Food Intake According to Clock Gene Polymorphisms: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Genomics
• Chronobiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Investigates the relationship between circadian clock gene genotypes and daily energy intake.
• Aims to inform personalized nutritional strategies for metabolic health.
• Evaluates single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in circadian clock genes that may influence dietary intake.

Approach:

• Systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases following PRISMA guidelines.
• Risk of bias assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool.
• Included 10 studies with 12,115 participants, focusing on CLOCK and CRY gene SNPs.

Key Points:

• Only one study associated the CLOCK rs1801260 minor allele with increased energy, carbohydrate, and lipid intake, and later meal timing.
• Individuals with a risk allele (C) showed higher intake and later mealtimes compared to the wild-type (TT).
• Inconsistent findings across studies may stem from methodological limitations and diverse environmental factors.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence on circadian gene variants influencing eating behavior is inconsistent.
• Methodological limitations in existing studies hinder definitive conclusions.
• Further research with comprehensive approaches is needed to elucidate the impact of circadian gene variants on eating behavior.