I was recently asked by someone about the scientific basis for genetic tests like DNA Diet and DNA Health. They were extremely skeptical to say the least! They were suitably convinced by my answer, so I decided to share it with you, showing that the relationship between our diet and our genes is neither a scam, nor a fad, nutrigenomics (nutrition and genetics) has established itself as a serious and exciting new nutritional science.

• Entire science journals are now dedicated to diet and genetics.
• The most popular nutrition science journals now have a section just for diet and genetics.
• Universities around the world and here in South Africa are offering masters degrees in nutrition and genetics.
• Many universities around the world have appointed professors (what we call research chairs) to head up nutrigenomic research.
• There are a multitude of conferences around the world every year just on diet and genetics.
• Numerous excellent blogs, forums and newsletters about nutrigenomics from world class scientists (kind of like this!).
• Text books written on diet and genetics, and being used in training dieticians.

I would love to give detail on each of these points, but obviously can’t do it all in one go. So keep an eye out, there will be more, and if you have any questions about any of these points and how they relate to the genetic tests offered by DNAlysis, please let me know.

One of the best nutrigenomic research groups from TUFTS University in Boston recently published a paper in the Obesity journal. They looked at the −13910C>T polymorphism on the lactase (LCT) gene. This gene is strongly associated with lactose intolerance.

 

They found that individuals who had the CC genotype had a significantly lower BMI, lesser waist circumference and lower risk of obesity than T-allele carriers. They also found that when dairy lactose intake was very low, they did not find significant differences in waist circumference or obesity risk between CC and T-allele carriers. However, significant differences were found with higher lactose intake.  There have been many controversial results in previous studies investigating the association between dairy products and obesity, these may be explained by the potential heterogeneous (dissimilar, or different) effects of dairy product on lactose tolerant and lactose intolerant individuals, governed by gene variations. Download the full article below.

 

Did you know that lactose intolerance was genetic?

Download Attachment

A colleague forwarded me this very recent article. Really nice to read and great to hear that consumers around the world are catching on to the benefits of nutrigenomics and personalised nutrition, but the most exciting part of the article is the last paragraph. It reads:

 
Datamonitor conducted an international survey in July and August 2010 in order to assess consumer interest in using genetic information to guide nutritional choices. It found that among Americans, 55 percent found the idea either very or somewhat appealing, up 11 percent from its previous survey on the subject, conducted in August 2008. Internationally, Datamonitor found that Brazilians (71 percent) and South Africans (70 percent) were most likely to find the concept of using nutrigenomics to create personalized nutrition appealing, while the Dutch (26 percent) and Germans (34 percent) were least likely to like the idea.

Turns out that South Africans are way ahead of the rest of the world! Smart or GeneSmart as it turns out! And I am pretty sure its because of all our hard work, so congratulations to all of us!

 To read the full article here is the the url:

www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Financial-Industry/Nutrigenomics-gains-interest-among-US-consumers

 

 

Hi all,

Happy New Year to all of you. I am back after a lovely break and I for one am extremely excited about 2011. To confirm that Nutrigenomics is really coming of age( which we all already know), the new year started with a supplement from the excellent and highly credible Nature magazine. A supplement all about nutrigenomics and free access for all. So please download the articles and start your 2011 reading. I am delighted! NATURE OUTLOOK NUTRIGENOMICS

I look forward to hearing from you all and seeing your comments on the site.

Yael

---

Yesterday I learnt about a gene variation that can be used to identify individuals that may have Coeliacs Disease and who may therefore need further diagnosis and intervention. To read about it, follow this link

Celiac Genetic Testing