Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics: View points on the current status and

its implications on personalised nutrition.

1Ms. J. AncilaNancy, 2 Dr. V. Krithika, 3 Ms. JananiTamilvanan,
1 PhD Research Scholar, 2Assistant Professor,

Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, PSG College ofArts and Science, Coimbatore.
3Founder, Institute of Nutrigenetics, Coimbatore.

Introduction:
A wealth of information generated in the post-
Human Genome Project era have stimulated the
emergence of new disciplines in the field of nutritional
research [1]. Understanding different aspects of gene–
nutrient interaction and designing individualized diets
appropriate to specific genotypes has led to the concept of
personalised nutrition approach for optimal human health
and disease prevention.

Objective:
This up- to-date review aims to provide an overview
of the various aspects of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics
and its implications on personalised nutrition.

Nutrigenetics & Nutrigenomics: Two sides of a coin

Nutrigenomics refers to the study of the effects of Understanding the biochemical pathways are
nutrients or bio active components present in the diet on crucial for studying gene-nutrient interactions.
the activity of the individual’s genes and health, whereas
nutrigenetics refers to the study of how genetic Folate present in our diet gets converted to 5,10,
variations influence an individual’s response to certain methylenetetrahydrofolate in our body and acts as
nutrients present in foods [2]. a precursor for thymine production, which is
crucial for DNA synthesis [3] and this directly
explains the role of folate (nutrient) in DNA
synthesis and repair and this refers to
Nutrigenomics.
On the other hand, MTHFR encodes for MTHFR
enzyme. Methylene Tetra Hydro Folate Reductase
(MTHFR) enzyme, a key enzyme involved in
folate metabolism, catalyses the irreversible
conversion of one form of folate 5, 10-
methylentetrahydrofolate to another form 5-
methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), required to
make homocysteine to methionine [4]. Two
common polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene,
677C>T and 1298 A>C, lead to reduced enzyme
activity, as a result, homocysteine builds up in the
blood stream and the amount of methionine is
reduced increasing the risk for
hyperhomocysteinemia, cardiovascular diseases
and cancer. The study of genetic variations present
in MTHFR gene and its influence on individual’s
response to folate [5] and this refers to
Nutrigenetics.
References:
1.Farhud DD, Yeganeh ZM (2010). Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics. Iranian. J. Publ. Health. Vol:4, 1-14.
2.Mutch DM, Wahli W, Williamson G (2005). Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics: the emerging faces of nutrition. J. FASEB 19: 1602-1616.
3.De Andrade FM, Bulhoes AC, Sharbel W, et al (2010). The influence of nutrigenetic on the Lipid profile: Interaction between Genes and Dietary habits. Bichem. Genet. 48: 342-355.
4.Muller M, Kersten S (2003). Nutigenomics Goals and Perspectives. Nature Review Genetic. 4: 315-322.
5.Philips CM (2013). Nutrigenetics and Metabolic Disease; Current Status and Implications for Personalised Nutrition. Nutrients. 5:32-57.
Gene- diet Interactions: Nature Vs Nurture
Human health is the result of constant
interaction between genes and environmental
factors which are our diets and lifestyle.
Understanding genetic components ( nature)
and environmental factors like diet, physical
activity and lifestyle ( nurture) is crucial for
optimal health and nutrition. We are 97 to 99%
genetically identical and the fundamental
processes of food metabolism in every human
body are the same. This is why eating healthy
and staying active are beneficial to everyone.
However, the 1 to 3% of genome difference
among us makes respond differently to different
types of food. This is why personalized diets are
necessary. One size doesn’t fit all is the concept
behind personalised nutrition.
Conclusion:
Combining gene based nutritional advice with
“omic” biomarkers for validation of the
personalised dietary recommendation has
tremendous potential to optimise health and
nutrition in the future. Educating the dieticians
and health care professionals are vital for the
use of nutritional genomics data.