November 2008: Nutritional Genomics, Polyphenols, Diets, and Their Impact on Dietetics

For introductory information on what nutrition genomics is, visit:
[http://nutrigenomics.ucdavis.edu/nutrigenomics/index.cfm?objectid=972D6E14-65B3-C1E7-053774E6C7AF510A]

Nutritional Genomics is relatively new buzzword in the science world and can be defined as the study of how foods affect our genes, and how our individual genes can affect the way we respond to nutrients in food. In doing this, there is potential for preventing, mitigating, or treating chronic disease, and certain cancers through highly selective dietary changes; a personalized nutrition prescription of sorts. It is an attractive concept, but one with substantial challenges. It encompasses almost all known aspects of science, ranging from the genomes of humans, plants, and microorganisms, to the highest levels of food science, analytical science, computing, statistics, as well as human behavior.

A major consideration in nutritional genomics is the mutations in genes which interact with nutrients in foods. These genetic changes may lead to alterations in absorption, metabolism, and functional responses to nutrients. Although humans are the same species, they have different, individual genomes that contain gene mutations. Some gene mutations are “silent” and relatively inactive, but some can lead to much more serious disease development. If the mutation can be identified, and we can understand how it works, we can then adjust nutrient intake to off-set the damage done by the mutation.

Because nutritional genomics is in its infancy, sufficient statistical information to make firm conclusions is not yet available. Researchers are struggling with obtaining large enough study groups, as well as the funds for begging and sustaining the substantial amount of research that needs to be completed. Nutrient-gene interaction however, is becoming an important part of public health policy throughout the world as each country strives to most efficiently ensure the health and productivity of its people through prevention strategies.

JADA Continuing Education Article
Barnes, S. (2008). Nutritional genomics, polyphenols, diets, and their impact on dietetics. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 108(11), 1888-1895.

Supporting article: Stover, P. J., & Caudill, M.A. (2008). Genetic and epigenetic contributions to human nutrition and healthy: managing genome-diet interactions. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 108 (9), 1480-1487.