[In the news] Portuguese genetic test analyzes 72 genes to customize healthy life plan

In this test, more than a hundred genetic markers are analyzed that help to understand how the person reacts to the intake of some nutrients.The team has also developed an application with which, from a cell phone, a person can access his or her data and a list of foods can be consulted.

Speaking to the Lusa agency, the researcher Daniel Luis, who created the test, explained that, through saliva, it is possible to analyze more than a hundred genetic markers that help understand whether the person has more tendency to gain weight and how he/she reacts to the intake of some nutrients.

This way, the test helps to understand "what changes a person can make in their diet in order to promote health and a healthy weight," he added. According to the researcher, who belongs to a team from the Portuguese startup HeartGenetics, a company that was born in the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), the test also allows to understand if the person has a greater or lesser sensitivity to sleep restrictions, which has an impact on the metabolic level.

Público, 05/04/2021 (https://www.publico.pt/2021/04/05/ciencia/noticia/teste-genetico-portugues-analisa-72-genes-personalizar-plano-vida-saudavel-1957172)