“Nutritional Genomics” explores the dynamic field examining how our genes interact with the food we eat, influencing individual health outcomes. It focuses on two core concepts: nutrigenomics, how food affects gene expression, and nutrigenetics, how genetic variations impact responses to nutrients. Understanding these interactions is crucial because the same dietary advice can yield different results based on individual genetic makeups. The book highlights the importance of personalized nutrition in combating the rise of diet-related chronic diseases.
The book traces the evolution of nutrition science and genomics, emphasizing the shift from preventing deficiencies to optimizing health through personalized approaches. It explains complex concepts like genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and their role in uncovering gene-diet interactions.
Progressing from basic principles of genetics and nutrition, the book explores the influence of genes on macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, and susceptibility to diet-related diseases.
This book stands out by providing a balanced assessment of nutritional genomics, acknowledging both its potential benefits and limitations. It critically evaluates research methodologies and showcases unique data sources, offering a comprehensive view of this interdisciplinary field.
Ultimately, it emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition is inadequate and advocates for tailoring dietary recommendations based on genetic profiles to optimize health.
