Did you know that one out of every 10 of your genes are dedicated to digesting the food you eat? Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—the three main macronutrients—are broken down by a sophisticated network of enzymes, hormones, and transporters, all coded by your DNA.

Your genetic blueprint determines not just which enzymes you produce, but also how efficiently your body extracts energy and nutrients from food. Out of the approximately 20,000 protein-coding genes in the human genome, nearly 2,000 are directly involved in the digestion and metabolism of macronutrients. These genes orchestrate the breakdown of carbs into sugars, proteins into amino acids, and fats into fatty acids, shaping how your body responds to different diets and nutritional challenges.

Understanding the genetic basis of digestion helps explain why people respond differently to the same foods—and opens the door to personalized nutrition based on your unique genetic makeup.

Digestion of carbs

800 genes involved in digestion of carbohydrates.

Digestion of proteins

Digestion of fats