Nutrigenomics Explained: How Your Genes Affect What You Should Eat
Nutrigenomics Explained: How Your Genes Influence Nutrition, Health & Wellbeing
What Is Nutrigenomics?
Why do some people seem to respond differently to the same foods?
Why can one dietary pattern work well for one person but not another?
One reason may be nutrigenomics—the study of how genes and nutrition interact.
Researchers continue to investigate how genetic variation may influence:
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Nutrient metabolism
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Appetite and satiety
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Responses to certain foods
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Nutrient requirements
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Long-term health outcomes
Nutrigenomics is an exciting area of research, but it is important to understand what it can—and cannot—tell us.
At Broth & Co, we believe personalised nutrition should always begin with strong nutritional foundations.
What Is Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics examines how genetic differences may influence the way individuals respond to food and nutrients.
Researchers continue to explore how genes may affect:
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Carbohydrate metabolism
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Fat metabolism
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Caffeine metabolism
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Vitamin utilisation
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Appetite regulation
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Taste preferences
However, genetics is only one piece of the puzzle.
Lifestyle, environment and daily habits remain critically important.
Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny
One of the biggest misconceptions about nutrigenomics is that genes determine your future.
They do not.
Genes may influence tendencies and responses, but health outcomes are also shaped by:
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Diet quality
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Physical activity
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Sleep
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Stress management
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Social connection
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Environmental factors
This is why two people with similar genetic profiles can experience very different health outcomes.
Areas Where Genetics May Influence Nutrition
1. Nutrient Metabolism
Some people process nutrients differently.
Researchers continue to investigate genetic influences on:
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Folate metabolism
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Vitamin D status
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Omega-3 metabolism
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Caffeine metabolism
2. Appetite and Satiety
Genetics may influence hunger and fullness signals.
However, appetite is also affected by:
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Sleep
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Stress
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Protein intake
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Meal structure
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Physical activity
This is why healthy lifestyle habits remain important regardless of genetic background.
3. Food Preferences
Researchers have identified genetic variations that may influence preferences for:
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Bitter foods
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Sweet foods
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Certain flavours
Even so, food preferences are also strongly shaped by culture, environment and experience.
4. Responses to Different Dietary Patterns
Some people appear to respond differently to varying levels of:
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Carbohydrates
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Fat
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Protein
Researchers continue to investigate these differences.
However, overall dietary quality remains one of the strongest predictors of health outcomes.
Do You Need Genetic Testing?
Not necessarily.
Genetic testing may provide additional information for some individuals, but most people benefit more from improving the fundamentals of nutrition first.
Before considering genetic testing, focus on:
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Whole-food nutrition
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Adequate protein intake
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Fibre-rich foods
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Sleep
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Physical activity
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Stress management
These habits provide benefits regardless of genetic profile.
The Foundation Still Matters Most
While nutrigenomics is exciting, the strongest evidence continues to support:
Whole Foods
Focus on foods that are close to their natural state.
Adequate Protein
Protein contributes to:
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Maintenance of muscle mass
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Tissue repair
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Physical function
Learn more:
Dietary Variety
A varied diet provides a wider range of nutrients and supports overall dietary quality.
Consistency
Long-term habits generally have a greater impact than short-term dietary changes.
The Gut Microbiome May Matter as Much as Genetics
One of the most exciting areas of nutrition science is the relationship between:
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Genetics
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The gut microbiome
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Nutrition
Researchers continue to investigate how the microbiome influences:
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Digestion
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Nutrient utilisation
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Appetite
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Overall wellbeing
Learn more:
👉 The Gut Brain Axis Explained
Where Bone Broth Fits Into a Personalised Nutrition Approach
Bone broth is not a genetic intervention.
However, many people include bone broth as part of nutrition strategies focused on:
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Digestive wellbeing
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Active lifestyles
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Recovery nutrition
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Healthy ageing
A serve of Broth & Co Bone Broth provides approximately 5g of naturally occurring protein together with collagen-derived amino acids including:
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Glycine
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Glutamine
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Proline
Learn more:
The Broth & Co Clinical Study
Broth & Co Bone Broth Powder is supported by a clinical study conducted through the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM).
The study investigated daily bone broth consumption in Australian adults experiencing lower gastrointestinal disturbances.
Researchers observed improvements in:
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Digestive wellbeing outcomes
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Gastrointestinal symptom measures
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Quality of life measures
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Markers associated with intestinal permeability
following daily bone broth consumption.
Personalising Nutrition Without Overcomplicating It
You do not need a DNA test to begin personalising your diet.
Start by paying attention to:
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Energy levels
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Hunger patterns
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Digestion
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Meal satisfaction
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Recovery
Small adjustments can often provide valuable insights.
Examples include:
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Modifying protein intake
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Adjusting meal timing
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Increasing dietary variety
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Improving sleep quality
A Practical Daily Framework
Morning
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Hydration
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Protein-rich breakfast
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Optional bone broth
Midday
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Protein
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Fibre-rich vegetables
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Healthy fats
Evening
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Nutrient-dense whole-food meal
Daily
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Physical activity
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Sleep
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Consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is the study of how genes and nutrition interact.
Do I need a DNA test to improve my diet?
No. Most people benefit greatly from improving basic nutrition and lifestyle habits first.
Can genetics determine the best diet?
Genetics may influence responses to food, but overall dietary quality remains one of the strongest predictors of health outcomes.
Is gut health important even if I know my genetics?
Yes. Researchers continue to investigate the important relationship between the gut microbiome, nutrition and wellbeing.
Can bone broth be included in a personalised nutrition plan?
Yes. Bone broth can be incorporated into a balanced dietary pattern and provides naturally occurring protein and collagen-derived amino acids.
Final Thoughts
Nutrigenomics is an exciting and rapidly evolving area of nutrition science.
While genetics may influence how individuals respond to foods and nutrients, the fundamentals remain remarkably consistent.
The strongest foundations for long-term health continue to be:
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Whole-food nutrition
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Adequate protein intake
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Dietary variety
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Physical activity
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Sleep
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Consistent habits
At Broth & Co, we believe the most effective nutrition strategy is one that combines scientific understanding with practical, sustainable daily habits.