A couple well informed about the epigenetic effects of nutritionand dietary supplements such as choline and folatedecided to take supplements before trying to get pregnant.Their first child was born with hair and eye colors very differentfrom the parents and has been consistently praised by teachersfor learning ability and memory. The couple attributes these characteristicsto their intake of epigenetic supplements. Now theywish to have another child and have informed their physician thatthey intend to greatly increase the amount of supplements theytake to increase the epigenetic effects in their child. The physiciancautioned them that studies available in human trials showno effect of choline on learning and that excess intake of folateduring pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk ofautism spectrum disorder in the child. The couple is convincedthat these studies are not conclusive, and while more research isneeded, they intend to pursue their plan of increasing their intakeof supplements. What tests might help establish whether the traits are genetic or epigenetic?
A couple well informed about the epigenetic effects of nutrition
and dietary supplements such as choline and folate
decided to take supplements before trying to get pregnant.
Their first child was born with hair and eye colors very different
from the parents and has been consistently praised by teachers
for learning ability and memory. The couple attributes these characteristics
to their intake of epigenetic supplements. Now they
wish to have another child and have informed their physician that
they intend to greatly increase the amount of supplements they
take to increase the epigenetic effects in their child. The physician
cautioned them that studies available in human trials show
no effect of choline on learning and that excess intake of folate
during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of
autism spectrum disorder in the child. The couple is convinced
that these studies are not conclusive, and while more research is
needed, they intend to pursue their plan of increasing their intake
of supplements. What tests might help establish whether the traits are genetic
or epigenetic?
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