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By Laura LaValle, RD, LD
Can You Eat Your Way to Better DNA? In a word, the answer to
that question is yes. Foods which contain nutrients with methyl
groups heavily influence your genetic expression and are known
to reduce the risk of several cancers, including prostate, breast,
and colon cancers.
Research has identified other very promising compounds such as
sulforaphane (from broccoli), resveratrol (from grape skins), and
epigallocatechin (from green tea) -- all of which affect our
epigenome and dramatically reduce the risk of cancer.1
But there is another twist on this whole interaction of genes and
diet, and that is that we may have genetic mutations that affect
our ability to absorb and/or utilize the nutrients we take in. These
are all findings from a field of study called nutrigenomics, which is
the study of how your nutritional intake affects your genes and
how in turn your genetic makeup may affect the nutrients you
take in.
For example, one genetic mutation called a C667T mutation
affects an enzyme that helps you convert folate from your foods
to the form that is active in the body. This has huge implications
because if you don't have active folate, you are at risk for having
very high homocysteine levels, which increases your risk of
clogged arteries and blood clots, and therefore your risk of heart
disease and strokes. It also increases your risk of Alzheimer's
disease and other dementias, and increases a woman's risk of
miscarriage.
There are companies that now offer nutrigenomic testing, which
looks for the genetic mutations called single nucleotide
polymorphisms (gene SNPs). While these companies are forging
ahead offering the testing to any consumer who wants it, some
experts feel that they are getting ahead of the game, because
while the research has shown that some genes may reduce a
person's absorption or utilization of a certain nutrient, it is not
known if perhaps other genes could be making up for those
weaknesses.2
A good example of what the experts are talking about concerns
variations in a gene called FUT2 that affects your ability to
digest, absorb, and use vitamin B12. A study out of Harvard
found that one variation in the FUT2 gene lowered absorption of
B12 but there was no direct evidence that the people who carried
that gene suffered from any adverse effects. On the other hand,
the researchers found another variation that led to the highest
B12 levels, and that gene was associated with being protective
against H. pylori,3 the intestinal bacteria that can lead to peptic
ulcers and stomach cancer.
When I first heard of nutrigenomic testing, I was very excited to
think that we would be able to further refine and individualize
diets for people's unique genetics; however, I do agree the
science is too new to run out and spend our money on
nutrigenomic testing. The folate gene SNP test is the only one
that is well established and known to identify the C667T mutation
that increases health risks.4
At LMI, we recommend that anyone with elevated homocysteine
get the folate SNP test, because if you do have the mutation, it
does no good to take more folate. You need to supplement with
the already converted form of folate called
5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF for short). If you want to be
tested for this genetic mutation, it's readily available today via any
doctor's order at an average cost of about $350.
Someday as nutrigenomic research becomes more advanced,
more extensive genetic testing may help us individualize our diets
with great sophistication. In the meantime, we can try to direct
our genes to healthier expressions with increased intake of
methyl donor foods like meats, nuts, beans, seeds, cruciferous
vegetables, fish, beets, eggs, and greens, and by drinking green
tea, and enjoying some red wine. These foods do improve our
genetic expression and lower our health risks.
References
Barnes, S. J of Am Diet Assoc. Nov 2008. 108(11):1888-95.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1221727,00.html.
Hasra A. et al. Nature Genetics. 7 September 2008, doi:10.1038/ng.210.
Varga EA. et al. Circulation. 2005;111:e289-e293.
[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at
LaValle Metabolic Institute. Laura and her husband, Jim LaValle, R.Ph, CCN, ND
have developed the powerful and life-changing Metabolic Code Diet - containing
step-by-step, easy to follow recommendations for harnessing optimal metabolic
energy and turning your body's chemical make up into a fat-burning furnace.
| Can You Eat Your Way to Better DNA? |
