What is the impact of genetic profile on iron source choice?
This article explores the intersection between genetics, nutrition and diet. We will examine how genetic profiles, especially in relation to iron, can affect our choices of food. You will learn about the benefits of knowing your genetic profile, practical measures you can take and how iron plays a role in the diet.
Understand Your Genetic Profiles: It's Important
In order to make informed food choices, it is important to understand one's own genetic profile. Certain genetic variations have been shown to affect the way our bodies use and absorb nutrients including iron. Individuals with a specific variant of the TMPRSS6 may be at an increased risk for iron deficiency and could benefit from an increase in iron intake. This is especially true if they consume meat, which contains a high bioavailability of iron.
It's important to remember that genes do not operate alone. Diet, as well as environmental factors, are important. Making changes to diet solely based on genetic data without taking into account overall health and lifestyle could have unintended effects.
Get Started with Your Genetic Profile
You can get tested to find out how your genes may affect your diet. Direct-to-consumer kits are available from several companies that test nutritional genomics. The tests provide information on your nutrition, such as sensitivities and predispositions.
It's best to talk about your results with either a dietitian or healthcare professional who is an expert in nutritional genomics. You can get help interpreting the results, and they will guide you to make appropriate diet modifications.
Example of diets based on genetic profiles
- Iron-rich foods are best avoided by individuals with the HFE variant, as it increases their risk of hemochromatosis, a condition that leads to an iron overload. This is especially true for heme iron, found in red meat and other animal products.
- Those who have a TMPRSS6 variant, which increases their risk of an iron deficiency, may need to increase the intake of foods rich in iron. Iron from animal sources such as beef, oysters, chicken liver and poultry is highly bioavailable. Fortified grains, lentils and chickpeas are plant-based iron sources. However, they can also be absorbed better when consumed with foods rich in vitamin C.
- If you have certain genetic variants that reduce the absorption rate of non-heme (plant-based) iron, it may be beneficial to include more animal-based sources or iron supplements in your diet.
- Individuals who are genetically predisposed to having high cholesterol may choose to avoid animal iron due to its saturated fat content, and focus instead on iron from plants along with a diet that is rich in fiber.
Other Tips on Dietary Selections
Your genetic profile represents only one part of your puzzle. When making diet decisions, it's important to also consider factors such as age, gender, health, level of activity, personal preference, etc. Blood tests and regular checkups can give you a better idea of your nutrition status.
A balanced and varied diet is the key to good nutrition. Eating a variety of foods will help you to get enough nutrients, even if your genetics are predisposed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is true that our genes can influence the iron we choose. These genetic influences must be considered in conjunction with other factors and not as a standalone factor. Understanding our genetic make-up and working together with health professionals can help us to make better dietary choices that will improve our overall well-being.
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