Gene Testing and Sports Performance By Harpreet Pasricha Nutritionist

Gene Testing and Sports Performance

By Harpreet Pasricha Nutritionist

We live in a competitive world, wherein parents want their child to be the best in everything. Thus, with the myriad of options available today, gene testing is very popular nowadays. Genes do play a part in who we are and how we perform. For athletes, it works wonders as it acts as a tool to understand the body and what you need to do in order to change the game. So let’s understand all about gene testing in the succeeding paragraphs.

Which are the main genes?

There are about 200 genes that have significantly contributed to athletic performance. However, there are 2 main genes that are frequently studied about.

•                The ACE I/I genotype is associated with endurance performance.

•                The ACTN3 R/R genotype is associated with power-oriented performance.

What parameters are assessed with gene testing?

SPORTS & FITNESS NUTRITION

•                Aerobic Capacity

•                Endurance

•                Exercise Motivation

•                Exercise Recovery

•                Flexibility

•                Heart Capacity

•                Ligament Strength

•                Likelihood of Fatigue

•                Lung Capacity

•                Power Lactose

•                Tendon Strength

•                HDL Cholesterol with Exercise

•                Weight Loss or Weight Gain with Exercise

To what extent does gene testing aid in athletic performance?

There are many research articles that state that gene testing contributes to sports performance but there is not particular measure. As gene testing can be used as a tool but it’s not “the tool to determine if the child is going to excel in sports or not. This can be used with other tools to determine which sport maybe be apt for the child.

But gene testing can specifically help with the following in term of sports such as:

•                Determining exercises best suited for your body type

•                Enhancing functional fitness

•                Improving cognition and boosting mood.

The end result:

The gene test only acts as a tool to predict the best sport for the child. However, post the gene testing the parents should nurture that potential sport child with careful nutrition, coaching and planning. It is more likely that athletes, coaches and nutritionist will find it to be a relatively easier way to use your limited training time and diet planning more effectively and potentially smooth out some of the ups and downs along the way.

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About the writer

Ms. Harpreet Pasricha is one of India’s leading experts on nutrition. She has been actively involved in the weight loss and wellness space for the past 20 years. She is the founder and director of Diet Dr Clinic, a chain of weight loss and wellness clinics with a pan India presence.

Her lifelong interest in a natural and healthy way of life, has led her towards founding various initiatives in order to reach and impact the lives of people struggling with weight loss and other health complications.

Our sports nutrition and performance diet plans under trademark of WYNIT consist of natural foods that help young athletes meet their nutritional needs. We do not encourage the use of sports drinks, artificial supplements, energy bars and energy gels to players below 18 years of age due to their adverse effects on gut and kidney health.

All our sports nutrition programs will include regular feedback through telephonic / video call. The diet plans will change every 15 days / 1 month based on the feedback and the requirements.