May 26, 2006 – In the relatively near future, it will be possible to obtain personalized nutritional recommendations, based on one’s genetic profile, in order to delay the onset of a disease to which one would be predisposed. Welcome to the world of nutrigenomics, where reality is on the way to overtaking fiction!
This emerging science was the subject of a conference organized by the Center québécois de valorisation des biotechnologies (CQVB)1, during which some forty scientists and business people from the agro-food sector discussed the challenges and future prospects of nutrigenomics.
Nutrigenomics is based on two complementary concepts, according to Marie-Claude Vohl, professor of food science at Laval University in Quebec. One aims to better understand how the consumption of a particular food affects genes. This will eventually make it possible to develop foods that have a particular effect on the body depending on the diseases to be prevented or treated. This is called genomic design.
The other approach is based on genetics. It is also called nutrigenetics. She seeks to explain why certain individuals respond less well to a diet, and to find for them a more individualized diet, more closely linked to their heredity or to the genetic mutations of which they may be carriers.
To treat obesity
“More broadly, nutrigenomics has the potential to optimize nutritional recommendations for the general population. It can help certain sub-groups of individuals who respond less well, ”explains Marie-Claude Vohl.
The professor of kinesiology and specialist in the genetics of obesity, Louis Pérusse, is optimistic about the potential offered by this approach, particularly in obese people. “Nutrigenomics will become a motivational tool for the patient who will undertake changes in his lifestyle,” he explains.
According to him, genes influence eating habits. “They affect preferences and satiety in particular, as well as certain behaviors, for example eating more when you are stressed,” he says.
Are we ready for nutrigenomics?
Based on a survey conducted in the United States in 2003, Louis Pérusse believes the public is ready to consider nutrigenomics as a new health tool. “Half of the Americans surveyed say they agree to use a diet based on their genetic profile,” he argues. A more recent survey2 seems to agree with him: 71% of Americans are in favor of using genetics to obtain more personalized recommendations in matters of nutrition. However, most have only a vague idea of what nutrigenomics is.
In Quebec? “The preliminary results of five focus groups conducted in our country show that people are in favor of access to nutrigenomics services as long as they will have more scientific evidence and the information will be provided by a doctor,” said explained Béatrice Godard, professor of bioethics at the University of Montreal.
But already, nutrigenomics applies to certain genetic diseases. This is the case with phenylketonuria, a very serious rare disease. People with it should avoid consuming phenylalanine which is found in all protein foods such as meat, eggs and milk. Otherwise, they expose themselves to significant neurological disorders. “It is the first known disease in which there is an interaction between genes and diet. Fortunately, we can act thanks to a specific diet, ”illustrates Marie-Claude Vohl.
Several genes remain to be discovered, as well as their respective roles and their interaction with food intake and the environment. “For polygenic or multifactorial diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, many scientific challenges must be met before nutrigenomics becomes reality”, concedes the researcher from Laval University.
While this science raises hopes, it also raises many ethical questions. Should we implement genetic tests for everyone? Who will take charge of the information on the genetic profile of patients? Who will have access to it and to whom will it belong? Who will benefit from this science: the whole population or people at specific risk? What will the costs be? “In Quebec, public health workers are already looking into these questions,” concludes Marie-Claude Vohl.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. Organized by the Quebec Center for Biotechnology Valorization (CQVB) in collaboration with the Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF), this conference took place on May 23, 2006. The respective sites of the two organizations are www. cqvb.qc.ca and www.inaf.ulaval.ca [consultés le 25 mai 2006].
2. Tailoring Your Diet to Fit Your Genes: A Global Quest : survey made public in January / February 2006 by the International Food Information Council. To learn more about this survey: http://ific.org/foodinsight/2006/jf/genesfi106.cfm [consulté le 25 mai 2006].
