You Are What You Eat (And Drink)

USANA scientists discover a link between diet and gene regulation

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Sep 07, 2017, 08:07 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- You've heard the old adage, "You are what you eat" — meaning, our bodies are made up of the things we consume (good, bad and ugly). But new research has discovered that what we eat and drink may have a significant impact on how our genes are regulated.

USANA researchers have found that whole fruits and 100% fruit juice don’t have the same health benefits. Subjects who consumed whole fruits vs. fruit juice had significantly different chemical signatures on their DNA.

In a new study published in the journal "Nutrients," scientists from USANA discovered the chemical signatures found on DNA (termed DNA methylation) were different in subjects who consumed whole fruit versus 100 percent fruit juice. These distinct signatures are linked to different cell-signaling pathways and immune cell functions, suggesting that whole fruit and juice may not confer the same health benefits and should not be thought of as nutritionally equivalent.

"We remain at the forefront of scientific research and the development of technology to improve human health," said Myron Wentz, Ph.D., founder and chairman of the board of USANA. "USANA was founded on a commitment to developing nutritional products based on science. This study helps to continue this legacy, shining a new light on the cell-signaling pathways which drive the interactions between our diet and immune health. We took a unique approach to identifying these cell-signaling pathways by using epigenetics, furthering our goal of personalized nutrition."

"We are thrilled to share the findings of this study. Our hope with each scientific discovery is that we continue to take steps to creating healthier and more fulfilling lives," said Rob Sinnott, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at USANA.

To read the study in its entirety, click here.

For more information about USANA, visit www.usana.com.

About USANA
Founded in 1992, USANA Health Sciences (NYSE: USNA) is a U.S.-based nutritional company that manufactures high-quality supplements, personal care and healthy food products in its state-of-the-art facility in Salt Lake City. Learn more about USANA by visiting http://www.askthescientists.com or the official USANA blog http://whatsupusana.com.

Media Contact: Ashley Collins
VP Marketing & Public Relations
(801) 954-7629
media(at)us.usana(dot)com

SOURCE USANA