COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 226
certain nutrients like magnesium and riboflavin (vitamin B2) can
support these enzyme systems [61].
Practical Applications of Nutrigenomics
The practical application of nutrigenomic knowledge allows for
the development of personalized nutrition plans that can help
mitigate genetic risks. For example:
● Individuals with polymorphisms in antioxidant genes might
benefit from higher intake of antioxidant-rich foods
● Those with SNPs affecting vitamin D metabolism may need
different levels of sun exposure or supplementation
● People with variants in carbohydrate metabolism genes
might respond differently to low vs. high carbohydrate diets
Despite promising research, it's important to note that
nutrigenomics is still evolving. Many studies show associations
rather than causation, and most examine single-nutrient effects
rather than whole dietary patterns [62]. Additionally, genes don't
operate in isolation4there are complex interactions between
multiple genes and environmental factors that influence health
outcomes.
The Future of Nutrigenomics
As research continues, we can expect:
1. More sophisticated algorithms that consider multiple
genetic variants and their interactions
2. Better understanding of how dietary patterns (rather than
individual nutrients) influence gene expression
3. Integration of microbiome data with genetic information
to create more comprehensive nutrition plans
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