Question Responses
Author Note
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s name
Date
Question Responses
Question One
Lycopene is a non-nutritive organic supplement that belongs to the carotenoid class of phytochemicals. The chemical can be found in some fruits and vegetables with a red colour, including tomatoes, watermelon, apricot, and guavas. Epidemiological research shows a correlation between lycopene intake and a reduction in the probability of developing chronic diseases (Imran et al. 2020). The non-nutritive supplement is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Doctors and clinicians will recommend the supplement in patients struggling with oxidative stress malfunctions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol (Imran et al. 2020). Despite research documenting the benefits of lycopene in preventing chronic diseases, it is yet to answer recommended doses and safety concerns associated with genotoxicity.
Question Two
The excitement and interest in nutrigenomics stem from the growing awareness of the impact food and dietary habits have on health, especially reducing the risk of diet-related diseases. Nutrigenomics is a field in health science that focuses on how environmental factors, such as lifestyle, impact gene expression (Neeha & Kinth, 2012). The science teaches how specific foods determine the genetic messages received by the body, hence is a combination of genetics and food science. Besides the physical expression of genetic traits, genes also react to external influences. In nutrigenomics, important nutrients are those involved in one-carbon cycle, such as choline, vitamin B2, B6, and B12 (Neeha & Kinth, 2012). Unlike traditional food science, nutrigenomics relies on processing large amounts of data on gene variants to justify the relationship between food and health. The use of advanced technology in nutrigenomics results in a better understanding of unpopular genetic conditions, including male infertility and hyperthyroidism (Neeha & Kinth, 2012). However, convincing evidence about the interplay between nutrition and genetic variations remains uncertain. Further development of the field will require a collaborative effort from experts in genetics, food science, and public health. Increased awareness among dietitian nutritionists might incentivize the heightened application of nutrigenomics. Moreover, awareness also improves client understanding which boosts their motivation to change.
Reference
Imran, M., Ghorat, F., Ul-Haq, I., Ur-Rehman, H., Aslam, F., Heydari, M., Shariati, M. A., Okuskhanova, E., Yessimbekov, Z., Thiruvengadam, M., Hashempur, M. H., & Rebezov, M. (2020). Lycopene as a natural antioxidant used to prevent human health disorders. Antioxidants, 9(8), 706. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9080706
Neeha, V. S., & Kinth, P. (2013). Nutrigenomics research: a review. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 50(3), 415–428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-012-0775-z