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Genetic and environmental influences on nutrient intake.
Jianghong Liu1, Catherine Tuvblad, Adrian Raine
1Faculty, School of Nursing and School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 426, Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6096, USA, jhliu@nursing.upenn.edu.
Genes & Nutrition
|October 12, 2012
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake. This study highlights the substantial role of genetics in individual dietary variations, offering insights into nutritional health.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Behavioral Genetics
- Human Nutrition
Background:
- Individual variations in nutrition intake and food preferences are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Existing research often suffers from methodological flaws, inconsistent findings, and limited examination of micronutrient intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address gaps in the literature regarding genetic and environmental influences on energy and nutrient intake.
- To improve understanding of the interplay between genetics, environment, and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3-day food intake diaries from 358 twin pairs (aged 11-13 years).
- Assessed intake of total energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients.
- Employed structural equation modeling to analyze genetic and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Genetic influences explained a significant portion of variance in total energy (48%), macronutrients (35-45%), minerals (45%), and vitamins (21%).
- Shared environmental factors contributed minimally to nutritional intake.
- Novel findings were reported for vitamin and mineral intake.
Conclusions:
- Genetics play a substantial role in individual differences in energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake.
- Understanding these genetic and environmental linkages is crucial for informing nutritional strategies and public health interventions.
- This research provides a foundation for future studies on the impact of micronutrients on physical health.
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