Nutrigenomics in Autoimmune Disease

Abstract

Nutrigenomics is a fast-developing science that holds great promise for treating and understanding autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent research indicates that dietary variables may impact the course of many illnesses by modifying gene expression through epigenetic alterations, without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 and fatty acids, have been demonstrated to use epigenetic mechanisms to control inflammatory pathways and decrease disease activity in RA. Epigenetic modulation of gene expression by vitamin D and other micronutrients regulates immunological responses and neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). This chapter highlights the opportunities to establish tailored dietary interventions to slow the progression of the autoimmune diseases and enhance patient outcomes by having a better understanding of the complex interactions between nutrients and epigenetic alterations in autoimmune disorders.