Environment / behaviour more important than genes for health

According to a study of twins conducted by Stanford University School of Medicine investigators led by Dr Mark Davis PhD (pictured), our environment, more than our heredity, plays the starring role in determining the state of our immune system, the body’s primary defense against disease. This is especially true as we age, the study indicates.

"Examining differences in the levels and activity states of these components within pairs of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, the Stanford scientists found that in three-quarters of the measurements, nonheritable influences — such as previous microbial or toxic exposures, vaccinations, diet and dental hygiene — trumped heritable ones when it came to accounting for differences within a pair of twins. This environmental dominance was more pronounced in older identical twins (age 60 and up) than in younger twins (under age 20)." (emphasis added)

The relationship between good oral health and good general health is once again emphasised.