Study reveals genetic link to diet (10/25/2007)

Our diet is largely determined by genetic factors, according to a study from King's College London. In particular, garlic lovers, coffee drinkers and those who eat plenty of fruit and vegetables are likely to have inherited their tastes from their parents.

This study, the most comprehensive of its kind, has shown conclusively that dietary choices are largely influenced by our genes. Previously, more emphasis has been placed on the social and environmental factors which determine what we eat. This research shows that we may have less choice over what we like to eat than we previously thought. Often we enjoy a similar diet to that of our parents. This study shows that this is likely to be determined by our genes, rather than simply being a result of the environment in which we were brought up.

To examine the contribution of genetic factors to food choice, researchers studied the dietary habits of 3262 UK female twins. By studying twins, researchers were able to study the dietary patterns of identical twins and compare them with non-identical twins. This allowed them to determine the extent to which genes play a part in determining our dietary choices.

Throughout the course of the study, five distinct dietary patterns were identified: 'fruit and vegetable', 'high alcohol', 'traditional English', 'dieting' and 'low meat'. Most people will fall into one of the five categories identified.

Lead researcher Professor Tim Spector, from the Twin Research Unit, at King's College London, said: 'This research has revealed some fascinating findings. For so long we have assumed that our up-bringing and social environment determine what we like to eat. This has blown that theory out of the water, more often than not, our genetic makeup influences our dietary patterns.'

The study is also vital in terms of illness and disease. It has been long-recognised that certain illnesses and diseases are linked to diet. Heart disease, for example, is strongly associated with a diet high in saturated fats. By establishing why we eat what we eat, this study goes some way towards determining the causes of some illnesses.

Another key issue is that campaigns aimed at promoting healthy eating, such as the Government's '5 a day' campaign, may need to be re-thought in light of these new findings. If diet is less about choice, and more about genetics, such campaigns may have less of an affect than is intended.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Kings College London

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