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Genetic make-up to decide your diet | Kansas State University researchers say diets could soon be tailored for people according to their genetic makeup. According to the scientists, nutrigenomics - the study of the effect of food on gene expression - could completely change the future of public health. Koushik Adhikari, K-State assistant professor of
sensory analysis said: "Nutrigenomics involves tailoring diets to someone's genetic
makeup. "I speculate that in five to 10 years, you would go to a genetic counselor
or a physician who could help you understand your genetic makeup, and then a nutritional
professional could customize your diet accordingly." Adhikari teamed up with Denis
Medeiros, professor and department head of human nutrition, and Jean Getz, former
K-State graduate student in human nutrition, for an article on nutrigenomics that
appeared in the January issue of Food Technology. Getz, now a student at the School
of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University , wrote the article while
at K-State. Nutrigenomics is a growing field of research that combines molecular
biology, genetics and nutrition to regulate gene expression through specific nutrients.
Nutrients have been shown to affect gene expression through transcription factors,
which are biochemical entities that bind to DNA and either promote or inhibit
transcription of genes. By understanding the roles of specific nutrients and how
they might cause diseases, scientists could recommend specific foods for an individual
based on his or her genetics. Adhikari said: "Scientists are looking at the molecular
mechanisms in the body. "At the molecular level, you can look at what specific
nutrients can do to your body that would trigger genes to act properly, in a healthy
way." Medeiros said: "These studies not only answer whether the concerned nutrients
prevent a disease, but also how they exert their health benefits." Advanced Nutrigenomics
research means health recommendations could be better modified to individuals.
Adhikari said: "That is where I think the main focus of nutrigenomics is going
to be in the future. "It could tell you that you have the propensity for certain
chronic diseases so that you could modify your diet accordingly. With a better
understanding of how nutrients alter gene expression, there is a potential that
food could be used instead of medication to combat problems like high cholesterol."
Nutrigenomics would require a collaborative effort from people in genetics and
the industries of public health, food science and culinary. Adhikari said the
food industry should collaborate with the culinary industry to create more healthful
and appealing foods. He added: "This is one of the major issues with the food
industry. "It's very easy to make good-tasting food. Put some lard or butter in
it, and it's going to taste good. The challenge is how to take the fat out and
create healthful but also good-tasting food." |
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