NUTRITIONAL
GENOMICS
Gene Genome
A gene is a segment of DNA that The entire set of genetic material
contains the instructions for making (DNA) in an organism. For humans,
proteins, which carry out many of this includes about 20,000 genes.
the body's functions. Each gene Genes are located on chromosomes
influences different traits or inside the cell nucleus.
functions.
Proteins
These are molecules made from
gene instructions. They are
involved in nearly every
process within cells, including
metabolism, cell structure, and
responding to signals.
Practical Examples of Nutritional
Genomics
Lactose Intolerance: This condition is influenced by genetic variation in the LCT gene,
which controls the production of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Some
individuals lose the ability to produce this enzyme, leading to lactose intolerance,
while others retain it due to their genetics.
Folate Metabolism: Variations in the MTHFR gene affect how some people metabolize
folate, a B vitamin. This can influence their risk of certain conditions like
cardiovascular disease or neural tube defects in pregnancy.
Vitamin D: Some individuals have genetic variations that affect how efficiently they
convert vitamin D into its active form, meaning they might require more vitamin D in
their diet or from sunlight.
Application in
Personalized Nutrition
Genetic Testing in Healthcare:
Today, companies like 23andMe and others offer genetic tests that can provide personalized diet recommendations based
on your genetic makeup. For example, people may receive advice on how they metabolize fats or carbohydrates, guiding
whether they should follow a low-carb or low-fat diet.
Precision Medicine
Healthcare providers are beginning to use nutrigenomics to recommend specific diets for patients based on their genetic risk
factors. For example, patients with a genetic predisposition to heart disease might be advised to follow a Mediterranean diet
rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Epigenetics and Long-
Term Impact
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms
other than changes in the DNA sequence. Diet plays a significant role in
epigenetic modifications. For example:
Methylation: Some nutrients like folate, B vitamins, and choline donate methyl groups that can
attach to DNA, turning genes on or off.
Example: Studies have shown that malnutrition during pregnancy can cause epigenetic changes that
increase the offspring's risk of obesity and diabetes later in life.
Transgenerational Impact: These epigenetic changes can sometimes be
passed down to future generations, meaning that diet can have long-
lasting effects not only on an individual but on their descendants.
Diet-Gene Interaction
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these nutrients can
activate genes involved in reducing inflammation, which may
help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease.
Vitamin D: This vitamin binds to receptors that influence the
expression of genes related to calcium metabolism and bone
health.
Antioxidants: Nutrients like vitamin C and E help protect DNA
from damage, which can prevent mutations that might lead to
cancer.
Limitations and Future
Challenges
Scientific Limitations: Although nutrigenomics holds great promise, large-
scale population studies are still needed to fully understand how genetic
variations interact with diet across diverse populations. At present, most
research is based on small or homogeneous study groups.
Complexity of Gene-Diet Interactions: Genes interact with each other and with environmental
factors (like lifestyle), making it difficult to pinpoint how much of the response to a nutrient is
genetic versus environmental
Ethical Concerns: Personalized nutrition might not be accessible to everyone, leading to disparities
in healthcare. There's also a concern about privacy and the use of genetic data by companies or
insurers.
Gene- Direct Interactions: Nutrients,
such as fatty acids, can directly
Nutrient bind to receptors in cells, acting as
transcription factors that regulate
Interaction
gene expression. This is typically
an acute or immediate response.
Mechanisms Epigenetic Modifications: Nutrients can also
lead to long-term changes in how genes are
expressed, often by modifying the structure
of DNA without changing its sequence. For
example, methylation patterns influenced
by diet can persist over time and affect the
development of diseases.
SNPs and Individual
Variability
SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms): These are the most common
type of genetic variation among people. A SNP represents a difference
in a single DNA building block (nucleotide). Some SNPs influence how
individuals respond to particular diets. For example:
A SNP in the APOA2 gene can affect how individuals metabolize saturated fats,
influencing their risk for obesity when consuming a high-fat diet.
Another example is a variation in the FTO gene, which is linked to obesity and
may influence how people respond to diets aimed at weight loss.
NUTRITONAL
SUPPORT AND END-
OF-LIFE DECISION
MAKING
what is
nutritional
support?
Nutritional support refers to the provision of
essential nutrients through medical means,
particularly when a patient cannot consume
food or fluids naturally.
This can include methods such as enteral
nutrition and parenteral nutrition
Importance of
Nutritional Support in
healthcare
Nutritional support plays a crucial role
in patient care, especially for those
who are critically ill or at the end of
life. It helps maintain energy levels,
prevent muscle wasting, and support
the immune system.
Introduction to
End-of-Life
Decision making
End-of-life decision making involves choices about the care
and treatment a person wishes to receive as they approach
the final stages of life. These decisions are influenced by a
variety of factors, including medical, ethical, cultural, and
personal considerations.
> Autonomy and Patient Rights
Ethical > Beneficence and Non-Maleficence
Considerations in > Justice and Resource Allocation
Nutritional Support > Informed Consent and Advance
Directives
Medical Perspectives
on Nutritional
Support at End-of-
Life
> Clinical Indications for Nutritional
Support
> Potential Benefits and Risks
> Prognosis and Quality of Life
Cultural and Religious
Considerations
> Influence of Cultural Beliefs
> Religious Perspectives
> Family Dynamics and Decision
Making
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Social, Political, and
Economic Issues and
Concerns Affection
Nutrition Care
What is Nutrition
Care?
Nutrition care refers to the planning and provision of
food and nutrition services that support health. It's not
just about what’s on our plates; it’s also shaped by the
world around us. Social, political, and economic factors
all influence whether or not people get the nutrition care
they need.
Social Issues Affecting
Nutrition Care
Education: People with less education often have limited knowledge about nutrition. They
might not understand how to choose healthy foods or why nutrition is important for
preventing diseases.
Cultural Beliefs and Practices: Different cultures have different food traditions. Some foods
may be avoided because of cultural or religious beliefs, which can sometimes limit a person’s
diet or nutritional intake.
Social Inequality: In many societies, wealthier people have more access to nutritious food,
while poorer communities rely on cheaper, unhealthy foods. This inequality is a major
problem, especially in areas where there are few resources to support healthy eating.
Food Deserts: These are areas, often in low-income urban or rural locations, where there are
no supermarkets that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole foods. People in food deserts end
up relying on fast food or convenience store items, which can lead to poor nutrition.
Political Issues
Affecting Nutrition
Care
Government Policies and Programs: Governments play a huge role in
regulating food safety and nutrition. Programs like food stamps or
school lunch programs help ensure that low-income families have
access to food. But when these programs are underfunded or
mismanaged, it can leave people without the support they need.
Global Trade Agreements: Many of the foods we eat are imported from other
countries. Trade agreements can influence how much we pay for these foods and
what kinds of food are available. For example, if a country relies on imported
food and trade restrictions are put in place, it can make healthy food more
expensive or harder to find.
Healthcare Legislation: Nutrition care is often part of broader healthcare services, but
access to these services depends on government healthcare policies. If people don’t have
access to affordable healthcare, they may not be able to get professional nutrition advice
or support.
Food Security Programs: Programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program) help families afford groceries, but often the support provided is not
enough to cover the cost of a healthy diet. People receiving these benefits still
struggle to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods."
> Income levels
Economic Issues > Food Prices and Inflation
Affecting Nutrition > Unemployment and Poverty
Care > Healthcare Cost
Concerns affecting
Nutrion Care
> Education and Awareness
> Improving Access to Nutritious Food
> Policy Changes
> Economic Empowerment
Thank you for
your attention
