Husna Rahim, PharmD & Jayden Lee, EMBA, PharmD, BCACP
Exploring the Role of Nutrigenetics in Personalized Care. How can the field of nutrigenetics revolutionize our approach to individualized healthcare? The relationship between genetics and nutrition is an emerging field known as nutrigenetics. Nutrigenetics seeks to personalize dietary recommendations for improved health outcomes. The role of genetic polymorphisms, their interaction with epigenetic factors, and impact on nutrient bioavailability and metabolism helps inform treatment for individuals with nutritional deficiencies and populations at large.
Genetic variations alter nutritional uptake. Genetic polymorphisms, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), play a significant role in how individuals process different nutrients. For instance, variations in the MTHFR gene can affect folate metabolism, a vitamin essential for preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy (Ducker & Rabinowitz 2017). These genetic variations can impact an individual’s ability to convert folate into its active form, potentially leading to deficiencies even with adequate dietary intake. Another common deficiency is iron-deficiency anemia. Researchers have identified SNPs that modify individual responses to dietary iron, which may lead to deficiencies or excesses in some populations (Bosch, et al., 2024). Understanding the impact of genetic variations on nutrient metabolism can inform dietary recommendations for individuals based on their unique genetic makeup.
Epigenetics refers to alteration in gene expression caused by environmental factors. Epigenetics refers to changes in how your genes work based on environmental and behavioral factors. These changes differ from polymorphisms in that there is no alteration in DNA sequence, but rather how it is expressed. It is akin to turning a gene on or off. Recent research has shown that dietary components can modify the epigenome, potentially altering gene expression related to nutrient metabolism. For example, diets high in methyl donors like folate can alter DNA methylation, thereby affecting the expression of genes involved in nutrient uptake and metabolism (Bosch, et al., 2024).
A delicate interplay between genetics, diet, and health outcomes. Genetic and epigenetic interactions directly influence nutrient bioavailability and metabolism. Variations in the FTO gene, for instance, are associated with dietary responses that can predispose one to obesity, illustrating the delicate interplay between genetics, diet, and health outcomes (Gkouskou, et al. 2024). Advanced understanding of these mechanisms highlights the role of genetics in nutrition and the importance of personalized interventions in health planning to combat widespread dietary-related health issues.
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