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?

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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