Tag: Nutrigenomics

According to the National Institutes of Health, the scientific study of human nutritional requirements began less than 100 years ago, and modern biochemistry explains how our bodies use the nutrients from food at a molecular level. This critical field helps us understand not only how food nourishes us but also how it influences our health, disease prevention, and overall wellness.

According to emerging research in epigenetics, while the fundamental sequence of your DNA remains unchanged, your diet can profoundly alter how your genes are expressed. This means that the food you consume can essentially act as a set of instructions, turning certain genes 'on' or 'off,' directly impacting your health, disease risk, and aging process.

Methylation is a biochemical process that occurs billions of times per second in your body, impacting everything from DNA repair to neurotransmitter production. But this critical process depends heavily on a specific group of micronutrients, leading many to ask: what vitamins are needed for methylation?

Studies on the Dutch Famine in the 1940s revealed that poor maternal nutrition could alter an offspring's DNA methylation profile, influencing long-term health outcomes. Understanding what foods cause DNA methylation provides powerful insights into influencing our genes through dietary choices.

Archaeological evidence, like ancient pottery containing milk fat residues, indicates humans have been consuming dairy products for at least 8,500 years. The question of why did humans start consuming dairy goes back to the advent of farming and the crucial evolutionary and nutritional pressures of that era.

Individuals with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, present in a significant portion of the global population, have an enzyme that functions sub-optimally. This variant increases the need for certain nutrients, prompting the question: Is riboflavin good for MTHFR? Emerging evidence confirms that this vitamin is indeed critical for individuals with this genetic variation.

The MAOA gene, sometimes called the 'warrior gene,' is responsible for producing the enzyme monoamine oxidase A, which regulates key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Variants in this gene can impact how these chemicals are metabolized, influencing mood, stress response, and behavior. Targeted nutritional support can be essential for those with specific MAOA gene variants to maintain proper balance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 25% of Americans have a genetic variation that affects the body's ability to convert synthetic folic acid into its active form. This inability is a primary reason why some people need methylated vitamins to effectively support crucial bodily functions.

Approximately 80% of the population carries at least one variant of the COMT gene, which can influence how the body processes stress hormones and certain neurotransmitters. Understanding your specific COMT genotype is a crucial first step toward managing potential symptoms and optimizing health through diet.

The British Dietetic Association's 'Future Dietitian 2025' initiative highlights key areas for development, showcasing precisely how is the field of dietetics evolving towards a more proactive and technology-driven model.