Discover How Genes Influence Diet Choices
Considering a shift towards a vegetarian or vegan diet? While the intention may be there, a recent study suggests that genetic factors could significantly influence how well your body responds to such dietary changes.
Researchers emphasize that genetics play a crucial role in determining whether an individual thrives or faces challenges on a vegetarian diet. For instance, individuals with specific genetic variants may experience increased calcium levels after adopting a vegetarian diet, contrary to the typical decrease observed in most people, as reported in the journal PLOS Genetics.
Similarly, another genetic variant could lead to heightened testosterone levels, which generally decline among the majority of vegetarians. Conversely, a third variant might cause a decline in kidney function, despite the usual improvement associated with plant-based diets.
Lead researcher Michael Francis, from the University of Georgia’s Institute of Bioinformatics, highlights the importance of genetic testing for these variants to tailor dietary choices accordingly, especially for those with specific nutritional needs related to these traits.
The study, which analyzed data from over 150,000 individuals including 2,300 strict vegetarians, revealed several health benefits such as lower cholesterol levels, which are beneficial for heart health. However, it also pointed out potential drawbacks such as lower vitamin D levels impacting bone health and immune function, and higher triglyceride levels that could contribute to heart disease risk among vegetarians.
In light of these findings, the researchers suggest that the future of nutrition may involve highly personalized diets tailored to individual genetic profiles, moving away from generalized dietary recommendations. This approach, known as personalized nutrition, aims to optimize health outcomes at an individual level, acknowledging the significant influence of genetics on dietary responses.
Francis, who himself transitioned from vegetarianism to a diet including meat, underscores the evolving scientific groundwork for personalized nutrition, highlighting its potential to enhance overall human health through tailored dietary approaches.
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