Nutrigenomics: The Latest News
The science of nutrigenomics looks at how our genetic and metabolic makeups relate to our
physiological response to various food compounds. The goal is to develop nutritional programs
to prevent, delay, and treat diseases. The study of nutrigenomics strives to understand the
interactions between the environment, genetics, and disease. This article looks at some of the
latest findings.
Caffeine
Our genes may determine how quickly we metabolize coffee and how much of a lift we get from
the caffeine that we ingest.
Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Two research studies funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National
Institutes of Health have discovered a specific gene that may link to the development of type 2
diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases that are related to obesity. The gene appears to
increase the risks of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Now the goal is to figure out a way to
block or inhibit the STAT4 gene without entirely eliminating it.
Cruciferous vegetables
Although the cruciferous family of vegetables, including broccoli and cabbage, are healthy
choices for all people, a certain subset of people may get even more protection from heart
disease and cancer by eating these foods. It is believed that the cause is a genetic variant found in
these foods that allows for the antioxidants to digest more slowly.
Folate
Some people appear to have a gene variant that makes it much more difficult for the body to use
the folate ingested. People with this variant are hypothesized to require twice the amount of
folate to stay healthy.
In most women, folate reduces the risk of breast cancer development. Unfortunately, recent
research shows that a genetic variance may cause folate to have the opposite effect in a certain
subset of women—increasing the risk of breast cancer. This variance is in an enzyme that affects
how folate is used in the body. Ten percent of women in one study had the variant. Researchers
recommend that women only take a folate supplement if they have a good reason to do so—a
deficiency in folate from a poor diet, for instance.
All women who could become pregnant are very strongly urged to take folate supplements or to
eat a diet that is very rich in the nutrient to prevent neural tube defects.
Fish and fish oil
A study done at the University of Florence found that certain people are genetically more likely
to benefit from fish and fish oil, in terms of reducing cholesterol levels.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
People with the genetic mutation leading to bowel cancer may benefit from a purified form,
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), of an omega-3 fatty acid. In fact, it appears that the fatty acid is as
effective as the prescription medication used to treat bowel polyps, celecoxib, which can have
negative cardiovascular effects, while the fatty acid does not.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplementation may have different results depending on a person’s race, according
to a new study from Wake Forest University. In fact, in black patients, a lower level of vitamin D
may not mean that a person is deficient to the same extent as in whites. It is possible that
supplementing vitamin D in black patients actually could worsen calcium deposition in the
arteries, causing formation of calcified atherosclerotic plaque, leading to heart attack and/or
stroke.
Polyunsaturated fats
While polyunsaturated fats are recommended for everyone, some people have a gene variant that
allows them to gain a larger drop in triglycerides from the consumption of these healthy fats than
other people.
Vitamin B12
A genetic predictor of vitamin B12 levels was discovered, and it is believed that the preventative
effect of the gene variant is because of its influence on factors, such as Helicobacter pylori (H
pylori) infection, which is known to cause B12 malabsorption. Other studies have found rare gene
mutations that have dramatic effects on how people digest, absorb, and use vitamin B12.
References and recommended readings
Jaret P. DNA diets and custom fit foods: studies in nutritional genomics are showing how your
DNA may affect the way your body processes certain foods. Available at:
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/dna_diets_and_custom
_fit_foods. Accessed April 17, 2010.
ScienceDaily. Folic acid in dietary supplements could increase risk of breast cancer, Swedish
research suggests. Available at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100407123342.htm. Accessed April 17, 2010.
ScienceDaily. Genetic variants associated with vitamin B12. Available at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908135942.htm. Accessed April 17, 2010.
ScienceDaily. Omega 3 curbs precancerous growths in those prone to bowel cancer, study
suggests. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100317212648.htm.
Accessed April 17, 2010.
ScienceDaily. Potential target for treatment of obesity-related diseases identified. Available at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100414130834.htm. Accessed April 17, 2010.
ScienceDaily. Vitamin D levels have different effects on atherosclerosis in blacks and whites,
study finds. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315091259.htm.
Accessed April 17, 2010.
Review Date 5/10
G-1330