What?
A recent study has shown that a small percentage (2-3%) of adults from Greenland possess a genetic mutation that allows them to consume sugar but on average have:
- Lower BMI and weight
- Lower cholesterol
- Lower fat
than the average adult!
This technically allows those affected to eat the same amount of sugar as the average adult, but with fewer of the common downsides!
Why?
Genes in the body are pieces of chemical code, an instruction manual your body uses to make proteins to help us grow and break down the foods we eat. The Greenland mutation affects a gene that produces an enzyme called sucrase-isomaltase. In normal adults, sugar is broken down by this enzyme and absorbed into the bloodstream. In affected Greenlanders, there are two copies of this gene, which affects the way they break down sugar. For them, sugars travel to the small intestine and are broken down by gut bacteria into acetate (a type of short-chain fatty acid).
Researchers believe this is beneficial for the immune system, whilst also reducing appetite and boosting metabolism. Altogether this leads to reduced weight and an improved tolerance for sugar. In affected children, it does tend to lead to bloating and diarrhoea, although this usually improves in later life.
How (does it affect you)?
In the short term – unless you are one of the lucky 2-3% of Greenlanders – not very much. And myHSN would ask whether you really need to open that second selection box…
Of course, we should add that while this study only covers Greenlanders, it is known (quite commonly) to affect native Canadians and Alaskans, and as many as 1 in 50,000 people of European descent – perhaps you could be one of the lucky few!
The phenomenon of sucrase-isomaltase deficiency is thought to be due to historically high levels of dietary protein and fat (perhaps from whale meat etc.), and low level of sugar in the diets of those affected. Because so little sugar was consumed, there was no need for the enzyme to help break it down, and therefore the gene was able to survive.
In the long term, this understanding of sugar metabolism may help future treatments for cholesterol and diabetes, and could also help prevent heart disease and obesity. There is an ongoing debate in the medical community of the risks of excess sugar consumption, and how certain types of fat intake actually may be beneficial. That’s beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a little read and a big read on the subject.
For the rest of us, diet and exercise can be a struggle, and dropping sugar intake is harder than it seems. If you’re having issues with your weight, it might be time to ask your GP for a referral to a dietitian, and if you’re diabetic and struggling with your blood glucose this Christmas, here’s a helpful tip from myHSN to get the diabetes care you need.
As always best wishes from myHSN, a very merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year – we’ll see you there with even more great tips to help you get the healthcare you deserve.
