Revive Technologies emphasizes the needs of our customers by finding supplements that match the genetic profile of the individual. Users can create a profile on our app that includes their genetics and goals, allowing them to build their optimal, personalized supplement blend.
Revive Technologies plans to harness readily available technology to provide better visibility to triathletes. Not only will Athletes be able to access their genotypes, but they will be able to observe the mapping process of why they should be taking particular supplements that fit into their routine. These are only a few examples of how the webapp will recommend supplements based on the user's genetics, but visibility into this process is important to us, since we aim to give users knowledge of what they put into their bodies.
Understanding the Genetics
The ACTN3 Gene,or alpha-actinin-3, plays an important role in muscle function and is associated with fast-twitch muscle fibers. This gene is considered essential for activities requiring strength and speed, such as weightlifting and sprinting. Individuals with the RR allele will have faster-twitch muscle fibers that allow for quick movements when needed. The RR allele may trigger vitamin D as a recommendation, but alternate genotypes (RX, XX) will trigger a suggestion of magnesium intake to help regulate muscle contractions.
The ACE Gene tells users what level of salt sensitivity they have. Endurance athletes commonly have to replenish sodium, but with the II allele, individuals will have to counteract certain sensitivities with more potassium. In the process, users will have to increase intake of magnesium, which encourages the active transport of potassium ions across cell membranes. Meanwhile for genotypes ID and DD, users will receive recommendations for vitamin D as opposed to magnesium to aid other functions.
The NOS3 Gene plays a crucial role in blood vessel dilation and overall cardiovascular function. One of the common variations of the NOS3 gene is the TT allele, which is associated with increased production of nitric oxide in the body. The TT allele of the NOS3 gene helps improve performance by supporting optimal blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. As a result, this delays the onset of fatigue and improves overall exercise capacity. Individuals with this genotype may be encouraged ti increase their intake of vitamin D to further aid bone and muscle function. Any individual containing a G allele (TG, G, GG), however, may have implications of cardio health, so vitamin C may be suggested to aid the immune system.
The SLC23A2 gene encodes a vitamin C transporter, and around 28% of the population carries a variant that reduces the absorption and tissue accumulation of vitamin C. This variant may lead to increased risk of vitamin C deficiency if dietary intake is not sufficient, therefore vitamin C is highly recommended for these individuals.
Magnesium intake helps the body hold onto potassium, preventing fatigue and cramping in triathletes. One of the main obstacles that these endurance athletes face is muscle microtears and muscle cramps due to high intensity activity, stemming from a potassium deficiency. Therefore, magnesium allows athletes to maintain their potassium levels throughout their longer workouts.
In addition, while protein intake helps repair muscle, magnesium is required to aid protein synthesis.
Vitamin C can help maintain a healthy immune system throughout the process of training for triathletes. To prevent sickness for athletes results in consistent training, and correlates to personal desired results.
Additionally, vitamin C is essential for triathletes to maintain high levels of red blood cells, which push oxygen to each part of the body that needs it during performance.
Vitamin D is a key supplement that helps athletes perform at the highest level possible. Increased intake of vitamin D is correlated with better bone health and muscle function, leading to improvements in athletic performance.
In addition to magnesium, vitamin D is yet another supplement that aids protein synthesis, helping overall strength of bones and joints in triathletes.
Constructing an Algorithm
The research was compiled into a Microsoft Excel file, and transferred into Javascript, which would help construct the user webapp for the Revive Technologies dispenser. Users will also be able to input personal goals, which can essentially add onto existing genetic recommendations.
Depending on where athletes are in their triathlon journey, we want to give them the knowledge and power to decide what supplements they can use as fuel.