health?
If you’re tired of one-size-fits-all nutrition advice, nutrigenetic testing may be the missing piece that brings clarity.
At 3XYHealth, we combine science-based nutrition and genetic insights to create personalized roadmaps for health, energy, and performance.
Curious if this approach is right for you?
Explore our services and discover your options.
References:
- Madeo, G. et al. Nutrigenomics: SNPs Correlated to Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism. Clin Ter 174, 200–208 (2023).
- DeLucas, M., Sánchez, J., Palou, A. & Serra, F. The Impact of Diet on miRNA Regulation and Its Implications for Health: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 16, 1–31 (2024).
- Keathley, J. et al. Nutrigenetics, omega-3 and plasma lipids/lipoproteins/apolipoproteins with evidence evaluation using the GRADE approach: A systematic review. BMJ Open 12, (2022).
- Ruskovska, T. et al. Systematic bioinformatic analyses of nutrigenomic modifications by polyphenols associated with cardiometabolic health in humans—Evidence from targeted nutrigenomic studies. Nutrients 13, 1–28 (2021).
- Robinson, K. et al. Effect of Incorporating Genetic Testing Results into Nutrition Counseling and Care on Dietary Intake: An Evidence Analysis Center Systematic Review—Part I. J Acad Nutr Diet 121, 553-581.e3 (2021).
- Robinson, K. et al. Effect of Incorporating Genetic Testing Results into Nutrition Counseling and Care on Dietary Intake: An Evidence Analysis Center Systematic Review—Part I. J Acad Nutr Diet 121, 553-581.e3 (2021).
