In a word, the answer to that question is yes. For example, as Jim’s article pointed out, 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 women’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

1. Barnes, S. J of Am Diet Assoc. Nov 2008. 108(11):1888-95.
2. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1221727,00.html.
3. Hasra A. et al. Nature Genetics. 7 September 2008, doi:10.1038/ng.210.
4. 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. To learn more click here now.]

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