How genes influence your diet and health

We know that our eating habits play an important role in maintaining a good quality of life, but did you know that genes can also affect the way we process food?

Traits are specific characteristics of individuals, these traits can be determined by genes, environmental factors or a combination of both. Knowing the genetic predisposition can help to adapt environmental factors such as exercise, diet or nutrition to achieve better health.

Nutrigenetics is the branch of genetics that studies the effect of genetic variants on dietary response. This knowledge allows us to personalize the diet of each individual, adapting eating habits to each of the nutritional needs. Some of these genetic traits may be associated with vitamin absorption, micronutrient metabolism and even predisposition to obesity.

Vitamin Levels

Vitamins are essential for optimal body function, however, not all people absorb and metabolize these substances in the same way. For example, some variants in the FUT2 gene can affect vitamin B12 levels in the body. People with these variants have a reduced ability to absorb vitamin B12, which can lead to deficiencies, even if their dietary intake is adequate.

Another crucial vitamin for the body is vitamin D, which has essential functions for bone health and the immune system. Certain variants in the VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene can influence the efficiency with which our body disposes of this vitamin, thus affecting our vitamin D levels and our overall health.

Obesity and Weight Gain

Overweight and obesity are increasingly common pathologies, generally caused by sedentary lifestyles and excess calories in the diet that cause an increase in the size and quantity of fat cells in the body. Obesity is a serious disease that can lead to complications such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer and sleep disorders.

In many cases there is a genetic predisposition to obesity, in these cases it is even more important to address this pathology through external factors such as diet and exercise. The FTO gene (fat mass and obesity-associated gene) has been extensively studied and it has been found that certain variants of this gene are associated with an increased risk of obesity. People with these variants tend to have a higher caloric intake and a preference for foods rich in fats and sugars.

In addition to the FTO gene, other genes such as MC4R are also related to appetite regulation and energy metabolism. Variants in these genes can influence the way the body stores and burns fat, which may predispose some people to gain weight more easily.

Food Intolerances and Immune Pathologies

Genetics is related to different metabolic processes in the body so certain genetic variants can cause alterations in certain metabolic pathways that can cause food intolerances. A common example is lactose intolerance, which is related to the LCT gene. Variants in this gene determine whether a person produces enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products.

Another immune pathology influenced by genetics is celiac disease, an immune response to gluten, a protein found in the seeds of many cereals such as wheat, barley, rye, triticale, spelt, some varieties of oats, as well as their hybrids and derivatives. Certain variants in the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing this condition. People with these genetic variants should follow a strict gluten-free diet to avoid the associated symptoms and complications.

Personalizing Your Diet According to Your DNA

Knowledge of genetic information related to traits allows customization of diet and lifestyle habits beyond general recommendations. Nutrigenetics provides useful information to establish a personalized diet, as it can provide relevant information about how the body processes different nutrients, allowing us to adapt the diet accordingly.

For example, if you discover that you have genetic variants associated with lower vitamin B12 absorption, you may opt for supplements or fortified foods to ensure optimal levels. If you have a genetic predisposition to obesity, you can work with a nutritionist to develop an eating and exercise plan to help you manage your weight effectively.

Preventive medicine is becoming increasingly important to improve health and quality of life. Nutrigenetics is gradually emerging as a tool that will allow us to broaden the approaches to establish strategies that allow us to improve our eating habits and actively act to improve our health through diet.

Veritas is committed to improving health from a proactive and preventive approach. myGenome is the most complete preventive genetic test that in addition to informing you about genetic traits related to diet, allows you to know your risk of actionable genetic diseases, response to drugs and other important information that allows you to personalize your medical care. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.