Precision Nutrition Impact on Health-Related Behavior Change in Service Members

Abstract

Abstract Objectives 1) Examine the effectiveness of gene-based nutrition counseling on health-related behaviors in service members as measured by body weight, body mass index, blood glucose, lipids, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, % body fat, waist circumference, and blood pressure; 2) Evaluate the feasibility of a digital application to accurately capture diet, activity, and sleep behaviors; 3) Describe military-unique characteristics in demographics, diet, and lifestyle for Northwest Army and Southwest Air Force cohorts Methods In this prospective RCT, a baseline genomic profile built from 70 genes/80 variants following amplicon sequencing on a MiSeq platform is augmented by serum biomarkers specific to diet-related chronic disease risk (metabolic syndrome and vitamin D deficiency) for each subject. Treatment group receives gene-based nutrition counseling; control group receives evidence-based nutrition pamphlets. A digital app is used for real-time health data capture, validated by in-person RD interviews. After the initial 6 weeks, both groups use study resources independently and return for final body composition, BP, and serum biomarkers at 12 weeks. Results Preliminary findings: Northwest cohort has enrolled 26 of 75 active duty soldiers. Sample has slightly more males (54%), mean age 29.6 years, 64% married, 77% Caucasian, non-Hispanic, and 60% report some college. About 50% lost an average of 15 lbs to join the Army. Mean anthropometrics for females: BMI 27.4, 30.3% body fat, waist circ 32.2 in; for males: BMI 30.7, 28% body fat, waist circ 40 in. High variant presence noted for obesity and hypertension. Signals of abnormal biomarkers are insignificant although 60% of sample has baseline serum vitamin D less than 30 ng/mL. Conclusions This initiative has begun to advance the precision nutrition agenda in the military setting where advanced practice RNs and RDs will soon use genomic risk data to guide diet and lifestyle counseling to support personal and military readiness and optimize mission performance. Funding Sources TriService Nursing Research Program.