The concept of biochemical individuality was explored by the world renowned biochemist Prof. Roger Williams in the 1950’s following on the work in the 1940’s by Linus Pauling Ph.D. As optimum nutrition is now becoming of interest to the 21st century population their early work still provides the foundation of our understanding of the molecular origin of disease. Prof. Williams described variations among people and how they related differently to their environment at a physiological level. He also related this to the differing nutritional needs that people had to function optimally.

He coined the term “genetotrophic disease” to describe the diseases which resulted from genetically predetermined nutritional or metabolic needs not met by the individual leading to poor gene expression. His work undermines the RDA‘s as a one size fits all solution, as he proves that every individual has differing nutritional and environmental needs to be healthy.

In his book” Biochemical Individuality “ he shows us clearly the differences in the size and position of our organs as well as our different levels of enzymes and needs for protein, vitamins and minerals.

A simple example is a comparison carried out on the blood levels of vitamin A in ninety two people on a similar diet . It found a thirty fold difference which was maintained with repeat testing. This suggests a wide range of need for Vitamin A as opposed to one definitive allowance.

Another example of biochemical individuality is the work done by Dr Carl Pfeiffer with patients that had symptoms of depression. He treated them with massive amounts of folic acid and while many improved some actually got worse.

On further investigation he discovered that this group had high histamine levels and shared a genetic trait nicknamed “ histadelia” .The folic acid stimulated the production of further histamine which can cause allergic reactions, compulsive behaviour and depression.

Each of us is unique and individual both bio chemically and psychologically. It is therefore impossible to treat everybody with exactly the same treatment and expect the same results.

Another interesting experiment carried out in the 1940’s by Najjar and Holt on thiamine needs in nine young men aged 16 to 23 years, showed that when deprived of the vitamin in their diet over a prolonged period, four developed clinical symptoms, one was borderline and four showed no signs of deficiency.

The researchers examined the faeces of the participants and discovered that the unaffected four had twenty times more free thiamine in their faeces. Thiamine is not considered to be stored long-term and the conclusion is that thiamine was being synthesised by the intestinal organisms of some of the individuals on this specific diet
Presumably the differences in intestinal flora are due to the different climates that are distinctive to each individual which points to a high variability in need.

A fascinating study done by Brady and Westerfield found that rats were given a choice between water or alcohol were more likely to choose alcohol if their nutrition was inadequate. Also this behaviour of increased alcohol consumption was reversed in some rats when they were given vitamin supplementation. It appears that the uncontrolled craving for alcohol in certain individuals could be a nutritional deficiency disease.

How do we use this knowledge practically in our lives to not only avoid disease but to live a long life at out optimal physical and mental capacity?

Patrick Holford renowned nutritionist and author offers the following advice in relation to our own biochemical individuality:
• If you have a family history of particular health problems, educate yourself on nutrition advice to avoid this problem e.g. a person with a history of arthritis in the family might benefit from a diet that is high in foods that prevent inflammation e.g. oily fish, ginger, olives.
• Identify what lifestyle works for you and follow it.
• If certain foods make you feel unwell avoid them for two weeks and see how you feel. You may not be able to tolerate all foods.

While there is strong evidence supporting this concept of genetotrophic disease (geneto = hereditary and tropic = nutrition) it is still not readily subscribed to in modern day medicine despite many decades of research. If one has a high LDL cholesterol he/she is unlikely to be prescribed a diet rich in undamaged fats e.g. nuts, avocados and niacin to help decrease this level but is highly likely to be put on lifelong treatment with statins with unknown long term consequences.

In my opinion nutrition is ready to come to the forefront of healthcare as the incidence of non infective diseases increases rapidly. Our diets have become much worse over the past few decades leading to a current increase in cancer, heart disease, diabetes etc.

Evidence of raised public awareness and education about diet can be seen in the increase in the media coverage of these issues in just the past few years. As the population understands the impact of nutrition on their wellbeing there will be greater interest in optimising it and reflecting on lifestyle – this process will hopefully be assisted by the growing number of nutritional therapists available.

References
Roger J Williams “1998” Biochemical Individuality 2nd edition Keats Publishing, Ltd,USA
Patrick Holford “2004” New Optimum Nutrition Bible, 4th edition. Piatkus Books Ltd London.
http://ific.org@2006 Food Information Council Foundation accessed 3/1/2007
Patrick Holford “2003” Optimum Nutrition for the Mind 1st edition Piatkus Books Ltd,London
Douglas L. Margel “The nutrient dense eating plan” 1st edition 2005 Basic Health Publications Inc. USA+

The above essay was reproduced with the kind permission of Eleanor Carpenter
First Year Student IINH Nutrition & Health programme 2007-2008