Approved Research

Evaluating the relationships of nutrition, lifestyles and genetic predisposition with the risks of diabetes, autoimmune disease and dementia

Lay summary

Non-communicable diseases are major global health challenges that have a significant impact on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. These diseases have complex and multifactorial etiologies, with both genetic and environmental factors playing important roles. Lifestyles and dietary intakes have been reported to be significantly associated with the risks of these diseases. However, whether these relationships are causal remain largely unknown. Additionally, the interplay between lifestyles and genetic predisposition remains of great interest. Additionally, whether (and how much) healthy lifestyles or dietary intakes can offset the risk for non-communicable diseases conferred by genetic predisposition remains unclear. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate causal associations of dietary intakes and lifestyles with non-communicable diseases. The secondary aim was to investigate the interaction and joint associations of lifestyles, dietary intakes, and genetic predisposition with non-communicable diseases, as well as the mediating role of lifestyles and dietary intakes on the association between genetic predisposition and each outcome. This study is expected to last for 36 months. Our research will provide evidence for causal effects of dietary intakes and lifestyles on risks of non-communicable diseases. Evidence-based recommendations will also be generated accordingly for the general population.