Macronutrient Balance

We provide you with information based on your genetic profile about your percentage of fat, proteins and carbohydrates. We call this the  macronutrient balance. Each macronutrient is examined by us with your DNA Test food.

A healthy diet

Macronutrients are the nutrients that we consume in large quantities and that provide our bodies with energy and building materials. The macronutrients in our diet are fat, protein and carbohydrates. All macronutrients are essential for the body and are ideally included in a healthy diet.

How does the macronutrient balance work?

Fat, protein and carbohydrates (plus alcohol) together make up 100% of the daily energy intake. The energy contained in a nutrient is expressed in calories or joules. The body does not need the same amount of each macronutrient. The body’s need for protein is, in general, lower than for fat or carbohydrates. For that reason, protein will make up a smaller percentage of the diet than fat and carbohydrates.

Alcohol doesn’t count

Alcohol is not a macronutrient (it is not an essential source of energy or building material), but it does contain a lot of calories. A person’s individual metabolism (metabolism) determines how well the macronutrients are absorbed, transported and stored. Genetic variants influence these processes and are partly responsible for whether a certain nutrient has a large or little influence on body weight.

An example of a macronutrient balance

Based on your genetic profile, we can see what the percentages are for fat, proteins and carbohydrates in your body. An outcome could be:

  • 40% Fat
  • 20% Protein
  • 40% Carbohydrates

Explanation of the percentages

Based on scientific studies, we have determined the above example percentages to translate a diet pattern ‘high in fat’ or ‘high in carbohydrates’ into a practically applicable eating schedule. We use four genetic variants in four genes involved in the processing of fat, protein or carbohydrates to give an indication of the ratio of macronutrients that is in balance for your body.

Getting insight helps

These sample percentages are a guideline, a handle to start with and possibly adjust based on your experiences, whether or not in collaboration with a nutritionist or dietician. The percentages per macronutrient add up to the 100% daily energy intake in calories.

The fat percentage

Fat in the diet mainly acts as a source of energy for the body. In addition, it contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and essential fatty acids. At nine calories, fat contains the most energy per gram of the macronutrient. Compared to proteins and carbohydrates, which both contain four calories per gram, a small amount of fat in a food provides a large energy (calorie) intake.

Lose weight with fat

Despite it sounding contradictory, scientific research shows that there are people who lose weight better through a diet that is relatively high in fat. Some of these interpersonal differences can be explained by genetic variants associated with fat intake. Based on a selection of three SNPs, it was examined which type of diet, relatively high, medium or low in fat, gives the best chance of weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight.

Which gene are we looking at?

For example, with your genetic profile we can see whether a diet that is relatively high in fat can help you with weight loss and weight maintenance. For this we look at:

·       rs1801282 : PPARG – Affects the storage of fats

·       rs5082 : APOA2 – Affects sensitivity to saturated fats

Saturated fats

Fat can be divided into saturated, unsaturated and trans fats. Of these three types of fat, humans only need unsaturated fats in their diet. Humans are able to form saturated fats from unsaturated fat and carbohydrates. Saturated fats in the diet are associated with obesity and other lifestyle diseases. The general advice in the Netherlands and in most other countries is to ensure that no more than 10% of the calories in the daily diet come from saturated fat.

Your genetic profile (bold)

With your genetic profile we can see that, for example, the risk of being overweight, due to saturated fats in the diet, is (not) increased. For this we look at:

  • rs5082 : APOA2 – Affects sensitivity to saturated fats

Protein

Proteins in the diet provide, in addition to energy (calories), mainly amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for the body’s own proteins, which are produced in the cells. Some amino acids can be made by the body itself. The other, so-called essential amino acids, your body must get from protein in the diet.

Minimum of protein

The body needs a minimum of protein in the diet to meet the essential amino acid requirement. It turns out that for some people it has a positive effect on body weight, to increase protein intake. This relatively higher protein intake shows a faster decrease in body weight in combination with food restriction (hypocaloric diet). It also appears to be easier for these people to maintain a healthy weight with a relatively higher protein intake. Genetic differences underlie individual differences.

Your genetic profile (protein)

With your genetic profile we can see whether it is associated with a positive effect of a (slightly) increased protein intake on weight loss and weight maintenance. For this we look at:

  • rs1558902 : FTO – Associated with sensitivity to dietary protein

Carbohydrates

For most people, a large portion of the daily calorie intake will come from carbohydrates. By carbohydrates we mean sugars, starch and fiber. Sugars and starches are the carbohydrates that are an important source of energy for the body.

Effect of diet on body weight

Studies comparing diets high in fat and low in carbohydrates with diets low in fat and high in carbohydrates show an association between genetic variants and the effect of diet on body weight.

Your genetic profile (Carbohydrates)

For example, your genetic profile may show that your diet relatively (low) in carbohydrates may be a good way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. For this we look at:

  • rs7903146 : TCF7L2 – Associated with carbohydrate sensitivity

Buy your nutrition report now

With this nutritional report you gain insight into your genetic predisposition for everything related to a healthy weight, Macronutrients, Micronutrients and your salt sensitivity. Based on your genetic profile, we can see:

  • What daily energy needs you have
  • Whether you have a genetic risk of being overweight
  • How is your energy balance?
  • What is your best diet
  • What affects your weight loss and weight maintenance
  • Whether you have an increased risk of a deficiency of vitamins and minerals
  • The risk of increased blood pressure due to a higher salt intake