What is nutritional genetics?

Have you ever wondered why two people can eat exactly the same thing and get completely different results? The answer lies in nutritional genetics, also known as nutrigenetics.

Nutritional genetics is the science that studies how your genes influence the way your body responds to food and nutrients. Instead of following general "one-size-fits-all" recommendations, it lets you understand what kind of diet best suits your particular body. In this guide we explain it simply, with examples.

Want to discover your nutritional genetics? Discover Ajolote Azul's NGx Test.

What is nutritional genetics and what is it for?

It's the discipline that connects your DNA with your diet. It helps you stop guessing: instead of following the latest fad diet, you get recommendations based on how your body actually uses what you eat. The result is more precise decisions about what to eat, how much, and which supplements to consider.

How does nutritional genetics work?

Each person has variations in their genes (called polymorphisms) that affect, among other things:

• How you metabolize vitamins and minerals.
• How you process fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
• Your tendency to feel hunger or fullness.
• Your exercise response.
• Your risk of food intolerances.

Nutritional genetics analyzes these variations and translates them into personalized recommendations. Some examples:

| Gene | Variant | What it implies | | ------------- | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | BCMO1 | Risk | You convert beta-carotene to active vitamin A less efficiently | | FTO | Risk | More hunger; you need more protein to feel full | | Lactose genes | Risk | Lower tolerance to dairy |

How does it differ from nutrigenomics?

Although they sound similar, they're not the same:

• Nutrigenetics: studies how your genes affect your response to food.
• Nutrigenomics: studies how food affects the expression of your genes.

At Ajolote Azul we focus on nutrigenetics through the NGx Test, which analyzes more than 20 key genes and gives you a clear report with practical recommendations for your diet, weight, energy and physical performance.

Ready to eat according to your DNA? Take your NGx Test with Ajolote Azul or book a consultation.

Why does knowing your nutritional genetics matter?

Because when you understand how your body responds, you stop following "fad" diets that aren't made for you and start eating intelligently, according to what you really need. That usually translates into more energy, better weight control and a healthier relationship with food.

In summary: how to use nutritional genetics to your advantage?

Nutritional genetics gives you a personalized map of how your body uses food. It's not magic or a sentence: it's information that, combined with good habits, lets you make better decisions every day.

Want to discover yours? Take your NGx Test now with Ajolote Azul. Get your kit at home and, within a few weeks, you'll have a personalized report to eat more intelligently and effectively. Your genetics is already written; it's time to use it to your advantage.

Want to go deeper? We recommend:

• What is nutrigenetics used for?
• Nutrition genetic test in Mexico
• Genetic test to know which diet suits me

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Sources

• Ajolote Azul – Genetic tests
• PMC – Nutrigenetics and personalized nutrition
• MedlinePlus – Genetic testing
• Mayo Clinic – Genetic testing
• UOC – Study on nutrigenetics