Ask the Professor: How Nutrigenetics is Revolutionizing Personalized Wellness
“The science of gene-diet interaction is one of the most promising strategies we have to improve general health,” says Professor Giovanni Scapagnini. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of nutrigenetics and its pivotal role in the future of personalized nutrition and disease prevention.
Professor Scapagnini, an esteemed medical doctor and neurobiologist with over 250 indexed papers, joins Better Health Beat to discuss how our unique genetic blueprints determine our response to the foods we eat.
Defining the Future: Nutrigenetics vs. Nutrigenomics
Prof. Scapagnini, how would you define these terms for those interested in personalized health?
"Modern nutrition has moved beyond general guidelines. We now focus on two main branches. Nutrigenetics studies how our individual genetic traits (genotypes) modulate our responses to specific nutrients. In contrast, Nutrigenomics provides insights into how the nutrients we consume actually regulate our gene expression and cellular function. They are closely related but distinct: one is about how genes affect nutrient response, the other is about how nutrients affect gene behavior."
The End of 'One Size Fits All' Aging
What is your view on using genetic assessment to support healthy aging?
"A 'healthy balanced diet' is a great starting point, but it's based on population averages. We now know that gene-diet interactions significantly affect the quality of aging. Depending on your unique biology, you may age more or less successfully. Technological advances have made personal genome testing more accessible, allowing us to move from general recommendations to true individualization. By combining genomic data with functional tests, we can provide a roadmap for successful aging that is specifically tailored to the individual."
The Critical Role of Functional Data
Many people find genetic testing confusing. Why is it important to pair genetics with functional data?
"A genetic test without functional data is just an academic exercise. Take the MTHFR gene as an example. Knowing you have a variation (SNP) in this gene is only meaningful if you also measure your serum homocysteine levels. Genes are the blueprint, but functional measurements tell us how that blueprint is being expressed right now. You can't improve what you can't measure. By measuring biomarkers before and after intervention, we can verify that our nutritional approach is actually working."
Detoxification: Science vs. Fad
Many 'detox' diets are dismissed as fads. What is the molecular reality of detoxification?
"Biochemically, detoxification is a fundamental enzymatic process that happens 24 hours a day. It relies on Type I and Type II systems, primarily in the liver. Genetic variability means every person's detox capacity is different. We can properly upregulate these systems through specific nutraceuticals—for example, the sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables. Effective cellular detoxification is key to avoiding genomic instability, which is a major driver of cellular aging."
The Better Health Beat Philosophy
At Better Health Beat, we echo Professor Scapagnini's sentiment. Our approach is built on providing 'Food State' and wholefood nutrients that mirror the complex structures found in nature—the very structures our genes have evolved to process. By bridging your unique 'Nutrition Gap' with bio-effective solutions, we help you take control of your health journey.
Unlock your biological potential with Better Health Beat. Explore our range of science-backed, nature-identical nutrition designed for your unique needs.