Did you know that sometimes our bodies don’t absorb the vitamins and minerals that they should? How do you know if you are getting the nutrients that you need? About 1 in 10 people are affected by rare genetic conditions. Traditional tests might not catch the issues occurring inside your body, but genetic testing can reveal how your body handles nutrients. This important information is found inside your DNA!

In this article, we will talk about the need for a personalised approach to nutrition and how genetic testing can uncover hidden nutritional deficiencies. Your genetic profile may be the key to making smarter decisions about your health and well-being.

How Genetic Testing Identifies Hidden Deficiencies

Genetic testing identifies specific variations in your DNA that can affect your health. Testing helps you understand how your body absorbs and processes nutrients. This is information that is often missing from mainstream testing. This information allows your doctor to pinpoint where your body struggles to absorb essential vitamins and minerals so that you can establish a personalised diet to improve your overall well-being.

The Role of Genetic Variation in Nutrient Absorption

Some people may have specific genetic traits that prevent them from absorbing certain vitamins or minerals effectively. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies which means no matter how hard you work to get good nutrition, it won’t be absorbed. Let’s look at the genetic variations that can impact your health: 

• Reduced ability to absorb vitamin D
• Difficulty converting beta-carotene into vitamin A
• Inefficient processing of folic acid
• Increased need for omega-3 fatty acids
• Difficulty absorbing or using iron efficiently

Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies Found Through Genetic Tests

The reason it’s important to identify nutritional deficiencies is that when they are left unchecked, your long-term health can be impacted. Here are a few common situations where genetic tests uncover deficiencies and how to address them.

Situation #1: Low Vitamin D Levels
A man found out through genetic testing that their body struggled to absorb vitamin D. This man worked outside regularly and assumed he would have exceptional vitamin D levels due to sunlight exposure. He was shocked when his doctor informed him that he was not absorbing enough Vitamin D and was at risk for weak bones, muscle pain, and fatigue.

Addressing the issue:
To address the issue, he began to increase his vitamin D intake both through supplements and foods rich in Vitamin D such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products. His increased consumption of Vitamin D helped him improve his levels in time.

Situation #2: Poor Folate ProcessingA young lady was tired all of the time despite her young age. She expressed a concern to her doctor who recommended genetic testing. There, she discovered she had difficulty converting folic acid into its active form. This issue was likely causing her low energy levels and placed her at risk for issues like anemia.

Addressing the issue:
She began to take a supplement of methylated folate because it was easier for her body to process. This helped her prevent nutrient deficiencies and improve her overall health.

Situation #3: Iron Deficiency
A woman felt depleted on an ongoing basis. Her low energy and muscle weaknesses were impacting her ability to care for her family. Soon, she began getting ill often. After genetic testing, she learned that her body was having trouble absorbing and utilising iron. 

Addressing the issue:
She began taking iron supplements and adding foods that were high in heam iron to her diet. Her body more readily absorbed heam iron from red meat and poultry. By switching from plant sources to meat sources of iron, she was able to increase her iron levels.

The Advantages of Personalized Nutrition 

Genetic testing is your invitation to personalised nutrition. It gives you the information to see how your genetic makeup impacts your body. Here are some key advantages of adopting a personalized nutrition plan:

1. Targeted Nutrient Intake. A personalized nutrition plan allows you to determine the vitamins and minerals your body truly needs. For example, if your genetic test shows that you don’t absorb enough vitamin B12, you can increase your intake through supplements or specific foods. This approach addresses the exact deficiencies in your diet.
2. Improved Energy Levels. Good nutrition allows you to maintain steady energy throughout the day. If your genes reveal a tendency for low iron absorption, boosting your iron intake can reduce fatigue and improve your energy levels throughout the day.
3. Better Health Outcomes. Personalised nutrition reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions linked to nutrient deficiencies, like heart disease or osteoporosis. Addressing genetic tendencies for poor calcium absorption early on could help protect your bone health over time.
4. More Efficient Diet. With a tailored plan, you can avoid taking unnecessary supplements. Instead, you invest in the nutrients that benefit you based on your genetic profile. For instance, if you process omega-3s efficiently, you won’t need to supplement unnecessarily.
5. Enhanced Well-being. A diet based on your genetic profile can lead to improved physical and mental well-being. By providing your body with what it specifically needs, you can support better digestion, mental clarity, and overall mood.

Experience Personalized Care for Your Longevity Goals

Doctors play a crucial role in helping you achieve your long-term health goals. At Span Clinic, you’ll receive personalised, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. Our online platform offers flexibility, allowing you to access expert advice. This access combined with your longevity assessment will provide you with a deep understanding of your health.

Reach out to Span Clinic today and start your personalised care plan for a healthier, longer life.