Press Release: University of Arizona Launches $3.9M Study on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Genetic Ancestry
TUCSON, AZ — Aiming to clarify the nutritional fog surrounding fish oil, University of Arizona researcher Floyd "Ski" Chilton has secured a $3.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore how ancestry and genetics influence the body’s response to omega-3 fatty acids. Chilton, a professor within the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences and a member of the BIO5 Institute, advocates for the emerging field of precision nutrition.
Partnering with Georgetown University and the MedStar Health Research Institute, Chilton’s team will conduct a clinical trial that examines how genetic ancestry affects omega-3 absorption and overall health outcomes. This study builds upon their earlier findings from the landmark VITAL study, which indicated that fish oil supplementation yielded varying benefits, particularly among African American participants who experienced a substantial 77% reduction in heart attacks.
Chilton highlighted the need to move beyond generalized dietary recommendations. “The original analysis missed the significance of ancestry’s role in nutrient effectiveness, especially for African Americans,” said co-author Jason Umans. Through advanced data analysis and machine learning, the study will focus on how genetic backgrounds dictate omega-3 supplementation’s efficacy, suggesting that personalized dietary guidance could mitigate health disparities.
The eight institutions involved in the grant aim to untangle the complexities linking genetic variations to omega-3 fatty acid levels, potentially identifying additional populations that might benefit. Chilton emphasized, “This research highlights the importance of moving past one-size-fits-all nutrition to inform tailored dietary strategies.”
This NIH-funded project tackles diet-induced health disparities and reinforces the future of precision nutrition, ensuring more targeted and effective nutritional interventions.
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