Causal Associations Between Nutrition, Health, and Genes: An Evidence-based Approach

In an era where chronic diseases are on the rise and personalized medicine and precision nutrition is gaining ground, understanding the intricate interplay between diet, genes, and health has become paramount. While observational studies can provide valuable insight, they are also susceptible to the presence of confounders, measurement error, and selection bias making it difficult to get a full picture of cause-and-effect relationships between the three. Appropriately handling all—or using other tools such as Mendelian randomization—is key in allowing for the exploration of causal inference in the world of nutrition.

This Research Topic delves into the fascinating realm of causal inference, aiming to unravel the complex web of causal relationships that dictate how our genes, dietary choices, and overall health are interconnected. We welcome papers on topics including, but not limited to:

• Randomized control trials elucidating causal relationships in nutrition, health, and genes;
• Mendelian randomization studies looking at dietary patterns and genetic risk, specific dietary components or nutrients and health, and more;
•Associations and interactions between nutrition and genes, health, socioeconomic factors, and more;
•Analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and novel or unique methods of exploring causal inference and/or minimizing confounders;
•Analysis or novel methods of exploring causal pathways on how intervention or treatment affect health outcomes through epigenetic and diet changes;
• Assessments of the impact of residual confounders on observational studies