Myths vs facts: Nährstoffcheck and stress

Myths vs. facts: Nutrient check and stress. Many companies market DNA-based nutrient checks as a tool to reduce stress or find the 'ideal' diet. Myth: The test can pinpoint exactly which nutrients are lacking and how to 'eat away' stress. Fact: Nutrigenetic tests reveal genetic predispositions (e.g., APOA2, FADS1), but effect sizes are small and not causal for stress. The DIETFITS trial (JAMA 2018) found no benefit of genotype-based diet matching. Stress affects nutrient needs (magnesium, B vitamins), but a DNA test does not measure current blood levels or stress hormones. Evidence for clinically actionable gene–diet interactions in stress is weak to moderate. Many tests are overhyped by marketing. A nutrient check may offer general orientation but cannot replace medical diagnostics or proven stress management (sleep, exercise, mindfulness).