Nutrition and Gene-Diet Interactions

These flashcards cover essential concepts regarding the interplay of nutrition, genetics, and health outcomes, facilitating better understanding for exam preparation.

What are the main objectives of studying gene-diet interactions?

To explore whether diet causes disease, the nature of interactions, methodological approaches, and public health implications.

What are gene-diet interactions?

Interactions between genetic factors and dietary components affecting health and disease risk.

What can happen if phenylalanine levels are not controlled in individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Accumulation of phenylalanine can cause brain damage.

How can dietary intervention impact monogenic diseases?

Modifying dietary intake can prevent some monogenetic diseases.

What role do essential nutrients play in gene expression?

Essential nutrients can influence gene expression by affecting protein synthesis and enzyme production.

Define single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

The most common type of genetic variation among individuals, which can alter gene expression or functionality.

What is the significance of familial aggregation of disease?

It suggests that genetic factors contribute to disease prevalence beyond shared environmental factors.

How does diet influence DNA methylation and gene expression?

Diet can lead to changes in DNA methylation which may alter gene expression and potentially increase the risk of diseases.

What is the ‘two-hit’ model in gene-environment interactions?

Both genotype and environmental exposure are necessary to increase the risk of disease.

How can nutritional genomics be applied in public health?

By providing tailored nutrition advice based on genetic susceptibility to certain diseases.

What are common study designs used to examine gene-diet interactions?

Cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and case-cohort studies.