The genes in our body determine our type of hair and the color of our eyes. It is also clear that genes influence our weight and even our sporting performance. All this information is stored in the DNA. What if we could use this genetic information for personal diet and exercise advice? HealthCity claims that they have the key to success with DNAFit.
Genotype/phenotype
The genotype is the set of genes and the phenotype is the set of observable traits. The phenotype is caused by the genotype and external environmental factors. This means that if you have a hereditary predisposition to become strong and you do a lot of strength training, you will probably also become strong. But that also means that if you have a hereditary predisposition for a certain characteristic, but do not train it, this characteristic will not develop further.
What is DNAFit?
At DNAFit, DNA is collected via cheek swab. The DNA is then sent to the DNAFit laboratory where it is analyzed. Within 3 weeks you will receive an extensive report by email containing information about your genetic endurance, strength, risk of injury, nutritional needs and information about sensitivity to carbohydrates, fats, gluten, alcohol and caffeine, among others. Based on this report, you can train with a certified DNAFit trainer from HealthCity. It would be the way to get fit and healthy! But how well does it work? And how scientific is it?
Scientific
Every energy-restricted diet produces results. The same applies to fanatical exercise, which you often see when people start losing weight. So this approach will certainly work, but not because it plays on the genes. When analyzing the DNA, 45 specific genes are examined. According to Paul de Bakker, Medical Genetics UMC Utrecht, hundreds of genes play a role, so those 45 genes do not mean much. The scientific studies that have been used also do not say much. The conclusion is often: Further research is needed. One of the conclusions of a used study says it all: Despite an increase in the use of such tests, evidence for the usefulness of genetic testing compared to traditional selection techniques in predicting athletic ability is lacking.
Blood type diet
The blood type is also a diet that uses your genes. Here the blood group is taken into account. Every blood group has foods that influence the body, positively or negatively. But just like DNAFit, this blood group diet is also far from scientifically substantiated. Apart from this diet, there is no other good research that shows the connection between blood types and digestion and the extent to which people absorb nutrients.
Conclusion
It is unclear which genes make the difference and whether we can influence them through training and diet. It is therefore unlikely that DNAFit will work in the longer term. Much more research is needed on this approach as with other genotype diets. So until then, just enough exercise and a healthy, varied diet and you don’t need a DNA test for that!
