Nutrigenomics Course

Lesson 1 • Gene Expression and Regulation

Explains transcription, translation, and regulatory mechanisms controlling gene activity. Links expression control to nutrient-sensitive pathways introduced later.

Lesson 2 • Epigenetic Mechanisms

Introduces DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA as regulators of gene expression. Sets the stage for diet-epigenome interaction chapters.

Lesson 3 • DNA Structure and Function

Covers nucleotide composition, double helix architecture, and chromosomal organisation. Provides the molecular baseline for understanding how nutrients interact with genetic material.

Lesson 4 • Genomic Variation and Polymorphisms

Defines SNPs, insertions, deletions, and copy number variants across populations. Establishes the variation framework central to personalised nutrition assessment.

Lesson 1 • Ethical and Social Dimensions

Addresses privacy, equity, and consent issues inherent in genomic nutrition research and practice. Establishes professional responsibility standards applied throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Historical Development of the Field

Traces milestones from classical nutrition science to modern omics-driven approaches. Contextualises current research priorities and methodological evolution.

Lesson 3 • Key Nutrient-Sensing Pathways

Examines mTOR, AMPK, PPAR, and SIRT pathways as central nutrient sensors. Connects pathway activity to metabolic outcomes discussed in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 4 • Gene-Diet Interaction Models

Presents conceptual frameworks for how dietary components modulate gene expression and how genotype shapes nutrient response. Builds analytical vocabulary for case studies.

Lesson 1 • Macronutrient Ratio and Metabolic Flexibility

Investigates how macronutrient balance affects metabolic switching genes and mitochondrial biogenesis. Prepares students to design genotype-informed dietary ratios.

Lesson 2 • Protein Intake and Anabolic Signalling

Analyses amino acid sensing via mTORC1, muscle protein synthesis genes, and protein quality effects. Establishes genomic basis for variable protein requirements.

Lesson 3 • Carbohydrate Metabolism and Genomics

Examines glucose sensing, insulin signalling genes, and glycaemic response variation. Connects carbohydrate intake patterns to gene expression changes in metabolic tissues.

Lesson 1 • B Vitamins and One-Carbon Metabolism

Details folate, B12, B6, and riboflavin roles in methylation cycles affecting DNA and histone methylation. Connects one-carbon metabolism to epigenetic regulation.

Lesson 2 • Vitamins as Gene Regulators

Examines vitamins A, D, E, and K as ligands for nuclear receptors controlling gene transcription. Demonstrates how vitamin status directly modulates genomic activity.

Lesson 3 • Genetic Variation in Micronutrient Requirements

Identifies SNPs affecting absorption, transport, and metabolism of key micronutrients. Enables students to calculate individualised micronutrient recommendations.

Lesson 4 • Minerals and Trace Elements

Covers iron, zinc, selenium, and magnesium as cofactors in gene-regulatory enzymes and antioxidant systems. Links mineral status to genomic stability and repair.

Lesson 1 • Epigenetics of Obesity and Metabolic Disease

Examines adipogenesis-related methylation changes, FTO gene regulation, and diet-induced metabolic reprogramming. Links epigenetic findings to obesity prevention strategies.

Lesson 2 • Dietary Patterns and DNA Methylation

Compares Mediterranean, Western, and plant-based diets on global and locus-specific methylation profiles. Connects dietary pattern research to epigenome-wide association studies.

Lesson 3 • Epigenetic Programming by Early Nutrition

Analyses how maternal diet and early-life nutrition establish epigenetic patterns influencing lifelong health. Introduces developmental origins of health and disease concepts.

Lesson 4 • Dietary Epigenetics in Cancer Prevention

Reviews tumour suppressor gene silencing by methylation and dietary reversal strategies using bioactive compounds. Establishes evidence base for nutritional cancer epigenetics.

Lesson 1 • Microbiome Assessment Methods

Surveys 16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and metabolomics for microbiome profiling. Prepares students to interpret microbiome reports in clinical and research contexts.

Lesson 2 • Microbiome, Inflammation, and Chronic Disease

Connects dysbiosis-driven inflammatory gene activation to metabolic syndrome, IBD, and neurological conditions. Provides genomic context for microbiome-targeted interventions.

Lesson 3 • Microbial Metabolites and Host Gene Expression

Details short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites as gene regulators in host tissues. Links microbial output to systemic genomic effects.

Lesson 4 • Diet as a Microbiome Modulator

Analyses how dietary fibre, polyphenols, and fermented foods reshape microbial communities. Connects dietary choices to microbiome-mediated gene expression changes.

Lesson 1 • Interpreting Genetic Risk Scores

Explains polygenic risk score construction, effect size interpretation, and population stratification issues. Builds statistical literacy needed for accurate client communication.

Lesson 2 • Communicating Results to Clients

Covers health literacy-adapted reporting, risk framing, and motivational communication of genomic findings. Connects assessment skills to effective personalised nutrition counselling.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Quality Standards

Reviews laboratory accreditation requirements, data protection obligations, and professional scope of practice for genomic testing. Establishes compliance framework for practitioners.

Lesson 4 • Types of Nutrigenomic Tests

Compares SNP panels, whole-exome sequencing, and epigenetic age tests by clinical utility and cost. Enables informed test selection for different practice contexts.

Lesson 1 • Case-Based Intervention Practice

Applies full intervention design process to complex cases involving metabolic disease, sports performance, and aging. Consolidates all prior chapter competencies in applied scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Monitoring and Outcome Measurement

Selects biomarkers, dietary assessment tools, and epigenetic measures to track intervention progress. Enables evidence-based plan adjustment over time.

Lesson 3 • Genotype-Informed Dietary Prescriptions

Translates specific gene variants into macronutrient targets, food choices, and meal timing recommendations. Bridges genomic evidence to practical dietary guidance.

Lesson 4 • Behaviour Change and Adherence Strategies

Applies behavioural science models to improve adherence to genotype-informed dietary plans. Addresses psychological barriers unique to genomic nutrition counselling.