Category Archives: Epigenetics

Factors Affecting Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D and its metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are involved in cell differentiation and cell regulation. This role as a steroid hormone, may explain the association between low levels of vitamin D and a number of Western lifestyle … Continue reading

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Cancer Risk and Lifestyle Changes

Methylation of DNA is a process by which cells control the expression of genes, effectively turning them on or off. In this way the cell can use signal from the environment to alter the genes expressed, and thus alter their … Continue reading

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Genetic Variation In Fasting Triglyceride Levels

Genetic differences exist between individuals. We are all roughly the same internally, as we belong to the same species, Homo sapiens. However, within the normal human type small genetic variations alter the way that we respond to our environments. There … Continue reading

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of how environment can influence genetic regulation. The realisation that foods can alter the genetics of an individual is interesting from a nutritional perspective because it explains the associations between certain nutrients and certain diseases. Contributions … Continue reading

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Epigenetics, Eskimo Diet, Essential Fatty Acids, Fish Oils, Genes | Comments Off on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Epigenetics

Low Birth Weight: Future Health Problems?

The growing foetus is extremely sensitive to external stimuli, particularly the health and nutrition of the mother. Recent evidence suggests that the future health outcomes of an individual may be determined during this sensitive foetal period. While the traditional viewpoint … Continue reading

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HDL and Epigenetics

The ratio of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to high density lipoprotein (HDL) is predictive of cardiovascular risk. Generally, a high LDL to HDL ratio is associated with an increase risk of cardiovascular disease. High density lipoprotein levels below <40 mg/dL … Continue reading

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Glutathione S-Transferase Genotype and Vitamin C Plasma Levels

Glutathione S-transferases are a family of phase 2 detoxification enzymes that play an important role in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Compounds that can be metabolised by the GST enzyme family include carcinogens, environmental toxins and reactive oxygen … Continue reading

Posted in Cholesterol, Detoxification, Epigenetics, Glutathione, Iron, LDL, Phase II Detoxification, Vitamin C | Comments Off on Glutathione S-Transferase Genotype and Vitamin C Plasma Levels