Using Genetic Information to help understand Personal Dietary needs for Optimal Health by Chef Lindsay K

Have you always wondered how genetics play a role with your health? Have you ever wanted to dive deeper into what characteristics your personal dietary needs are but don’t know where to begin?

Genetics can affect our chances of having several common illnesses, like heart disease, asthma and diabetes but so do many other factors, such as diet and lifestyle play a huge role. I’ve always wanted to know how my genetics play a role in my health and decided to utilize my genetic report from 23andMe and get a more comprehensive report from Found My Fitness. It’s fairly simple, you upload your report from 23andMe, pay a $10 fee and boom you have your personal genetic report! 

What is great about this report is it gives you the specific information about how your personal genetics affect your dietary needs. It gives you guidelines and preventive measures if you have certain genes that predispose you to health conditions. 

I was surprised to learn that I have a few gene variations that make me more sensitive to saturated fats. I also learned that a diet higher in saturated fat, mono or polyunsaturated fats may lead to more of a risk for obesity and diabetes. This was something to keep in mind when considering whether or not I should try the ketogenic diet.
 
My recommendation is this: These reports are just guidelines and to remember that having the genetic variant for something makes it possible that it will affect you but it doesn’t make it certain. Always listen to your body and how you feel and a reminder before trying any diet consult with a nutritionist or your doctor. 

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​To give you an idea of the areas the report covers, I’ve listed some of them below.

• IRS1 - SNPs involved in glucose metabolism have been associated with the risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. (Also available in the metabolism report.)
• GIPR - SNPs involved in the regulation of insulin secretion have been associated with obesity. (Also available in the metabolism report.)
• TFAP2B - SNPs involved in the regulation of gene expression have been associated with obesity and altered response to a low-fat/high-carb diet. (Also available in the metabolism report.)
• PPM1K - SNPs involved in the BCAA metabolism and risk for type 2 diabetes on a high-fat diet. (Also available in the metabolism report.)
• MC4R - SNPs involved in appetite regulation that may provide protection against obesity. (Also available in the metabolism report.)
• FADS1 - SNPs involved in fatty acid metabolism have been associated with the risk for low-level inflammation with a high omega-6 dietary intake. (Also available in the metabolism report.)
• CD36 - SNPs involved in the taste perception of fatty acids in food and may be related to obesity.
• TAS2R16 - SNPs involved in taste perception of bitter compounds have also been associated with longevity.
• TAS2R38 - SNPs involved in taste perception of bitter compounds have also been associated with food avoidance and tendency to overeat and smoke.
• OR6A2 - SNPs involved in olfactory receptors may be related to preference or dislike of cilantro.
• MCM6 - SNPs may impact lactose intolerance.
• MCT1 - SNPs involved in lactate transport during exercise and may have implications for recovery time and endurance versus sprint/power ability. (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• VEGFA - SNPs involved in angiogenesis and may be related to the adaptation to aerobic training. (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• ADRB2 - SNPs involved in catecholamine binding may be related to endurance exercise capacity. (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• ADRB3 - SNPs involved in energy expenditure related to weight loss and elite athlete status. (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• COL5A1 - SNPs involved in collagen production have been associated with the risk for Achilles tendinopathy and other soft tissue injuries. (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• SLC30A8 - SNPs involved in zinc transport related to risk for type 2 diabetes, DOMS. (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• ADA - SNPs involved in adenosine degradation may be related to sleep depth. (Also available in the Circadian report.)
• MTNR1B - SNPs involved in a melatonin receptor have been associated with the risk for  type-2 diabetes and may have implications for meal timing (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• CRY2 - SNPs involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm have been associated with fasting glucose levels. (Also available in the new fitness report.)
• ALDH2 - SNPs involved in alcohol metabolism, known as the Asian flush reaction.
• ADH1B - SNPs involved in alcohol metabolism related to how much alcohol is consumed and has been associated with protection against certain cancers.
• AKT1 - SNPs may be related to cannabis-associated psychosis. 
• COMT - SNPs involved in the placebo response related to dopamine metabolism.
• DRD2 - SNPs involved in dopamine metabolism related to pleasurable response from food, may be associated with a tendency to overeat.
• Multiple SNPs involved in genes involved in telomere length: TERT, TERC, RTEL1, ACYP2, OBFC1, NAF1. (Also available in the telomere report.)

 
As a Chef for WHE,  I personally do my best to help guide each of my clients with all of their dietary needs when creating healthy meals for them. I look forward to cooking for your on your personal journey as well.