Bengaluru, Oct 22: A new study conducted by researchers from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, and the University of Reading, United Kingdom, revealed that poor dietary quality may amplify the genetic predisposition to high cholesterol levels among Asian Indians.
The study, titled “Low diet quality increases the genetic risk of high blood cholesterol levels in Asian Indian adults [CURES–165]”, was published on 14 October 2026 in the international peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE.The findings provide important new insights into how genetic factors and dietary habits interact to influence cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Key Findings of the Study
The researchers analysed data from 1,020 adults aged 25–80 years, comprising 452 men and 568 women, who participated in the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study.
The study examined three genetic variants belonging to two genes, TCF7L2 and FTO, which have previously been associated with diabetes and metabolic disorders. Dietary habits were assessed using the Indian Diet Quality Score, which evaluates eight food groups relevant to Indian eating patterns.
The study revealed that:
Poor diet quality amplified genetic susceptibility to high cholesterol: Individuals with higher genetic risk who consumed a poor-quality diet had significantly higher total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared with those with lower genetic risk.
Better diet quality was associated with a reduced genetic difference: Among participants consuming medium- or high-quality diets, significant differences in cholesterol levels between the high- and low-genetic-risk groups were not observed.
Genetic risk was also associated with higher blood glucose: Individuals with higher genetic risk had significantly higher fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels.
Diet quality and genetics interacted significantly: The interaction was statistically significant for total cholesterol (p = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.005), even after correction for multiple statistical comparisons.
Healthy Eating May Help Counter Genetic Susceptibility
One of the most important messages emerging from the study is that genetic susceptibility does not necessarily translate into adverse cholesterol levels under all dietary conditions.
The findings suggest that people carrying genetic variants associated with metabolic disorders may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of unhealthy dietary patterns.
Importantly, the differences in cholesterol levels associated with genetic risk were evident among individuals with poor diet quality but not among those consuming better-quality diets.
The researchers emphasised that these findings support the potential role of healthy dietary habits in addressing cardiometabolic risk, particularly among genetically susceptible individuals.
Implications for India
India is witnessing a growing burden of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Dietary transitions characterised by high consumption of refined carbohydrates, excessive fats, sugar and salt, together with inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods, may contribute to this burden.
The study highlights the importance of improving overall diet quality rather than focusing exclusively on individual nutrients.
The Indian Diet Quality Score used in the study considered the consumption of pulses and legumes, fruits and vegetables, milk products, white rice, edible fats and oils, added sugar, added salt, and poultry and eggs.
The findings also open up new possibilities for precision nutrition, an emerging approach in which dietary advice may eventually be tailored to an individual's genetic and metabolic characteristics.
Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, and co-author of the study, said:
“An important message from this study is that our genes need not determine our metabolic destiny. We found that individuals with a higher genetic predisposition had significantly higher cholesterol levels when their diet quality was poor. However, these differences were not observed among those consuming healthier diets."
Prof. K. S. Vimaleswaran, Senior Scientist at the University of Reading, UK added:
“While we cannot change the genes we inherit, we can certainly improve our dietary habits. A balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, pulses and other nutritious foods, along with moderation in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, salt and unhealthy fats, remains an important strategy for improving metabolic health. This research also provides a foundation for future studies on personalised nutrition for the Indian population.”
Dr. Manahil M. Bineid from the University of Reading and first author of the paper said:
“This reinforces the importance of healthy eating habits, particularly in Indians who are already at increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Towards Personalised Nutrition:
The study represents an important contribution to the growing field of nutrigenetics, which examines how genetic variations influence an individual's response to dietary factors.
The researchers suggest that combining information on genetic susceptibility with dietary assessment could eventually help identify individuals who may benefit from more targeted nutritional interventions.
However, as this was a cross-sectional observational study, the findings establish associations rather than proving that dietary improvement can reverse genetic risk. Further prospective and intervention studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate their clinical applications.
