Nutrigenomic : Nutrients and Gene Interactions. People with metabolic disorders or inherited diseases are not the only ones who have variations and mutations in their genes: Everyone does. Vulnerability to disease and how our metabolisms work depends partly upon the gene variations we have inherited. How much of a nutrient we need to prevent disease and achieve optimum health may be as unique to each person as appearance and personality. Our particular set of genes and all of our DNA is called our genome.
Each individual’s genome is unique, although we share many similarities with others. An emerging science named nutrigenomics focuses on the interaction between nutrition and our genes. Its ultimate goal is to someday tailor each person’s diet to his or her specific genetic needs. With personalized nutritional advice, each person could live a longer life and have fewer diseases.
Nutrients and Gene Interactions
The idea that we should eat what is best for our genes is a logical one and based on a good deal of evidence. No one can genetically tailor people’s diets today, but nutrigenomics scientists are working toward a future when they will know enough about nutrients and genes to make the idea a reality. In a 2008 interview with Whole Foods magazine, nutrigenomics expert Dr. Jim Kaput explained what he said are “the five guiding precepts” of nutrigenomics research. They are:
● Common dietary chemicals act on the human genome, either directly or indirectly, to alter gene expression (the translation or interpretation of information coded in the gene’s DNA) or structure. ● Under certain circumstances and in some individuals, diet can be a serious risk factor for a number of diseases.
● Some diet-regulated genes (and their normal, common variants) are likely to play a role in the onset, incidence, progression and/or severity of chronic diseases.
● The degree to which diet influences the balance between healthy and disease states may depend on an individual’s genetic makeup.
● Dietary intervention based on knowledge of nutritional requirement, nutritional status, and genotype (each individual’s particular set of genes; i.e., “individualized nutrition”) can be used to prevent, mitigate or cure chronic disease.
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