Medical Genetics - V. M. Zaporozhan 2005

Multifactorial Diseases
Ecogenetics
Examples of ecogenetic pathological reactions - Ecogenetic reactions to food products

The most striking example of genetic variation in dietary response is adult hypolactasia. In all infants, the intestines contain the enzyme lactase, which is essential for digesting lactose. In most people, intestinal lactase production ceases after weaning from breast milk. When consuming milk or other lactose-containing products, individuals who are unable to digest it suffer from flatulence and gastrointestinal distress. However, a mutation exists that preserves The ability to digest lactose into adulthood. This mutation provides a selective advantage in agricultural regions where dairy is a dietary staple (Central and Northern Europe, as well as pastoral populations in Africa and Asia).

Migraines can be triggered by the catecholamines found in cheese among individuals with impaired tyramine conjugation.

In cases of low monoamine oxidase activity, chocolate can act as a migraine trigger.

A specific adverse reaction to small amounts of alcohol—manifesting as immediate facial flushing, tachycardia, a burning sensation in The Stomach, and Muscle weakness—is frequently observed among East Asian populations. This condition is linked to a deficiency in hepatic Alcohol dehydrogenase isoform-1, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol.