The importance of nutrigenomics in cardiovascular diseases

Title : The importance of nutrigenomics in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract:

Background: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death, with genetic variation playing a significant role in individual susceptibility and response to dietary interventions. Nutrigenomics, the study of how nutrients influence gene expression, offers a precision nutrition approach to CVD prevention and management.

Objective: This review explores the role of gene–diet interactions in cardiovascular health, highlighting key genetic polymorphisms, nutrient responses, and clinical applications for personalized nutrition.

Methods: Evidence from observational studies, Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), and clinical trials was synthesized to evaluate the impact of nutrigenomics on lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways.

Results: Variants in APOE, MTHFR, PCSK9, CYP1A2, and VDR influence nutrient metabolism and modulate CVD risk factors including LDL-C, homocysteine, hypertension, and endothelial function. Nutrigenomics-guided interventions—such as genotype-specific fat intake adjustments, targeted folate and vitamin D supplementation, polyphenol-rich diets, and caffeine moderations show promise in reducing CVD risk. Personalized dietary strategies improve adherence, enable early risk stratification, and may reduce long-term healthcare costs.

Conclusion: Nutrigenomics provides a transformative framework for individualized CVD prevention by aligning dietary recommendations with genetic profiles. Integrating genomic testing into cardiovascular care can enhance clinical outcomes, but widespread adoption requires further clinical validation, improved accessibility, and professional training in genomic nutrition.

Keywords: Nutrigenomics, Cardiovascular Disease, Gene–Diet Interactions, Precision Nutrition, APOE, MTHFR, Personalized Nutrition, Lipid Metabolism.

Biography:

Pratibha Gupta, Ph.D., is a research associate professor of food, nutrition, and health and Extension specialist for Family and Consumer Science at Central State University. She is an editorial member for the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities and the Journal of Current Trends in Nutrition. She is also on the five-member Board of Directors of the Food Distribution Research Society. Gupta recently responded to a list of questions by Cyril Ibe on her $600,000, USDA-funded research titled, “Nutrition Education and Outreach Program to Address and Prevent Obesity in Minority Communities: Application of Nutrigenomics.” The following has been lightly edited for clarity. Gupta is the principal investigator (PI) for the study, which involves Central State in partnership with Kentucky State University, Lincoln University, and the University of Toledo.