When we scroll through social media, we’re often bombarded with diet plans claiming to be the perfect solution for everyone. With so many conflicting recommendations, how do we know which nutrition patterns are actually right for us?
The reality is that everyone responds to food differently. Think about eating a sugary slice of cake. While one person might be buzzing with energy for hours, another may face a sugar crash almost immediately. There are many factors that influence how we respond to food, but one important piece of this puzzle is our genetic makeup.
In the early 2000s, scientists completed the Human Genome Project, which identified the human body’s entire DNA sequence. The human genome encodes between 20,000 and 25,000 genes, which act as an instruction manual for how our body functions. Understanding the human genome has allowed for incredible advancements the field of genomic science – including research that identifies how our genes interact with the food we eat.
Nutrigenomics investigates the intersection between our genetic makeup and our diet. A classic example of this is caffeine. The CYP1A2 gene encodes an enzyme in the liver that metabolizes most of the caffeine we consume. Due to genetic variations in this gene, some people metabolize caffeine slowly, allowing for steady energy release throughout the day, while others are fast metabolizers and lose energy more quickly.
Have you ever heard someone mention they’re sensitive to salt? This is another example of interplay between genetics and food. People who are salt-sensitive experience a higher increase in blood pressure after eating salty foods than those who are less sensitive. Genetics are a key player in this response, along with other factors like kidney health and age.
So how can nutrigenomic information help us? Understanding the relationship between our genetics and the foods we eat may allow us to make healthier choices based on our unique genetic makeup. For example, if you know you are sensitive to salt, you can protect your heart by following a lower-sodium diet. If you realize that caffeine affects you very quickly, you might change up when you drink your morning coffee.
The topic of nutrigenomics brings to mind a questions scientists have been pondering: Are diet plans based on genetics the future of nutrition? Personalized nutrition has promise to help us live as healthy a life as possible. But it’s important to remember that factors influence how our bodies respond to food, including physical activity and the gut microbiome. Genetics plays only one part in guiding how we eat.
Macy Stahl is a PhD student in kinesiology and exercise physiology at the University of Virginia. She has a strong passion for the role that exercise plays in disease management and prevention. Stahl’s research focuses on exercise interventions in people with cardiovascular disease. She served as a meeting blogger for the 2025 American Physiology Summit.