Nutrigenomics

The women's health session was followed by presentations focused on disruptive tech, including nutrigenomics to A.I. for ingredient innovation.

Ahmed El-Sohemy, chief science officer at Toronto-based Nutrigenomix, explained that one of the goals of research in this area is to try to figure out how we can use genetic testing to understand why some people respond differently from others to the same foods, beverages and supplements that they consume.

Nutrigenomix offers consumers a report of 77 key genes, said Dr. El-Sohemy. Nutrients can turn certain genes on and off. Nutrients or bioactive substances can cause epigenetic changes in those genes that alter the expression and biological function.

“We're trying to understand how variations in genes affect the way we respond to diet,” Dr. El-Sohemy said. “Genes code for proteins and affect the absorption, the distribution, the cellular uptake and the elimination of virtually everything that we ingest. I think it's absolutely critical that we take genetics into account when we're studying the effects of nutrition on any outcome, not just athletic performance, but on cardiovascular outcomes and other health outcomes.”