Adaptation to high-fat diet, cold had profound effect on Inuit, including shorter height
Thursday, September 17, 2015 - 16:30
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have found unique genetic mutations in the Inuit genome that make them more adapted to cold as well as a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, with the side effect of shorter height. This is the first evidence human populations have adapted to particular diets and differ in their physiological response. While a fish oil diet may be healthful for Inuit, this may not be true for other populations.