The Muscle Mag
Dr. El-Sohemy discussed his focus on understanding how genetic variations impact an individual’s response to different nutritional factors and how it affects their performance and recovery.
“There is solid evidence showing that having a specific gene variant means that one may require different nutritional needs and recommendations,” he explained. “We all differ in our responses, and scientific research now enables us to identify genetic variants that can indicate whether substances like caffeine can enhance performance, if more iron intake would be beneficial, or if additional vitamin C is necessary for better recovery. These are just a few examples that highlight the concept of precision nutrition utilizing genomics to optimize athletic performance.”
He emphasized that solid evidence exists indicating that having a particular gene variant means one may have unique nutritional requirements and recommendations due to individual differences in response. Precision nutrition through genomics can enhance athletic performance by identifying specific genetic variations that determine the effects of nutrients like caffeine, iron, and vitamin C on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. This personalized approach allows for tailored nutrition recommendations based on the athlete’s specific needs.
Discussing how genetic variants influence nutritional needs, Dr. El-Sohemy used the metabolism of caffeine as an example.
“Some individuals efficiently metabolize caffeine, benefiting from its performance-enhancing effects, while others with a different gene variant metabolize it less efficiently, leading to impaired performance,” he elaborated. “Interestingly, how caffeine makes you feel does not necessarily indicate your metabolic rate. For instance, feeling jittery after a small amount of coffee does not automatically mean you are a slow metabolizer.”
