Carb tolerance and the survival of the fittest

#1

Here’s a thought experiment…

We are all aware of Darwin’s theory of evolution, and how species have evolved by passing down their genes to the next generation, so that the off springs can have the advantageous characteristics to survive the challenges in their ecosystem.

What if being carbohydrate tolerant is a characteristic that merits the pass down of genes to the next generation? What if being easily metabolically deranged is no longer a genetic trait that will survive the modernized ecosystem with increasing supply of carb-rich foods? Is this a “survival of the fittest” play against humans with low tolerance to carbs, while giving the genetic advantage to those with high tolerance for carbs?

(G. Andrew Duthie) #2

I’m afraid there’s a simple counter-argument to this, which is that in order for “survival of the fittest” to apply, carbs would have to kill before the ability to pass on one’s genes. Given that this is plainly not the case, I’m afraid that any genetic component will continue to be passed on.

Worse still, given what we’re learning about epigenetics, there’s a possibility that mothers who are consuming heavy amounts of sugar may actually pass on traits for IR to their children even before the children begin consuming large amounts of carbs. Not a happy thought.

#3

Yes, I see your point. It’s not a complete wipe out of carb intolerant humans before child-bearing age. However, I see statistics of children getting T2D with heart disease, carb intolerant people not being able to conceive, social unacceptance of obese people (“fat shaming”)…all tipping the scale towards less chance of carrying genes over to next generation. It creates the case of carb intolerant genes having a hard time surviving the modern carb-rich food supply. If this continues, let’s say five or ten generations, what genes will survive better in a modern carb-rich society?

(Stephanie Hanson) #4

According to The Protein Power Lifeplan book, it takes 10,000 years for a genetic mutation to take hold. Since a preponderance of humans will become IR (2/3rds) it is more likely a case of humans killing ourselves off through greed and stupidity.

(Richard Morris) #5

Tim Noakes has a theory based on the apparent fact that the adaptation for lactose tolerance in adulthood appeared about the same time as we developed grains. He thinks it’s possible that the anti-nutrients in grains (the pesticides they use to protect the endosperm which in humans just reduces our ability to absorb nutrients) killed off people who were not able to supplement nutrients through dairy.

#6

It makes me wonder what the heck is our modern food supply chain promoting as adaptation factors in the coming generations. Furthermore, if we are the segment of the modern population that refuses to eat modern carbage, it’s like we are hacking the evolutionary adaptation process, and promoting an alternative adaptation factor.

(John) #7

Interesting fact I learned in Japan, 70% of Japanese are still lactose intolerant.

#8

Not sure that those lactose intolerant folks demonstrate the healthy segment of the Japanese population. Longest living Japanese consume more animal protein (including dairy) than Japanese who die earlier: