*Sponsored Post by Fagron South Africa*
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most frequent type of DNA variation found in humans. Characterization of some SNPs may help to predict the risk of developing certain diseases and an individual’s response to certain foods and drugs. It is known that genetic factors determine between 40% – 70% of an individual’s BMI[1]. It makes scientific sense then, to establish the relevant genetic make-up of patients before we start offering dietary, exercise or supplementation advice to achieve a specific outcome.
Commercially available genetic tests come in 2 broad categories:
- Those with a basis in commercial arrays and
- Those that have manually curated gene arrays.
The importance of this differentiation is that manually curated arrays are designed specifically to look at the key genes to produce a meaningful and specific outcome for the doctor to interpret, while commercial arrays consist of many genes in a pool with wide selection criteria. Commercial arrays are usually based on hybridization technology, while manually curated arrays are based on the gold standard of qPCR.
Consider it the difference between “personalised medicine” and “medicine for the population”
Fagron Nutrigen™ is a customised, manually-curated qPCR genetic test, compiled specifically to analyse the genes that are scientifically validated to play a role in metabolism, exercise, food tolerance and digestion, sensitivity and other key factors when considering the optimal diet, exercise and supplementation plan for a patient.
Fagron NutriGen™ analyses 3 polymorphisms within 128 SNPs, resulting in 384 genetic variations – the most relevant variations when personalizing a diet plan, and almost 4 times as many as some competitor tests.
The algorithms supporting the analysis of the genetic make-up are routinely reviewed in conjunction with the latest scientific information and then updated if sufficient evidence is available.
This update is then passed directly to the patient’s report, allowing healthcare practitioners to be assured of the latest scientific evidence within the patient’s report and recommendations.
This leads to the ultimate goal of any genetic testing – one report for life.
We know that the patient’s genes won’t change, but, epigenetics and patient circumstances change routinely, and NutriGen™’s report will update along with these changes, free on demand.
This is a lifetime investment for the patient, they can rest assured that they will receive the gold standard in genetic reviews, as regularly as they choose, with a corresponding meal plan, exercise recommendation and supplementation schedule for the rest of their lives.
This benefits the practice’s sustainability, both from the return business (consultation, report review and prescription) but also in terms of the opportunity for profitable diversification of the business.
Contact Fagron South Africa to start offering this service to your patients
For further information, please email nicky.colyn@fagron.co.za, call +27 (0) 11 675 5331 / +27 (0) 79 692 7085, or visit www.fagrongenomics.com/nutrigen
References:
[1] Maes HH, et al. Behav Genet. 1997; 27: 325-51
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
