Dr. Shikha Sharma is one of India's most respected nutrition and wellness experts, with decades of experience helping patients achieve optimal health through personalized dietary approaches. We spoke with her about how genetics is transforming our understanding of nutrition — and what it means for the way we eat.
How Has Your Approach to Nutrition Changed with the Advent of Genetic Testing?
"It's been revolutionary," Dr. Sharma says. "For years, I gave dietary advice based on clinical assessment, blood tests, and general nutritional science. But I always knew that the same advice worked brilliantly for some patients and not at all for others. Genetic testing has given me the 'why' behind those differences."
She gives a concrete example. "I had a patient who was doing everything right — eating well, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight — but her LDL cholesterol remained stubbornly high. Genetic testing revealed she had APOE4 — a variant that causes significantly greater LDL elevation in response to saturated fat. Once we identified this, we made targeted changes to her saturated fat intake and her cholesterol normalized. Without the genetic insight, we might have gone straight to medication."
Which Genetic Insights Are Most Useful in Nutritional Practice?
"Carbohydrate sensitivity is probably the most clinically impactful," Dr. Sharma explains. "Variants in TCF7L2 and other genes affect insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. Patients with high-risk variants need to be much more careful about refined carbohydrates and glycemic load — not just for weight management, but for diabetes prevention."
She also highlights fat metabolism genetics. "APOE genotype is essential information for anyone with cardiovascular risk. APOE4 carriers need to limit saturated fat more aggressively than the general population. APOE2 carriers, on the other hand, may actually benefit from a higher fat diet in some contexts."
Vitamin and mineral absorption genetics is another key area. "I routinely see patients with vitamin D deficiency despite adequate sun exposure — and VDR variants explain why. Similarly, MTHFR variants affect folate metabolism and B12 utilization. Knowing these variants allows me to personalize supplementation rather than giving everyone the same generic recommendations."
What About the Gut Microbiome and Nutrition?
"The gut microbiome is the missing link between genetics and nutrition," Dr. Sharma says. "Your genes influence your microbiome composition, and your microbiome influences how you respond to different foods. The same meal can have very different metabolic effects in different people — and the microbiome is a major reason why."
She recommends combining genetic testing with microbiome testing for the most complete nutritional picture. "Together, they tell you not just what your genes predispose you to, but how your current gut ecosystem is functioning — and what dietary changes will have the greatest impact."
What Advice Do You Have for People Interested in Genetic Nutrition?
"Start with a comprehensive genetic test that covers the key nutritional traits — carbohydrate sensitivity, fat metabolism, vitamin absorption, caffeine metabolism, and food sensitivities," Dr. Sharma advises. "Then work with a qualified nutritionist or dietitian who understands how to translate genetic insights into practical dietary recommendations. The genetics gives you the map; the nutritionist helps you navigate it."
She emphasizes that genetic insights should complement, not replace, clinical assessment. "Your genes set your predispositions, but your food choices, lifestyle, and gut health determine the outcome. Genomics gives you the knowledge to make better choices — but you still have to make them."
Eat for Your Genes — Not the Population Average
Genomepatri and MyFitGene by MapmyGenome include nutrigenomic insights covering carbohydrate sensitivity, fat metabolism, vitamin absorption, and food sensitivities — giving you a personalized nutritional blueprint based on your actual DNA.
