The PCSK9 gene codes for an enzyme that is involved in cholesterol transport. It binds to LDL particles which transport fat molecules, including cholesterol, throughout the body. LDL particles bind to LDL receptors which allows Read more…
HDL cholesterol is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol. A study in the late 1970’s known as the Framingham Study determined that higher levels of HDL cholesterol were protective against heart disease. This is one of Read more…
When it comes to chronic diseases, the Big 3 are heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Heart disease is the number one killer in the US, with cancer a close second. Diabetes numbers are increasing Read more…
This website is all about how your genes make a difference in your body’s response to dietary choices. Some people are awesome at breaking down dietary carbohydrates; others are champs at converting carrots into vitamin Read more…
Everyone knows that aspirin protects against heart disease, right?
Well, it turns out that aspirin may only protect some people from heart disease, and for others, it can actually slightly increase the risk of heart disease. It all seems to depend on a variant of the COMT gene.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is the gene that codes for an enzyme that breaks down dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, as well as other substances. There are many studies on the common genetic polymorphisms of the COMT gene, and most of the studies focus on the neurological aspects of the enzyme.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association looked at the effect of a common COMT polymorphism on cardiovascular disease. The study also looked at the combined effect of the variant along with either aspirin or vitamin E and cardiovascular disease. (more…)
There has been a decades-long debate about which type of fat is best: saturated fat or polyunsaturated fat. Those in the paleo and ketogenic world are quick to tout the benefits of saturated fat; the American Heart Association promotes polyunsaturated fats[ref]. And most people remain just a bit confused about the arguments on either side...
It may depend on your genes as to which answer is right for you. Individualized diet advice instead of generalities that apply to the majority!
Genetic Studies:
There have been several studies that investigated the effects of a high saturated fat diet on cardiovascular disease stratified by genetic variants. (more…)
Wondering if you should cut down on red meat and fat to lower your blood pressure? According to a new study, it could depend on your genes. A recent study in the Journal of the Read more…
Hemochromatosis is a fairly common genetic disease that causes iron to build up in the body. Knowing that you carry the genetic variants for hemochromatosis can literally add years to your life since you can Read more…
Thiamine (thiamin), also known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a cofactor in the metabolism of carbohydrates, branch chain amino acids, and fatty acids. It is essential and needed in the Read more…
As the weather here turns colder, thoughts turn to preventing colds and the flu. My “go to” method of preventing sickness has always been by loading up on vitamin C, even though recent studies haven’t Read more…