A Review on Nutrigenomics: Understanding Diet-Gene Interactions and Their Implications for Chronic Disease Prevention

Abstract

Nutrigenomics investigates the complex interactions between dietary components and individual genetic makeup, influencing health outcomes and disease susceptibility. This review evaluates the role of nutrigenomics in understanding diet-gene interactions and their impact on chronic disease prevention and management. A systematic review was performed to identify relevant literature on nutrigenomics and its applications in chronic disease management. Peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports were sourced from the Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The search utilized the following keywords: "nutrigenomics," "diet-gene interactions," "genetic polymorphisms," "bioactive foods," and "personalized nutrition." Studies were included based on their relevance to the application of nutrigenomics in the prevention or management of chronic diseases. Selection criteria prioritized studies that provided insights into diet-gene interactions, genetic polymorphisms influencing nutritional outcomes, and the role of bioactive food components in personalized nutrition strategies. Genetic variations, particularly single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes such as MTHFR, CYP1A2, GSTs, and ACE, significantly influence individual responses to dietary components and disease risk, including cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and neural tube defects. Bioactive foods and supplements, including fenugreek, curcumin, HCA-SX, and various vitamins, demonstrate therapeutic potential in modulating gene expression and improving metabolic health. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in mediating nutrient-gene interactions, with examples such as Akkermansia muciniphila impacting Western diet-induced atherosclerosis. While promising, translating nutrigenomics research into personalized nutrition strategies faces challenges due to limited human studies and reliance on animal models.