Guy recently had his DNA analyzed by The Gene Company to find out how he metabolizes fats and carbohydrates.
What are fats and carbohydrates?
Fats, also known as lipids, are a concentrated source of energy that the body needs to function properly.
Additionally, fats play a number of other important roles including supporting cell structure and function, aiding in nutrient absorption (e.g., vitamins A, D, E and K need fat to be absorbed by the body), and in some cases helping control cholesterol and blood pressure. Fats can be broken down into smaller molecules called fatty acids and glycerol, which can be used for energy. The body stores excess fat in adipose tissue, which can be broken down and released into the bloodstream when the body needs energy.
Carbohydrates are macronutrients that the body needs to function properly. Enzymes break down carbohydrates into simple sugars, which can be used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy for the body’s cells.
What do Guy’s genetics reveal?
Guy’s genetics indicate that he has a specific weakness in his ability to metabolize saturated fat due to his APOA2 gene producing less of the protein important in HDL (the good) cholesterol. This results in a greater likelihood of gaining weight, higher levels of triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol when eating saturated fat. Guy also has suboptimal versions of his CETP and LPL genes, which increase his likelihood of having high levels of triglycerides and LDL (the bad) cholesterol.
Regarding carbohydrates, Guy has two variants in the G6PC2 and PPARD genes which convert carbohydrates into glucose and regulate fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and glucose homeostasis when metabolizing carbohydrates are suboptimal when metabolizing carbohydrates. This means that certain carbohydrates or increased levels of carbohydrates are more likely to cause high blood glucose levels, and metabolic problems like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Guy has optimal metabolic adaptation genes meaning that he is more likely to adapt to changes in temperature, diet and environmental conditions well. The UCP1 and UCP2 genes
control how your cells produce more heat and less energy for cells which can affect your body temperature, weight, and health. For example, UCP is responsible for your shivering response. Accordingly, Guy is going to burn more calories when changing temperature (e.g. sauna, cold shower etc)
Why is this important?
Nutrition plays a significant role in overall health influencing a range of biological pathways including immune response, cognitive function, cardiovascular health etc. and it is important to take into account all of these factors when optimising your diet.
Unhealthy cholesterol levels are a leading indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death in New Zealand, accounting for nearly 30% of all deaths.
High blood glucose levels have been shown to be a precursor to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
What can Guy do?
Based solely on Guy's genetics relating to carbohydrate and fat metabolism The Gene Company suggests he consider:
Lowering consumption of saturated fats (fats solid at room temperature) given his genetic variants to manage cholesterol levels. Additionally, he avoids all trans fats and hydrogenated oils which are fats that have been chemically altered to make them more stable and are found in fried foods, baked goods and snack foods.
Being aware he is more inclined to spikes in blood glucose levels (which are key precursors to a number of diseases) when consuming certain carbohydrates. Accordingly, he should avoid highly processed carbohydrates (e.g. white bread, soft drinks etc)
A pescatarian-focused diet could be beneficial, focusing on no or low processed vegetables and fruits as the main source of calories and nutrients, with fish providing protein and essential fats (e.g., fatty acid fish such as salmon)
The inclusion of meat and occasional processed carbohydrates is generally okay, but it should be focused on lean cuts of meat and less processed carbs such as brown bread.
As mentioned, carbohydrate and fat metabolism are only the start of diet considerations. It is important to consider micronutrient needs, detoxification and immune response, cognitive aspects, and a range of other factors.
The Gene Company provides detailed insights into a broad range of issues to provide an optimized diet recommendation
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