Reading Project: Designing a Personalized Nutrition Plan
Total Duration: 2 hours
Objective:
Students will read about personalized nutrition and DNA-based diets, analyze key
information, and apply their knowledge by designing a customized nutrition plan.
🔷 Phase 1: Research-Based Reading (45 mins)
1. Reading Activity
Task 1: All students read this:
A Personalized Nutrition Company Will Use Your DNA to Tell You What to Eat? (Reading 2
on the book pp. 133-135)
Answer all questions in C. Explain (p. 137) and E. Explain (p. 138).
Task 2: Students read in groups, using three texts:
Text 1: "What Is Personalized Nutrition?"
Description: This article explores the concept of personalized nutrition, discussing how
dietary recommendations can be tailored to individual needs based on factors like
genetics, age, and lifestyle.
Link: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Personalized-Nutrition.aspx
Text 2: "Nutrigenomics: How Your Genes Influence Your Nutritional Needs and Health"
Description: This article delves into the role of DNA in nutrition and health, explaining
how genetic variations can affect metabolism, vitamin absorption, and food intolerances,
with real-world examples such as lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity.
Link: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Nutrigenomics-How-Your-Genes-Influence-
Your-Nutritional-Needs-and-Health.aspx
Text 3 "A Dietitian’s Guide to Personalized Nutrition & Meal Planning"
Description: This guide outlines steps to develop a nutrition plan based on DNA insights,
discussing practical meal choices for different genetic profiles and how to create a DNA-
based diet plan.
Link: https://blog.thatcleanlife.com/dietitians-guide-to-personalized-nutrition-meal-
planning/
1|Page
2. Group Discussion
Groups summarize their assigned readings. (Summary for each reading)
They create a "Key Takeaways" list on personalized nutrition.
🔷 Phase 2: Designing a DNA-Based Nutrition Plan
3. Analyzing Genetic Profiles
📌 Task:
Each group receives a fictional DNA profile (e.g., high risk of vitamin D deficiency,
slow caffeine metabolism, lactose intolerance). (Choose one of the three fictional DNA
profiles below).
They analyze how these genetic traits influence nutrition choices.
4. Designing a Personalized Nutrition Plan
📌 Task:
Groups design a weekly meal plan based on their assigned genetic profile.
Plans include:
o Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
o Justifications for each food choice (based on their readings)
o Alternative meal options for variety
🔷 Phase 3: Presentations & Reflection
5. Group Presentations
Each group presents their Personalized Nutrition Plan and explains:
o How does DNA influence their food choices?
o How does this plan improve health?
o What were the biggest challenges in designing it?
6. Class Discussion & Reflection
Discuss: How can personalized nutrition benefit health?
Each student writes a short reflection:
o Would you like to try a DNA-based diet? Why or why not?
Profile 1: Alex Nguyen
📌 Background:
2|Page
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Activity Level: Moderately active (goes to the gym 3 times a week)
Health Goal: Improve energy levels and maintain a healthy weight
📌 Genetic Traits & Dietary Implications:
1️⃣ Carbohydrate Sensitivity: High
Alex's genes suggest that he processes carbohydrates more slowly, leading to a higher
risk of weight gain if he eats too many refined carbs.
Recommendation: Limit white rice, white bread, and sugary foods; focus on whole
grains, legumes, and fiber-rich foods.
2️⃣ Lactose Intolerance: Moderate
His genetic test shows reduced ability to digest lactose, causing mild bloating when
consuming regular milk, cheese, and ice cream.
Recommendation: Choose lactose-free dairy, plant-based alternatives like almond or
soy milk, and fermented dairy (e.g., yogurt, kefir).
3️⃣ Caffeine Metabolism: Slow
Due to a variation in the CYP1A2 gene, Alex processes caffeine slowly, making him
more prone to jitters and sleep disturbances.
Recommendation: Limit coffee intake to one small cup in the morning; switch to
herbal tea in the afternoon.
4️⃣ Omega-3 Absorption: Low
Alex has a genetic variant that reduces his ability to convert plant-based omega-3 (ALA)
into usable forms (DHA & EPA).
Recommendation: Increase intake of fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) or take
omega-3 supplements.
5️⃣ Vitamin D Deficiency Risk: High
His genes indicate a reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight.
Recommendation: Eat more vitamin D-rich foods (salmon, mushrooms, fortified dairy)
and consider a vitamin D supplement.
6️⃣ Salt Sensitivity: High
Alex has a genetic predisposition for high blood pressure when consuming too much
sodium.
3|Page
Recommendation: Reduce processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks; use
herbs and spices for flavor.
📌 Summary of Dietary Recommendations:
✅ Focus on whole grains and fiber instead of refined carbs.
✅ Choose lactose-free dairy or plant-based alternatives.
✅ Limit caffeine intake.
✅ Prioritize fatty fish and omega-3 supplements.
✅ Increase vitamin D-rich foods.
✅ Reduce salt intake and use natural seasonings.
Student Task: Create a Nutrition Plan for Alex
📌 Instructions:
1️⃣ Design a 3-day meal plan based on Alex’s genetic profile.
2️⃣ Justify why each food choice supports his genetic needs.
3️⃣ Present a short report explaining how this diet improves Alex’s health.
Here are three more fictional DNA profiles for your students to work with. Each profile has
unique genetic traits that influence their nutrition needs.
Profile 2: Maria López
📌 Background:
Age: 32
Gender: Female
Activity Level: Office worker, light exercise twice a week
Health Goal: Lose weight and maintain steady energy levels
📌 Genetic Traits & Dietary Implications:
1️⃣ Carbohydrate Sensitivity: Moderate
Maria's body processes carbs moderately well, but refined carbs can still cause energy
crashes.
Recommendation: Focus on low-glycemic foods like quinoa, oats, and brown rice
instead of white rice or sugary snacks.
2️⃣ Fat Metabolism: Slow
Maria has a genetic predisposition to storing fat more easily.
4|Page
Recommendation: Eat lean proteins (chicken, tofu, fish) and healthy fats (avocado,
nuts) while limiting fried foods and processed fats.
3️⃣ Caffeine Sensitivity: High
She is highly sensitive to caffeine, which can cause jitteriness and disrupt sleep.
Recommendation: Avoid coffee and energy drinks; drink green tea or herbal teas
instead.
4️⃣ Vitamin B12 Absorption: Low
Maria has a genetic variation that makes it harder to absorb vitamin B12.
Recommendation: Eat more eggs, dairy, and lean meats, or take a B12 supplement.
5️⃣ Sodium Sensitivity: Moderate
She has a moderate risk of high blood pressure from excess salt.
Recommendation: Reduce processed and canned foods; season meals with herbs
instead of salt.
📌 Summary of Dietary Recommendations:
✅ Eat whole grains & fiber-rich foods to stabilize blood sugar.
✅ Choose lean proteins and healthy fats to prevent fat storage.
✅ Avoid caffeine and opt for herbal teas.
✅ Increase B12-rich foods or take a supplement.
✅ Limit salt intake and use natural seasonings.
Profile 3: Jake Thompson
📌 Background:
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Activity Level: Student, high-intensity training (athlete)
Health Goal: Build muscle and improve endurance
📌 Genetic Traits & Dietary Implications:
1️⃣ Protein Needs: High
Jake’s genes indicate a higher demand for protein to support muscle growth.
Recommendation: Eat lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and protein shakes.
2️⃣ Caffeine Metabolism: Fast
He metabolizes caffeine quickly, meaning it has less effect on him.
5|Page
Recommendation: Can consume moderate caffeine for energy before workouts.
3️⃣ Iron Absorption: Low
Jake has a genetic risk of iron deficiency, which can cause fatigue.
Recommendation: Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, lentils) and pair them with
vitamin C-rich foods to boost absorption.
4️⃣ Lactose Intolerance: None
Jake can consume dairy without any issues.
Recommendation: Include milk, yogurt, and cheese for calcium and protein.
5️⃣ Omega-3 Needs: High
His genes show low conversion of plant-based omega-3s, making fish intake essential.
Recommendation: Eat salmon, mackerel, or take omega-3 supplements.
📌 Summary of Dietary Recommendations:
✅ High-protein diet to support muscle growth.
✅ Moderate caffeine intake for performance.
✅ Increase iron-rich foods with vitamin C.
✅ Include dairy for calcium and protein.
✅ Eat fatty fish or take omega-3 supplements.
6|Page
