LifeNome launches nutrigenomics program for practitioners
LifeNome, a precision health Al company, recently announced the launch of its certified nutrigenomics program for registered dietitians and certified nutritionists.
The company's CEO and cofounder Ali Mostashari, PhD, stated “For over the past two years, LifeNome, Inc. has been creating a precision consumer marketplace using individuals’ unique biological, biometric, behavioral and lifestyle data and applying that to personalize products and services uniquely suited to advance their health and well-being.”
LifeNome’s Genomics AI engine has received several industry awards, and the company's enterprise partners include LG, PEPSICO, Nestle, Campbell Soup, GNC and Unilever, to name a few.
“Now, LifeNome, Inc. is expanding into precision medicine by offering the most advanced nutrigenomic assessment technology on the market,” said Mostashari.
Experts often recommend seeking out registered dieticians or certified nutritionists for nutritional advice. “Because of this, it made sense to launch the nutrigenomics program for them, although LifeNome’s precision nutrition kits are available to other healthcare providers,” said Mostashari, adding that LifeNome also provides the necessary education and training to be able to accurately discuss the client's Precision Genotype Nutrition Assessment results.
By combining precision medicine and nutrigenomics, Mostashari hopes the service will help nutritionists differentiate themselves in the market and attract new clients who are looking for a more sophisticated and personalized approach to nutrition.
Zeroing in on unique genetic makeup
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation among people. SNPs help predict an individual’s response to certain drugs, susceptibility to environmental factors and risk of developing diseases. Current research focus has been on identifying SNPs associated with complex diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Medical intervention after diagnosis has been the focus of genetic specific medicine, or pharmacogenomics.
“Our emphasis is on individualized prevention," said Mostashari. "We want to empower people to make better nutrition and lifestyle choices based on their unique genetic makeup."
Current nutrigenomic testing evaluates commonly researched and validated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and its effects on vitamin requirements, detoxification, inflammation, chemical sensitivity, macronutrient metabolism, oxidation, food sensitivities, methylation, cardiovascular and mental health.
This simple association between SNP and trait doesn’t take into consideration that genetic expressivity, or phenotype, is not controlled by one gene but rather multiple genes that make small contributions to the overall outcome, called polygenic inheritance. Mostashari told us that LifeNome’s proprietary Genomics AI technology is the only polygenic engine on the market that looks at the cumulative effects of thousands of SNPs within an individual’s genome to identify micro and macronutrient pathways and protein expression likelihoods. He added that this technology personalizes diet and nutrition plans which can result in increased weight loss, improved energy and extended lifespan.
How it works
Nutritionists can sign up for a free trial to test out the personalized nutrition program. Certified members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) as well as the American Nutrition Association (ANA) are entitled to a 20% discount on the subscription plans. Plans start at $549 per month (6-month subscription) with personalized nutrition counseling allowed for up to 50 clients over a six-month period (which includes 25 clients receiving DNA kits and 25 others using their existing raw DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or FamilyTreeDNA).
Mostashari explained that he hopes this new practitioner offering will open the doors to more research as well as industry partnerships and collaboration.
“As the nutrigenomics program grows, we would like to see longitudinal clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of genetic specific individualized nutrition plans, as well as collaboration with manufacturing companies to personalize RDAs,” Mostashari said.
