nutrition
FADS1

Can This Fat Metabolism Gene Influence Nutrition and Cholesterol? (FADS1)

Written by Mathew Eng, PharmD on March 9th, 2020
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The FADS1 gene is responsible for the metabolism of certain fatty acids in the body. However, genetic variants may alter this function, potentially leading to imbalances in fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

The FADS1 Gene

FADS1 is a gene that plays an integral role in the metabolism of certain types of fats. This is because FADS1 is responsible for encoding a protein called delta-5 desaturase (D5D) [R].

The D5D protein is an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) [R].

PUFAs play several key roles in the body, such as being a structural component of cells, acting as an energy source, and regulating cell signaling pathways [R].

Research suggests that certain variants in FADS1 may impair the body’s ability to metabolize fatty acids, potentially leading to negative effects on nutrition [R].

Learn more about fatty acids here.

How Does FADS1 Cause Problems?

A number of studies suggest that specific variants in FADS1 may cause fat metabolism issues.

This is likely because these variants can reduce the activity of the D5D enzyme, which plays a key role in the production of PUFAs, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids [R, R].

A reduction in D5D activity can lead to lower levels of important PUFAs, such as EPA and DHA [R].

This may also lead to an imbalance in cholesterol and triglyceride levels as fatty acids can influence the concentration of these two compounds [R].

In the following sections, we’ll go over the specific FADS1 variants that may alter fat metabolism and who might be affected.

Imbalances In Fatty Acid Levels

According to research, several variants in FADS1 may lead to lower levels of PUFAs, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids [R].

Using data from 426 individuals from Spain, one genome-wide study found that the ‘T’ allele of rs174546 is associated with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, such as AA, EPA, and DHA [R].

Another study of 224 people from an isolated island population in the U.S. found that the ‘T’ allele is also associated with reduced levels of omega-6 fatty acids [R].

Similar results have been found for other SNPs, such as rs174547, rs174548, and rs174550. In all these cases, the minor allele was associated with lower D5D activity and lower levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids [R, R, R, R].

Research suggests that the minor allele in several FADS1 variants may be associated with lower levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Changes In Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Studies show that FADS1 variants may influence triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body [R, R].

For example, the ‘T’ allele of rs174546 has been associated with higher triglyceride levels, but lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and total cholesterol, based on research in European, Canadian, and Mexican populations [R, R, R, R].

However, this association may vary depending on ethnicity, dietary intake of fats, and age [R, R, R].

A different study looked at the SNP rs174547 in over 21,000 Japanese and over 1,200 Mongolian individuals [R]. 

Researchers found that the ‘C’ allele was associated with higher triglycerides and lower HDL (“good” cholesterol) in Japanese individuals [R].

On the other hand, the ‘C’ allele in the Mongolian population was only associated with lower LDL. There was no link to triglycerides or HDL in this group [R].

Another study of rs174547 suggests that the ‘C’ allele is only associated with lower LDL in people who have a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids [R].

In addition, the ‘C’ allele of rs174550 may also be associated with low HDL and higher triglyceride levels, according to research in Chinese populations [R].

According to research, the minor allele in certain FADS1 variants may be associated with lower cholesterol, but higher triglyceride levels.

Your FADS1 Results for Nutrition (Fats)

You can see your genotypes for FADS1 in the table below. However, keep in mind that these associations are based on studies from certain ethnic populations — so you should interpret your results with caution if you are not descended from one of these specific groups!

SNP Table

 

Primary SNPs: 

FADS1 rs174546

  • ‘C’ = Associated with normal levels of fatty acids
  • ‘T’ = Associated with lower levels of certain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lower cholesterol, and higher triglycerides
  • These associations have been found in Spanish, American, European, Canadian, and Mexican populations

FADS1 rs174547

  • ‘T’’ = Associated with normal levels of fatty acids
  • ‘C’ = Associated with lower levels of certain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lower cholesterol, and higher triglycerides
  • These associations have been found in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, and Swedish populations

FADS1 rs174548

  • ‘C’ = Associated with normal levels of fatty acids
  • ‘G’ = Associated with lower levels of certain omega-6 fatty acids
  • This association has been found in European, Hispanic American, and Chinese American populations

FADS1 rs174550

  • ‘T’ = Associated with normal levels of fatty acids
  • ‘C’ = Associated with lower levels of certain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lower HDL, and higher triglycerides
  • These associations have been found in Spanish and Chinese populations

 

Population Frequency

The frequency of alleles for FADS1 SNPs can vary wildly depending on ethnicity.

In rs174546, the ‘T’ allele (the risk allele) is considered the minor allele. About 44% of people worldwide carry at least one ‘T’ allele.

However, in certain ethnic groups, such as American and East Asian populations, the ‘T’ allele is actually more common than the ‘C’ allele.

For instance, about 77% of East Asians and 80% of Americans carry at least one ‘T’ allele.

This trend also occurs in the other mentioned SNPs (rs174547, rs174548, and rs174550) — the less common minor allele is actually the more frequent allele in American and East Asian groups.

Recommendations

Diet

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3 fatty acids, can be found in many of the foods that we eat. For those concerned about their levels, eating foods rich in PUFAs may help.

Research in animals suggests that consumption of foods high in PUFAs (especially EPA and DHA) may also stimulate the activity of the D5D enzyme, further benefiting PUFA levels [R, R, R].

In addition, eating moderate amounts of PUFAs in place of saturated and trans fats can have beneficial effects on the heart [R, R].

Some foods rich in PUFAs include [R, R]:

  • Fish, including salmon, trout, and mackerel
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Flax seeds or flax oil

Omega 6 PUFAs can be healthy when consumed from whole foods, but with the rise of vegetable oils, people tend to consume too much of this type of fat. 

Supplements

Certain variants in FADS1 can ultimately lead to lower levels of omega-3 acids, such as EPA and DHA.

For those that do not get enough of these fatty acids from their diet, EPA and DHA can be taken as a supplement (commonly referred to as fish oil supplements).

Research suggests that taking EPA and DHA (fish oil) supplements may help prevent high blood pressure and heart disease, although the evidence is not conclusive [R, R, R].

How should you take fish oil supplements?

Generally speaking, you can start with a 1 gram dose, unless your doctor recommends taking more [R].

It’s also important to choose a supplement that includes both DHA and EPA, as these two fish oils can have different health benefits [R].

Author photo
Mathew Eng
PharmD

Mathew received his PharmD from the University of Hawaii and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Washington.

Mathew is a licensed pharmacist with clinical experience in oncology, infectious disease, and diabetes management. He has a passion for personalized patient care and believes that education is essential to living a healthy life. His goal is to motivate individuals to find ways to manage their chronic conditions.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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