Evaluating Changes in Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake after Receiving Personal FADS1 Genetic Information: A Randomized Nutrigenetic Intervention

Abstract

Nutrigenetics research is anticipated to lay the foundation for personalized dietary recommendations; however, it remains unclear if providing individuals with their personal genetic information changes dietary behaviors. Our objective was to evaluate if providing information for a common variant in the fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) gene changed omega-3 fatty acid (FA) intake and blood levels in young female adults (18–25 years). Participants were randomized into Genetic (intervention) and Non-Genetic (control) groups, with measurements taken at Baseline and Final (12 weeks). Dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was assessed using an omega-3 food frequency questionnaire. Red blood cell (RBC) FA content was quantified by gas chromatography. Implications of participation in a nutrigenetics study and awareness of omega-3 FAs were assessed with online questionnaires. Upon completion of the study, EPA and DHA intake increased significantly (p = 1.0 × 10−4) in all participants. This change was reflected by small increases in RBC %EPA. Participants in the Genetic group showed increased awareness of omega-3 terminology by the end of the study, reported that the dietary recommendations were more useful, and rated cost as a barrier to omega-3 consumption less often than those in the Non-Genetic group. Providing participants FADS1 genetic information did not appear to influence omega-3 intake during the 12 weeks, but did change perceptions and behaviors related to omega-3 FAs in this timeframe.

A Systematic Review of Genetic Testing and Lifestyle Behaviour Change: Are We Using High-Quality Genetic Interventions and Considering Behaviour Change Theory?

“…Consideration of theories in general to inform the study design was poor, and consideration of the TPB was absent, which further helps to explain the heterogeneity of findings, since several possible confounding factors were missed. Additionally, only 3 studies [9, 11, 43] focused on nutrient metabolism. Therefore, a future focus is needed on genetic interventions related to nutrient metabolism and the subsequent disease risk through genetic testing of modifier genes (genetic risks that can be mitigated through specific lifestyle changes), rather than genetics-based disease risk estimates where there may be no known lifestyle modifications that can alter the genetic risk.…”

FADS2 Variants are Associated with Omega-6 Metabolic Conversion in Serbian Adults in a cross-sectional study – Implications for Precision Nutrition Practice

“…Previous studies encourage provision of personalized genetic advice for improvement of dietary habits with relation to omega-3 intake [49,50]. Acknowledgment of genetic information was associated with raised awareness on health-promoting power of n-3 intake [49].…”

Resting metabolic rate and skeletal muscle SERCA and Na + /K + ATPase activities are not affected by fish oil supplementation in healthy older adults

“…These fractions were aliquoted and stored at −80°C until further analysis. The FA profile of RBC samples was measured by gas chromatography, as previously described (Roke et al, 2017). FA peaks were identified by comparison to retention times of FA methyl ester standards.…”