Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are more common today, and many people don’t realise that their everyday eating habits could be increasing their risk. However, what if there were a way to catch these risks early before they lead to more serious problems? Diagnostic assessments of your nutritional status can do just that. By spotting nutrient imbalances or deficiencies early on, these tests can help prevent chronic illnesses from developing. We spoke to our expert Dr Meenakshi Mohan, Consultant Pathologist- Neuberg Diagnostics, Kolkata, who explained how these tests can help predict and prevent chronic illnesses, giving you the chance to take better control of your health.
According to StatPearls, food and nutrition are fundamental necessities for humans. Nutrition is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being and is an integral part of the healthcare system. An individual’s nutritional status directly influences clinical outcomes. Nutritional needs vary based on age, gender, and activity level, resulting in different recommended dietary intake values for various groups.
What Are Nutritional Diagnostics?
Nutritional diagnostics involve a series of assessments aimed at understanding a person's nutrient levels, dietary habits, and biomarkers that reflect their overall nutritional status. “These diagnostic tests typically include blood tests, urine analysis, and sometimes physical evaluations. They assess everything from vitamin and mineral levels to other essential nutrients that play a key role in maintaining bodily functions,” explained Dr Mohan.
These tests are useful in identifying deficiencies that might not yet show obvious symptoms but could lead to serious health issues. For example, low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, a condition that leads to fatigue, weakness, and other complications.
Also Read: Power Of Meal Timing: Expert Explains How Chrono-Nutrition Can Transform Your Health
The link between Nutritional Status and Chronic Disease
The predictive capacity of nutritional diagnostics is precious in understanding the risk of chronic illnesses. Imbalances in nutrients like cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers can indicate the early onset of conditions like metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease.
“Early detection through diagnostic assessments enables healthcare providers to create personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations to restore balance and reduce disease risk. For example, measuring blood glucose and insulin sensitivity can help predict the development of type 2 diabetes years before symptoms arise,” said Dr Mohan.
Similarly, evaluating lipid profiles can identify individuals at risk of developing atherosclerosis, a key precursor to heart attacks and strokes. These tests allow for targeted nutritional interventions, such as dietary adjustments and supplementation, to mitigate disease progression.
Also Read: From Plate To Performance: Expert Lists Ways To Elevate Your Life With Optimal Nutrition
Prevention through Early Intervention
One of the main advantages of nutritional diagnostics is the ability to intervene early. Dr Mohan emphasises that by identifying nutrient deficiencies or imbalances before they escalate into full-blown diseases, people can take proactive steps to improve their health. Based on the results of these tests, healthcare providers can create personalised nutrition plans tailored to address deficiencies, optimise nutrient intake, and reduce the risk of inflammation.
Inflammation, in particular, is a key factor in many chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. By identifying markers of inflammation through nutritional diagnostics, healthcare providers can recommend dietary changes or supplements to reduce inflammatory responses in the body. This helps in not only managing current health issues but also in preventing future complications.
Bottomline
Dr Mohan concluded, “Nutritional diagnostics represent a powerful tool in the prediction and prevention of chronic illnesses. Early detection through comprehensive assessments empowers individuals and healthcare providers to make informed, preventative choices that support long-term health.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]