In recent years, research exploring the relationship between genetic information and nutrition has progressed, and the importance of nutritional management based on an individual’s genetic characteristics has been attracting attention. This field, known as “nutrigenomics,” explores new possibilities for personalized nutritional guidance and disease prevention by elucidating the interactions between genes and nutrients. This article provides a scientific explanation of the relationship between genes and nutrition and introduces practical approaches.
1. The influence of genes on nutrient absorption and metabolism
Our bodies digest and absorb the food we eat, and use it as energy and nutrients. However, even when we eat the same food, why do the rate at which nutrients are absorbed and the speed at which they are metabolized vary from person to person? One of the reasons for this difference is individual genetic differences (genetic polymorphisms) .
① What is genetic polymorphism?
Genetic polymorphisms (SNPs: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) are a phenomenon in which partial variations in DNA base sequences affect protein structure and enzyme function, resulting in individual differences in nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism.
② Genetic effects of each nutrient
Here are some genes closely associated with specific nutrients:
Nutrients
Related genes
Genetic influences
Folic acid
MTHFR
Poor metabolic efficiency can lead to folic acid deficiency
Vitamin D
VDR
Poor receptor function reduces vitamin D utilization
Caffeine
CYP1A2
A slower metabolism means the effects of caffeine last longer.
2. Genetic influences of each nutrient and optimal dietary strategies
① Folic acid and the MTHFR gene
Folic acid is a vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, but people with the C677T mutation in the MTHFR gene are more susceptible to folic acid deficiency because they have a reduced ability to convert folic acid into its active form.
Impact:
Increased homocysteine levels increase the risk of arteriosclerosis
Risk of neural tube defects due to folic acid deficiency during pregnancy
Cognitive decline
Countermeasure:
Eat foods rich in folic acid (spinach, broccoli, liver)
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for bone health and immune function, but the ability to utilize vitamin D varies depending on polymorphisms in the VDR gene (vitamin D receptor) .
Impact:
Low vitamin D receptor function leads to decreased bone density
Increased risk of autoimmune diseases due to weakened immune system
Countermeasure:
Make sunbathing (15-30 minutes per day) a habit to promote vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
Eat foods rich in vitamin D (salmon, tuna, egg yolks)
The rate at which caffeine is metabolized varies from person to person, and the effects of caffeine vary greatly depending on the polymorphism of the CYP1A2 gene .
Impact:
People with high CYP1A2 activity (AA type) → Caffeine can be broken down quickly and is less affected.
People with low CYP1A2 activity (CC type) → Caffeine is broken down slowly, increasing the risk of insomnia and palpitations.
Countermeasure:
If you are sensitive to caffeine, limit your intake in the afternoon.
For those who metabolize caffeine quickly, taking it before exercise can improve performance.
3. Implementing personalized nutrition using genetic information
① Customize your nutrition plan through genetic testing
Genetic testing can be used to analyze an individual’s ability to metabolize nutrients and design an optimal diet plan.
Genetic testing can reveal:
Ability to metabolize carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
Absorption efficiency of certain nutrients (e.g., vitamin D, iron, omega-3)
Caffeine and alcohol metabolism speed
② Nutritional analysis using AI and big data
Advances in nutritional analysis using AI will enable the integration of genetic information and lifestyle data, enabling more personalized nutritional management.
Meal suggestions linked to a smartphone app
Nutritional guidance combining intestinal bacteria and genetic data
Preventive nutritional management taking into account specific disease risks
4. Managing health risks from nutrient-gene interactions
Nutritional management utilizing genetic information is important not only for maintaining health but also for reducing the risk of lifestyle-related and chronic diseases. Here, we explain how the relationship between specific nutrients and genes affects health risks.
1. Iron and the TMPRSS6 gene: Genetic factors in anemia risk
Iron is an essential mineral for red blood cell production, but iron absorption ability varies depending on genes. In particular, polymorphisms in the TMPRSS6 gene , which is involved in iron metabolism, have been shown to increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Impact:
People with TMPRSS6 mutations have reduced iron absorption and an increased risk of anemia .
Even if you have an adequate supply of iron, your body may not utilize it as efficiently as it should。
Countermeasure:
Consciously consume foods that are high in heme iron (liver, red meat, bonito) .
Taking it with vitamin C promotes the absorption of non-heme iron.
Avoid taking it with caffeine or calcium (which inhibits iron absorption).
② Lactose intolerance and the LCT gene: Ability to digest dairy products
Lactose intolerance, the condition that causes stomach rumbling when consuming milk or dairy products, is known to be determined by polymorphisms in the LCT gene .
Impact:
People with an active LCT gene (CC type) produce sufficient lactase enzymes that break down lactose, allowing them to consume dairy products without problems.
People with an inactive LCT gene (TT type) have reduced production of the lactase enzyme, making them more susceptible to lactose intolerance.
Countermeasure:
Choose yogurt and cheese (foods with low lactose content) .
Lactase enzyme supplements are used to aid in the body’s ability to break down lactose.
Use milk alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids and the FADS1 gene: differences in lipid metabolism
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) are useful for maintaining cardiovascular health and suppressing inflammation, but their conversion ability in the body varies depending on polymorphisms in the FADS1 gene .
Impact:
People with low FADS1 activity have a low conversion efficiency from plant – derived omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) to DHA and EPA .
If you don’t eat enough fish, your body is likely to lack DHA and EPA.。
Countermeasure:
Actively consume foods rich in DHA and EPA (mackerel, sardines, salmon) .
It is more effective to take DHA and EPA directly than to take plant-derived omega-3s (flaxseed oil, chia seeds) .
5. Cutting-edge nutritional management using genetic information
1. Personalized nutrition using AI and genetic analysis
In recent years, genetic analysis services using AI technology have become more common, making nutritional management based on individual genetic information a reality.
How we use the latest technology:
AI analyzes genetic and dietary data to propose the optimal nutrition plan .
Integrating intestinal bacteria and genetic information, dietary adjustments are made based on digestion and absorption capabilities .
It works in conjunction with a smartphone app to provide real-time nutritional advice。
6. Future nutritional management using genetic information
As research into genes and nutrition advances, it is expected that even more advanced nutritional management will become possible in the future.
Future Outlook:
The spread of fully individualized dietary programs based on genetic information .
Development of real-time nutrition monitoring using AI .
Expanding the market for nutritionally optimized gene-edited foods 。
This brings us closer to a future where even people with genetic risk can stay healthy by making the right dietary choices.
7. How to implement a genetically informed nutrition strategy
Nutritional management using genetic information is important not only in theory but also in practice. Here, we will introduce specific practical methods and explain how genetic information can be used in everyday life.
① Creating an individual nutrition plan using genetic testing
By utilizing genetic testing, you can understand your nutritional metabolism characteristics and design the optimal meal plan.
Genetic testing process:
Use a genetic testing kit and submit a DNA sample (such as saliva) .
Analysis is performed in the laboratory to obtain nutrition-related genetic information (vitamin D metabolism, caffeine sensitivity, lipid metabolism ability, etc.) .
Based on the results, we will create an optimal nutrition plan for you .。
Example: Individualized nutrition plan based on genetic testing
gene
Nutrients
influence
Optimal Eating Strategies
MTHFR
folic acid
decreased metabolism
Increase intake of green and yellow vegetables and use 5-MTHF supplements
VDR
Vitamin D
Decreased receptor activity
Increased sun exposure and increased intake of fish and egg yolks
FADS1
Omega-3
DHA/EPA conversion efficiency declines
Increase fish intake and use supplements
CYP1A2
Caffeine
Differences in metabolic rate
If you have a low metabolism, limit your caffeine intake
② Personalized diet: Food selection using genetic data
Based on genetic information, it is possible to optimize your diet as follows:
1. Dietary adjustment based on carbohydrate metabolism capacity
People with more copies of the AMY1 gene have a higher ability to digest carbohydrates, so a moderate intake of carbohydrates is recommended. On the other hand, people with fewer copies of the AMY1 gene are more likely to have high blood sugar levels, so it is better to choose low-GI foods.
Countermeasure:
For those with a high copy number: Eat brown rice and whole wheat bread in moderation and maintain a balanced carbohydrate intake.
People with low copy number: Choose mixed grain rice or oatmeal over white rice to prevent blood sugar levels from rising.
2. Dietary adjustment according to lipid metabolism capacity
The APOA5 gene is involved in lipid metabolism, and people with certain gene polymorphisms have reduced fat breakdown efficiency.
Countermeasure:
People with poor fat metabolism: Reduce saturated fatty acids (butter, lard) and increase unsaturated fatty acids (olive oil, nuts).
People with high fat metabolism: Since body fat is difficult to accumulate, they can adjust their overall energy balance while continuing to consume a moderate amount of fat.
8. The future of nutritional management using genetic information
① Development of gene editing technology and nutritionally enhanced foods
As food development using CRISPR technology progresses, it is expected that even people who have genetic difficulties in consuming nutrients will be able to receive adequate nutrition.
Example:
Folic acid fortified tomatoes (for those with MTHFR mutations)
Mushrooms with increased vitamin D content (for people with VDR mutations)
② A fully automated nutrition management system using AI
By integrating genetic information and lifestyle data, AI optimizes nutrition plans in real time .
Automated delivery systems for nutritional supplements and functional foods are being developed, allowing people to consume the nutrients they need at the optimal time.
9. The future of personalized nutritional management using genetic information
By utilizing the relationship between genetic information and nutrition, more precise nutritional management will become possible. Future technological innovations will lead to the automation and personalization of nutritional management, making a future in which people can choose the “optimal diet for their constitution” a reality.
① Evolution of smart kitchens using genetic information
Development is underway to develop “smart kitchens” that integrate AI and genetic information , making it possible to manage nutrition based on an individual’s genotype.
Smart Kitchen Features:
The refrigerator recognizes your genetic information and suggests the best foods to eat (e.g., “Here are some foods rich in omega-3 that are suitable for your genotype”).
A recipe app generates customized recipes based on your genotype (e.g., “Folate-rich menu for MTHFR gene”).
AI automatically calculates nutritional balance and optimizes calories and nutrients .
Practical example:
Automatically create a meal plan suited to your genotype and automatically order ingredients .
It works in conjunction with blood sugar levels and intestinal bacteria data to suggest optimal meals in real time .
② Development of personalized food linked to genetic data
We are entering an era where customized foods are developed based on genetic information, allowing people to consume nutrients that are optimal for their individual constitutions.
Examples of modern fortified foods include:
Genotype-specific vitamin D fortification (for those with the VDR gene mutation)
Easy-to-digest dairy products for people with lactose intolerance (taking into account LCT gene mutations)
High omega-3 foods for FADS1 genotype
Future Outlook:
Food manufacturers will collaborate with genetic data to provide fully personalized food.
The system will automatically recommend foods based on your genotype in supermarkets and online shops.
10. Challenges and future prospects for nutritional management using genetic information
Although genetic information-based nutritional management is rapidly developing, there are still challenges to overcome before it can be put into practical use. Here, we will delve into the current challenges and future prospects.
① Data accuracy and interpretation issues
Nutritional management using genetic information faces challenges in terms of data accuracy and analysis methods.
Assignment:
The relationship between genes and nutrients is complex, and metabolism is often not determined by a single gene.
An individual’s lifestyle and environmental factors (exercise habits, stress levels) have a significant impact on nutritional metabolism.
Contradictory research results may emerge, and scientific evidence needs to be accumulated.
Solution:
By utilizing AI and analyzing multiple data sets, more accurate predictions are possible.
Integrated analysis that takes environmental factors into account will enable more precise nutritional management.
Long-term follow-up studies will be conducted to strengthen the evidence.
3) The spread of genetic nutrition and the cost issue
Currently, the cost of genetic testing is gradually decreasing, but it is not yet at a level where everyone can easily access it.
Assignment:
The cost of undergoing genetic testing is high, making it difficult for the average consumer to undergo it.
There are few specialists who provide individualized nutritional guidance, making it difficult to receive adequate advice.
In some areas, scientific evidence is insufficient, and there is a risk that consumers will believe misinformation.。
Solution:
The price of genetic testing will be further reduced and made available as a mass service.
Strengthen training for specialists (nutritionists and doctors) and disseminate knowledge of genetic nutrition.
Public institutions will create evidence-based guidelines and disseminate scientifically accurate information.
Reference: (thelancet.com)
As the relationship between genetic information and nutrition is further clarified, we will likely see an era in which personalized nutritional management becomes commonplace.
Utilizing genetic information will enable individually optimized nutritional management, allowing for more precise health maintenance and disease prevention. Integration with AI and smart devices will advance real-time health management, making it easier to choose dietary and lifestyle choices that suit individual constitutions. However, issues such as protecting privacy and establishing scientific evidence remain, requiring appropriate management and ethical considerations. Future technological developments are expected to make even more advanced personalized nutrition a reality.