Bio Individuality - The Exceptional, The Peculiar, The Individuality Of The Individual

by Katie Pinnick

“The exceptional, the peculiar, the individuality of the individual.” (William, R. 1956)

There can be no “one-size-fits-all’ approach to health.

Biochemical individuality or bio individuality refers to the concept that each person has a unique biochemical makeup, influenced by their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

First introduced by Dr. Roger J. Williams in his book Biochemical Individuality (1956), the idea emphasises that individual differences in metabolism, nutrient needs, enzyme activity, and biochemical pathways can significantly affect health, disease susceptibility and response to treatments and interventions.

Enzyme activities can vary significantly among individuals due to genetic polymorphisms, epigenetic factors, and environmental influences. Some key enzymes with notable variations in activity include:

1. Cytochrome P450 Enzymes (CYPs)

• Role: These enzymes are involved in drug metabolism and detoxification.

• Variation: Genetic polymorphisms in CYP genes (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C19) can result in individuals being classified as poor, intermediate, extensive, or ultra-rapid metabolisers of certain drugs.

• Impact: This affects the efficacy and toxicity of medications like antidepressants, painkillers, and statins.

2. Lactase (LCT)

• Role: Breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine.

• Variation: Many adults worldwide experience a decline in lactase activity after weaning, leading to lactose intolerance, while others retain high activity levels (lactase persistence).

• Impact: Affects the ability to digest dairy products.

3. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH2)

• Role: Converts acetaldehyde (a toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism) into acetate.

• Variation: A common polymorphism (ALDH2 rs671) in East Asian populations reduces enzyme activity.

• Impact: Results in alcohol flushing syndrome and increased risk of alcohol-related health issues.

Nutritional biochemistry is the scientific study of how nutrients and other dietary components interact with biological systems to influence metabolism, growth, health, and disease at the molecular and cellular levels. It examines the digestion, absorption, transportation, utilisation, and excretion of nutrients, as well as the biochemical mechanisms by which nutrients affect physiological processes and gene expression.

This field integrates principles of biology, chemistry, and physiology to understand the roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and non-nutrient compounds in maintaining health, preventing disease, and optimising human performance. It also explores the impact of nutrient deficiencies, excesses, and interactions on overall well-being.

Stage of life also effects our unique needs. For example, our nutrient requirements go up and down throughout our life. Pregnant women and menopausal women for example have very different nutrient needs.

It is not well known but Nutritional Science is a fledgling science. What is gospel today may be dispelled tomorrow. This may be one of the reasons for the shift in the natural health movement, returning to the foundational principals that humans require to thrive or 'Ancestral Nutrition'.

The principle of biochemical individuality underpins personalised medicine and nutrition, advocating that a “one-size-fits-all” approach may not be effective for everyone due to these inherent variations. Instead, therapies and interventions should be tailored to the specific needs of each individual.

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References:

Hsia SM. Nutritional Biochemistry. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jun 2;24(11):9661.

Jacqz-Aigrain E. Pharmacogénétique des réactions d'oxydation des médicaments [Pharmacogenetics of oxidation reactions of drugs]. Arch Fr Pediatr. 1989 Jan;46(1):59-65. French.

Manikandan P, Nagini S. Cytochrome P450 Structure, Function and Clinical Significance: A Review. Curr Drug Targets. 2018;19(1):38-54.

Peneş NO, Weber B, Păun SD. Role of genetic polymorphism in nutritional supplementation therapy in personalized medicine. Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2017;58(1):53-58.

Williams R. Biochemical Individuality: The Basis for the Geotropic Concept. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998. (originally published 1956)