Nutrition and your DNA: What is epigenetics?

You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” While there is truth behind that statement, epigenetics show diet may also influence your DNA and the DNA of future generations. That means, your grandchildren are what you eat. Now that’s a scary thought! Could your poor diet choices translate to health issues for your grandchildren? According to studies in epigenetics, the answer is yes.

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is an emerging science, and Duke University Professor, Randy Jirtle, answers the question of what epigenetics is in easy-to-understand terms. He compares the DNA double helix structure to the hardware of a computer, and the emigenome to the software. “It tells the computer when, where, and how to work.” The science of epigenetics takes a look at the “programs” established in our cells at the DNA level. It is this science that has provided evidence that there is something more than genetics that passes on to the next generation.

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

In a study conducted by Michael Skinner, a molecular biologist at Washington State University, results show that DNA sequence transmission to the next generation is influenced by environmental factors. This includes diet and stress, which can indelibly change DNA in sperm or eggs and thus be passed on to future generations. The genome is not part of the DNA sequence, but wraps around it. It interacts with environment. Reactions to that environment can influence and regulate gene expression. Environmental factors include: stress, diet, behavior, toxins and other factors.

The good news

The good news related to epigenetics is that we are not victims of genetics. While factors like behavior or stress are harder to study, diet is an environmental factor in epigenetics change that’s easier to understand. Two recent studies on identical mice clones implanted in different mothers have shown nutrition dramatically alters both health and appearance. Healthy nutrition or lack of nutrients fed to the mothers changed the DNA environment and was passed on to the next generation. The result, one mouse grew obese while the other remained slim as their identical DNA expressed itself in different ways.

Results released this month from a second study led by Ram B. Singh of the Tsim Tsoum Institute in Krakow, Poland, studied the chromatin which is the chemical mix in which the DNA operates. Singh and his team have concluded that nutrients can cause mutations; good or bad, but more research is needed.

While these studies show the importance of a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exactly why it affects DNA is not always agreed upon. However the studies do agree, that changes that influence DNA can be passed on to future generations for better or for worse.

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