Personalizing Nutrigenomics Research through Community Based Participatory Research and Omics Technologies

Abstract

Personal and public health information are often obtained from studies of large population groups. Risk factors for nutrients, toxins, genetic variation, and more recently, nutrient-gene interactions are statistical estimates of the percentage reduction in disease in the population if the risk were to be avoided or the gene variant were not present. Because individuals differ in genetic makeup, lifestyle, and dietary patterns than those individuals in the study population, these risk factors are valuable guidelines, but may not apply to individuals. Intervention studies are likewise limited by small sample sizes, short time frames to assess physiological changes, and variable experimental designs that often preclude comparative or consensus analyses. A fundamental challenge for nutrigenomics will be to develop a means to sort individuals into metabolic groups, and eventually, develop risk factors for individuals. To reach the goal of personalizing medicine and nutrition, new experimental strategies are needed for human study designs. A promising approach for more complete analyses of the interaction of genetic makeups and environment relies on community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodologies. CBPR's central focus is developing a partnership among researchers and individuals in a community that allows for more in depth lifestyle analyses but also translational research that simultaneously helps improve the health of individuals and communities. The USDA-ARS Delta Nutrition Intervention Research program exemplifies CBPR providing a foundation for expanded personalized nutrition and medicine research for communities and individuals.

Personalized weight loss strategies—the role of macronutrient distribution

“…116 However, it is becoming evident that in addition to universal recommendations promoting healthy eating habits, personalized dietary advice will need to focus on each individual's unique circumstances, including phenotypic traits, food allergies and intolerances, likes and dislikes, environmental constraints, and genetic background. 117 In this context, it is obvious that addressing the global obesity epidemic is likely to require a combined approach: reduced consumption of high-energy-yielding foods, avoidance of sedentary lifestyles, and personalized dietary advice based upon the individual's phenotype and genotype. Opportunities for providing personalized nutritional advice are increasing along with the availability of low-cost, highthroughput analysis of genomic information.…”

Consensus statement understanding health and malnutrition through a systems approach: the ENOUGH program for early life

“…2) will go beyond simply measuring metabolites in body fluids (so-called helicopter research; Glenn, 2006;Horowitz et al 2009) to include engagement of community members (Tindana et al 2007;Cohen et al 2008;McCabe-Sellers et al 2008;Horowitz et al 2009). Active participatory research will promote comprehensive analyses and incorporate an understanding of local customs, conditions, and factors affecting nutrient accessibility.…”

Connecting the Human Variome Project to nutrigenomics

“…Basic researchers use the term deep phenotyping [63] when analyzing large numbers of genes, metabolites, proteins, or transcripts, or combinations of omic technologies. These methodologies are being adopted to the clinic for assessments (e.g., [24,57]) and have led to the application of interdisciplinary, primary care, community-based, and translational research [25,40,69] to health and disease studies, blurring the distinction between basic and clinical research [9].…”

“…Including these populations and individuals may allow for a more rapid translation of basic science to society. Community-based participatory research collaborations may provide forums for addressing cultural and ethical concerns of biomedical research [40]. The genomic sovereignty/equality for all countries to be involved in their research efforts is an accepted norm of the HVP and nutrigenomic research communities.…”