In 480 BC, Hippocrates noted that "positive health requires knowledge of man's primary constitution". This was just an ancient way of saying that we cannot achieve optimum health without knowing about our genes. Fast forward to the year 2013, we now know that specific variations in our genes can explain how we will respond to the foods, beverages and supplements we consume.

Imagine knowing what foods and nutrients your body needs more or less of to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer? Nutrigenomics is the study of how individual genetic variation affects a person's response to nutrients and impacts the risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. When it comes to diet and nutrition, a one-size-fits-all approach may not lead to optimal health. Research has shown that personalized dietary advice based on your DNA is more valuable than general population-based recommendations.

For example, the caffeine found in coffee can influence heart health. Depending on your genes, you may have an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart attack if you consume more than 2 cups of coffee a day. "Variations in the CYP1A2 gene affect the rate at which caffeine is broken down" says Annette Hottenstein, registered dietitian and president of Sensational Sustenance, LLC. "One in 2 people break down caffeine more slowly which puts them at a 53% greater risk for heart disease".

Hottenstein is a pioneer in performing nutrigenomics testing in a clinical setting and is one of a small number of dietitians on the East coast offering the service. She utilizes a testing kit from Nutrigenomix® to reveal how unique genetic code determines one's response to 7 nutrients that are essential to managing optimal health and preventing risk of chronic disease. Nutrients tested for are: 

• Omega-3 Fat
• Sodium
• Folate
• Saturated Fat
• Vitamin C
• Whole Grains
• Caffeine

Nutrigenomix® is a University of Toronto start-up biotechnology company that is dedicated to empowering dietitians and their clients with comprehensive, reliable, genomic information with the ultimate goal of improving health through personalized nutrition. Their genetic testing kit was launched in June of 2012 in Canada and is currently available in 8 languages in 15 countries.

Testing is easy and non-invasive. The initial consult takes 15 minutes to collect a saliva sample. Analysis takes a little over 2 weeks after which clients are provided with a personalized nutrition report containing over 40-pages of information regarding their unique genetic profile analysis. During a 45 minute follow up appointment, clients receive receive personalized diet recommendations to improve their health.