Compliance with diet can reduce genetic risks of heart disease
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
People with a genetic predisposition to heart disease can reduce the risk of their development with a diet that contains fresh vegetables and fruits, say Canadian scientists.
A group of scientists from the University of McMaster and McGill undertook to study the relationship of hereditary predisposition of heart disease and lifestyle. Researchers studied one of the most significant markers of genetic risk - site 9p21 on the 9th chromosome.
"We knew that certain modifications in the 9p21 site contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. But, we were pleasantly surprised that a balanced diet can significantly weaken their influence, "said the project manager Engert.
Scientists analyzed the data of 27 000 people, comparing the data of genetic risk and diet. As it turned out, people who had risky areas of 9p21 and at the same time adhered to a healthy diet with a predominance of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries, had the same risk of developing heart diseases as those who did not have genetic risk.
"We confirmed our assumptions that the influence of the high-risk genotype can be leveled by a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Scientists do not yet know how these factors interact with each other, so further research is needed to identify a mechanism for reducing genetic risk through nutrition.
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]