The completion of the Human Genome Project has enabled the development of diet plans based on the genetics of an individual. A genetic diet is not a specific diet; rather, it is a type of diet that uses an individual’s unique genetic sequence to create a personalized nutrition plan.
The Human Genome Project
Our genes--made up of DNA-- are the blueprints for everything that goes on inside our cells. According to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, the Human Genome Project, finished in 2003, was a project with the primary goal of identifying the sequence of the 3 billion nucleotides that make up the DNA in the human genome.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the sequence of everyone’s DNA is greater than 99 percent identical. Slight differences in our DNA, called single nucleotide polymorphisms, occur approximately every 1,000 nucleotides. This represents less than 1 percent of DNA; however, this small difference is what makes each individual unique. New fields of research, such as nutrigenomics, have evolved from the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Nutrigenomics
Nutrigenomics is an area of nutrition in which scientists combine the information gathered from the Human Genome Project with food and nutrition research. The goal of nutrigenomics research is to use genetic information to make targeted nutrient recommendations. Current dietary recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture provide “one size fits all” dietary recommendations. For example, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, all Americans should consume at least nine fruits and vegetables per day. However, research reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggests that not all individuals respond to food and nutrients the same way. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in our DNA are a likely cause of variable nutrient needs. Therefore, based on genetic makeup, dietary recommendations for an individual have the potential to be much more specific than the current recommendations.
Nutrigenomics in Practice
Many biotechnology companies claim to be able to provide personalized dietary recommendations. For a fee, a cheek swab containing DNA from cheek cells is analyzed for certain single nucleotide polymorphisms. Based on the genetic analysis, companies provide customized nutrition recommendations, including specific foods to reduce risk for certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease.
Considerations
Nutrigenomics research has greatly advanced our understanding of the relationship between nutrition and genetics. However, in an article in the April 2005 edition of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, DeBusk and others state much more research is necessary to accurately translate nutrigenomics research into practice. There are many interactions between nutrients and DNA that researchers do not fully understand. Regardless, this area of nutrition is moving forward quickly and holds much promise. It is likely that in the future, validated personalized nutrition recommendations will be incorporated into routine medical checkups. Until then, it is probably best to follow the generalized recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit intake of saturated fat.
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