Alfredo Martínez -Full Professor of Nutrition at the University of Navarra and president of congress-, Artemis Simopoulos - researcher at the Center for Genetics (Washington, USA) - and Rafaelle De Caterina - president of the Society for Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics -. PHOTO: Manuel Castells

"The increase in omega-6 fatty acids, as opposed to omega-3, in the per diem expenses of the 21st century may have negative effects on our health". This was stated today by Artemis Simopoulos, researcher at the Center for Genetics (Washington, USA) and mother of the "per diem expenses Omega". The specialist participated in the press conference of presentation of the IV International of the Society of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics (ISNN), co-organized by the University of Navarra and which is being held until Saturday at the Baluarte Conference Center.

Artemis Simopoulos, former White House advisor at subject on nutrition, spoke of a change in our eating habits: "We have evolved from a per diem expenses rich in antioxidants and with a variety of fats to one with a greater amount of omega 6 (present in oils such as corn or soybean oil)". In this sense, he explained that "the fruits and vegetables we consume, being cultivated with more modern techniques, have a lower amount of antioxidants. Likewise, animals are fed with cereals and as a consequence, the amount of omega 6 in our per diem expenses has increased". 

The specialist explained how this diet subject , in which omega 3 acids -mainly from oily fish, seafood, seed oils and green leafy vegetables- have decreased, influences our health. In animal models, he said, higher consumption of omega-6 has been shown to raise the risk of cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory problems. "In humans the results are still contradictory, but it has been proven that in people with predisposition Genetics, omega 3 is beneficial in some types of tumors." 

Modifying the destiny written by our genes
Rafaelle De Caterina, expert in Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics and president of ISNN, stressed that "we can change the destiny written in our genes if we change our diet". For example, he spoke about his research on cardiovascular diseases: "Atherosclerosis, which consists of inflammation of the arteries, is the main cause of these pathologies. Our research has shown how omega-3 fatty acids are able to modulate this vascular inflammation".

According to the ISNN president, there are foods that cure. "In fact, there are food-derived drugs, such as omega-3, that decrease the risk of cardiovascular death." Therefore, "dietary interventions should be a priority for academic community at this time."

The congress ISNN brings together in Pamplona 320 specialists in these topics from the five continents. Alfredo Martínez, Full Professor of Nutrition at the University of Navarra and president of congress ISNN, referred to degree scroll of meeting, "From reference letter intakes to personalized nutrition". "Genetic tests," he said, "are going to offer personalized nutrition à la carte. A dietary treatment for therapeutic and preventive purposes in various diseases". 

The speakers at congress also include Claude Bouchard, director executive of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center (Louisiana State University), a pioneer in genetic programs of study in the exercise sciences and the researcher with the most scientific publications on obesity in the world; Mike Gibney, professor at the UCD Institute of Food and Health in Dublin (Ireland) and Europe's leading expert in the study of obesity and per diem expenses using the novel technology of metabolomics; Frank B. Hu (Harvard University), a specialist in the influence of per diem expenses and lifestyle on obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease; and Peter Arner (high school Karolinska, Stockholm), a member of the committee Nobel Laureate, who studies the influence of Genetics in relation to diabetes subject 2 and obesity.