The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene plays a key role in folate metabolism. Evidence suggests that adequate folate status is important for lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke through its involvement in homocysteine recycling⁽ Reference Wang, Qin, Demirtas and Li ^{1 )}. Therefore it is essential for those with the risk variants of MTHFR (CT & TT genotypes) to have adequate folate intakes. Recent evidence supports the view that disclosure of genetic risk can influence dietary and lifestyle modifications⁽ Reference Nielsen and El-Sohemy ^{2 )}. The objective of this study was to examine whether knowledge of MTHFR risk would improve folate intake more in individuals carrying the risk variants (CT, TT genotypes at codon 677) compared to those with the non-risk variant (CC genotype).

To address this objective, data was analysed from the Food4Me Proof-of-Principle (PoP) study. Participants were recruited across seven centres throughout Europe (n = 1,607) to take part in this six month internet based personalised nutrition intervention study, where they received varying levels of personalised nutrition advice⁽ Reference Celis-Morales, Livingstone and Marsaux ^{3 )}. The current study used data from those participants randomised to receive feedback based on diet, phenotype and genotype. Information was provided on five diet-related genes including MTHFR (n = 332). Individuals were informed whether they had the risk or non-risk versions of the gene in relation to cardiovascular health and importance of sufficient dietary folate intake. For analysis purposes, participants were split into risk (n = 187) and non-risk groups (n = 145) and differences between these groups analysed. Independent t-tests were performed to investigate baseline characteristics. Data was logged where necessary. Paired t-tests were employed to investigate changes in folate intake between baseline and month 3 for each of the groups. General linear models were used to assess folate intake differences between the groups.

The mean ages of the risk and non-risk groups were 41 ± 13 years and 40 ± 14 years respectively. Both groups were slightly overweight with mean BMI 25·45 ± 4·85 kg/m² for the risk group and 25·96 ± 4·91 kg/m² for the non-risk group. There were no differences at baseline between the groups for any characteristics including age, gender and BMI. Baseline folate intakes for the risk and non-risk groups were 408 ± 169 and 393 ± 190 mg per 10MJ energy respectively. Both groups increased their folate intake at month 3 with intakes of 431 ± 223 and 412 ± 183 mg per 10MJ energy for the risk and non-risk groups respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups for changes in folate intakes at month 3 compared with baseline. There were also no differences between genotype-based risk groups for changes in the intake of folate-containing food groups including green leafy vegetables, beans & legumes and folate-fortified cereals at month 3 compared with baseline. This work suggests that knowledge of MTHFR risk does not improve folate intake more in individuals with the risk variant compared to those with the non-risk variant. Future work is warranted to confirm these findings for improving personalised nutrition practices.