Nutrigenomics is a growing field of study today. Since people react differently to the same foods, studying individuals' genetic make up will help nutritionists to develop better diets to achieve the patients' goals. This one- on- one nutrition recommendation is called Personalized Nutrition, a a branch of Personalized Medicine.
The researchers of University of Toronto conducted an experiment with 138 healthy young adults and split them into two groups. The control group was given dietary recommendations without genetic information. The experimental group,however, was given low sodium dietary recommendation based on their genetic information. They had been informed they carried a gene linked to sodium intake and high blood pressure. Progress was tested after three and twelve months. There was no change in the health of the control group. The experimental group on the other hand showed significant improvement in health.
Personalized nutrition is great news for the general population. A good amount of population today in developed countries, such as in America, struggle with a healthy diet and weight, which can contribute to serious illness.
