Nutritional Genomics: What You Need to Know
As genetic science moves forward with lightning-fast speed, researchers have begun to understand that while certain individuals have genetic predispositions to developing certain diseases, the diseases may not actually occur. Why do some genetically-predisposed people get sick, while others do not? In many cases, some component of diet triggers, enhances, or suppresses certain gene interactions. Some dietary factors lead to increased protection from disease in susceptible individuals, while other dietary factors lead to increased risk of disease. The study of these gene-diet interactions forms the emerging science we call "nutritional genomics." Nutritional genomics is one of ADA's five strategic focus areas, representing a major undertaking for DIFM. This exciting field is poised to become the future of dietetics.
Nutritional Genomics concerns the effect that changes in our genes have on our risk of disease and dysfunction that can be mitigated by nutritional intervention as well as the impact our food, nutrition, stress, and toxins have on the expression of our genes. It is the umbrella term that includes nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, and nutritional epigenomics.
Nutrigenetics is focused on the impact that changes in our genes (also referred to as polymorphisms) have on our potential health trajectory, which is strongly influenced by food, nutrition, stress, and toxins.
Nutrigenomics is focused on the impact of diet and lifestyle factors, such as food, nutrition, stress, and toxins, on gene expression.
Nutritional Epigenomics concerns changes in gene expression influenced by modifications to DNA and its associated proteins without changing the nucleotide sequence of DNA, where the genetic information is stored. These epigenomics changes affect gene expression and can also be inherited.
Where to Learn More? Check out the nutritional genomics subtabs to the left to see the latest commercial testing companies, research, resources, and more.
Also, the NutriAlerts are regular emails that contain updates on the latest published evidence in nutrigenomics research. Jim Kaput, PhD, Director of FDA’s Division of Personalized Nutrition and Medicine, produces these NutriAlerts on behalf of the European Nutrigenomics Organisation (NuGO). The link to the NuGO website and access to the NutriAlerts can be found at http://www.nugo.org/nutrialerts.
Questions about Nutritional Genomics?
Send an email to NGX@integrativeRD.org and ask the experts. Answers and follow-up discussion will be posted on the DIFM email list. Watch for "NGX" in the email's subject line. You can expect a response within 7 days of sending your email.
HOD Backgrounders
Backgrounders are intended to provide a foundation of knowledge regarding a mega issue. They include information about member views, foresight about the future environment of the profession, insight into capacity and strategic position of the Association and consideration of the ethical implications. Several backgrounders have related free CPEUs for members. See the ADA House of Delegates page
Check out the new Nutritional Genomics Blogsite: www.NGXRD.com
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