24 Jul, 2019
Vitamins and minerals provide us with the essential nutrients to keep our bodies healthy, functional and able to protect ourselves from a variety of diseases.
However, the research carried out by personalised genomics company myDNA, reveals that one in five (21%) have no idea if their body is efficiently metabolising the vitamins they currently consume.
Sydney based mother of two, Amy Champion, says she just wants to be as healthy as possible. “Being a mother, working and studying at the same time, vitamins seemed an easy go-to solution.
“I have tried so many different vitamins and supplements over the years, but I never really know which ones are working for me and which ones are not,” Amy says.
Nutritionist, Alex Pendlebury, says that there is a lot of competing advice and mixed messages when it comes to vitamin supplements, “We’re overwhelmed with choice and options between individual vitamins, multivitamins, immune defence and nutritional supplements.
“People need trustworthy and clear information on which vitamins and minerals they may or may not need, and this can only be achieved with personalised advice. Vitamins and supplements that are suitable for one person may not be suitable for another,” she says.
“I have tried so many different vitamins and supplements over the years, but I never really know which ones are working for me and which ones are not.”
With three quarters (71%) taking vitamins without any professional advice, now a new DNA test can finally provide further insight into which vitamins and supplements our bodies may need the most, based on our genetics and lifestyle.
80% of Aussies say they are proactive in managing their personal health and wellbeing
11% of Aussies spend more than $100 a month on vitamins
71% of Aussies are taking vitamins without professional advice
CEO of myDNA, Dr Lior Rauchberger, says that everyone processes vitamins and minerals differently, “We all have a unique DNA profile that we inherited from our parents, and this dictates how we process vitamins and minerals.”
As information on vitamins is conflicting, the new at-home cheek-swab test identifies whether you may have a greater need for certain vitamins and minerals and the actions to take to meet your optimal needs.
“Some of us produce more vitamins, others absorb things quicker or slower. The DNA test can help guide people and give them information about what might be the best vitamins for them.
“The Vitamins Report provides personalised recommendations on the types of foods they should incorporate into their diet, based on their DNA profile, and also tips on which vitamins will be most useful and when,” says Dr Rauchberger.
“People need trustworthy and clear information on which vitamins and minerals they may or may not need, and this can only be achieved with personalised advice. Vitamins and supplements that are suitable for one person may not be suitable for another.”
Alex says that understanding what our bodies need, is the most important thing we can do, “Once we know our individual requirements, we can take the right actions towards our daily nutrition by focusing on the foods that contain the right nutrients for us.”
myDNA is encouraging all Australians to seek professional advice. “We suggest speaking to your local pharmacist about how your DNA can affect how you process vitamins and minerals, or head to the myDNA website for more information,” says Dr Rauchberger.