March 2019 digital v1

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advancement of molecular tools,
the two branches of nutritional
genomics — namely Nutrigenetics and
Nutrigenomics — have become the
front-runners in the field of nutritional
research. Both these concepts stem
from the fact that the genetic makeup
of every individual is different. In other
words, no two individuals react exactly
the same way to a food substance,
and at the same time, no single food
substance has exactly the same impact
on the gene expression patterns of
two individuals.
According to Dr C N Ramchand,
Scientific Advisor for Frontier Lifeline
Nutrigenetics Clinic and an Adjunct
Professor, Faculty of Science,
Engineering and Technology at
Swinburne University of Technology,
Australia, Nutrigenetics aims to
identify genetic susceptibility to
diseases and the ways in which very
small difference in our genes can alter
the effects that nutrient intake has
on the body. By understanding and
analysing these variations, specific
dietary and disease prevention advice
can be given, based on personal
genetic makeup.
For example, Apolipoprotein A1
(ApoA1) plays an important role in
serum cholesterol metabolism. Studies
clearly indicate that a polymorphism
close to the ApoA1 gene determines
NUTRIGENETICS AIMS TO
IDENTIFY GENETIC
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISEASES
AND THE WAYS IN WHICH
VERY SMALL DIFFERENCE IN
OUR GENES CAN ALTER THE
EFFECTS THAT NUTRIENT
INTAKE HAS ON THE BODY
how polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)
intake affects plasma HDL cholesterol
levels. In this context, it would make
sense for some people to consume
higher amounts of PUFAs than others,
depending on genotype, to reduce
the risk associated with cardiovascular
disease (CVD).
More specifically, Eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) is a PUFA which is abundant
in fish oils and is prescribed as a dietary
supplement to prevent CVD.
On the other hand, Nutrigenomics
initially concerned itself with the effects
of nutrients on the expression of an
individual’s genetic makeup.
Of late, this definition has been
broadened to encompass nutritional
factors that protect the genome
from damage. Thus, nutrigenomics is
concerned with the impact of dietary
components on the genome, proteome
and metabolome, added
Dr Ramchand.
Hospital Integrated Functioning
While several technology providers
have recently entered this novel
healthcare segment in the country,
most of them still cater to the
consumer as service aggregators and
are not attached with a hospital where
all the assessment and treatment
components are integrated for better
patient outcome.
In this context, the Frontier Lifeline
initiative is unique.
“After the enrolment, we first collect
the recommended volume of blood
sample for DNA isolation (around 3-5
ml). While the nutrigenetics report
would take 45 to 60 days, including
shipping of samples, processing and
the design of diet plans, once the
genetic interpretation is delivered,
the patients would be referred to the
inhouse cardiologist, physiotherapist
and dietitian.” said Ramya Koshi,
Genetics Counsellor at the clinic.
The assigned cardiologist would
assess the patients’ lifestyle record
and genetic results to recommend
any medical advice. Simultaneously,
the hospital’s physiotherapist would
recommend physical activities which
would be beneficial according to
78 / FUTURE MEDICINE / March 2019