Personalized Nutrition: The Role of Genetics, Microbiome, and Digitalization

Personalized nutrition describes the adaptation of general dietary principles to the traits and state of a group or individual. Single gene polymorphisms can mandate specific dietary alterations while multiple genes, with more subtle effects, may combine to justify tailored approaches. Such combined effects can be measured with polygenic risk scores. The microbiome, genetic material present in microorganisms (microbiota) colonizing the gut, confers traits relevant for nutrition but also adapts during the life course and may be a modifiable factor in digestive function. Microbiome features are associated with variable responses to diet, but it is not yet clear how to harness this association to improve health. Microbiome variation in carbohydrate digestion capability (CAZymes) represents an opportunity to enhance health effects through dietary choices. In early life, this capability is immature so dietary glycan intake may influence microbiome development. Forming actionable recommendations from multiple complex biological parameters requires data integration. Appropriate capture and characterization of dietary data is a key challenge. Digital tools can enhance standard dietary assessment. Ultimately, personalized nutrition complements human expert judgement to advise an individual on their specific needs. New technologies can improve information synthesis and accessibility to support better judgements and dietary choices.