Interaction among diet, genes, and exercise affects athletic performance and risk for chronic disease

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary, for both experts and non‐experts, of new findings on interactions among diet, genes, and exercise in determining the risk for chronic disease.

Design/methodology/approach

The present review focuses on the key role of exercise in modulating the ratio of muscle fiber types and the resulting effects on overall health.

Findings

Exercise and a diet rich in omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids modulate human gene expression and lower the risk for chronic disease. Emerging evidence, synthesized here, shows that a family of gene regulatory proteins, the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor) transcription factor family, regulates the synthesis of human muscle fibers and thereby affects glucose metabolism and the risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Dietary fatty acids, in particular n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, act on PPAR family members, and thereby enhance the synthesis of specific muscle fiber types. Human muscle fibers contain a heterogeneous mix of slow‐oxidative, fast‐oxidative, and fast‐glycolytic muscle fibers. At the extremes of the spectrum, low‐oxidative fibers, important for endurance activities, rely on a complete oxidation of sugars as well as fats for energy, and are associated with high insulin sensitivity. In contrast, fast‐glycolytic fibers, important for short, intense exercise, predominantly use a quick, but only partial breakdown of sugars (glycolysis) for energy. Not surprisingly, sprinters have more fast‐glycolytic fibers, while endurance athletes have more slow‐oxidative fibers. The relative ratio of these different fiber types, in part genetically fixed and in part respondent to diet and exercise, determines not only what type of activities an individual performs best, but also affects the risk for chronic disease. Recent research has identified correlations between muscle fiber type and PPAR type as well as between even modest levels of endurance training and a lowering of the risk for insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Practical implications

This review synthesizes recently discovered mechanisms into a framework supporting the conclusion that even moderate levels of endurance exercise, combined with a sufficient intake of n‐3 fatty acids, lower the risk for chronic disease.

Originality/value

This article provides accessible and comprehensive information to researchers, nutritionists, and consumers who are interested in using lifestyle management (such as exercise and diet) to lower the risk for chronic disease.

Citation

Demmig‐Adams, B. and Carter, J. (2007), "Interaction among diet, genes, and exercise affects athletic performance and risk for chronic disease", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 37 No. 5, pp. 306-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346650710828325