The Colombo Twin and Singleton Study (COTASS): Piloting the Feasibility of Collecting Nutritional Data and Extension of the Sample to Include Children of Twins

• Published in: Behavior genetics 2024, Vol.54 (1), p.63-72
• Main Authors: Dissanayake, Lasith, Herath, Binoli, Opatha, Janani, Jabir, Sameeha, Siriwardana, Rajindra, Sirisena, Kavish, Wickramasinghe, Malmi, Wimalasekera, Manouri, Liyanage, Ruvini, Duminda Guruge, G. N., Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Jayawardena, Ranil, Zavos, Helena M. S., Sumathipala, Athula, Rijsdijk, Frühling
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Biological markers; Biological samples; Child; Clinical Psychology; Community involvement; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Diet; Diseases in Twins - genetics; Eating behavior; Feasibility; Feasibility Studies; Female; Food composition; Genes; Genetics; Health behavior; Health Psychology; Health status; Healthy food; Humans; Infectious diseases; Male; Mental health; Monozygotic; Nutrition; Offspring; Original Research; Pilot Projects; Psychological well being; Psychology; Public Health; Risk factors; Skill development; Statistical genetics; Statistics; Twin studies; Twins; Twins, Dizygotic - genetics; Twins, Monozygotic - genetics; Vascular diseases; Well being
• ISSN: 0001-8244; 1573-3297; 1573-3297
• DOI: 10.1007/s10519-023-10171-w

Nutrition and diet are key modifiable risk factors for the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like cardio-vascular diseases and diabetes in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). The nutritional transition in dietary behaviours in LMICs has most likely contributed to this problem. Although traditionally assumed to be environmental, dietary choices are also genetically influenced. Twin study designs can be used to investigate the relative influence of genes and environment on nutrition intake, eating behaviours and associated psychological health. The overall aim of this project is to: provide proof-of-concept for the feasibility of using dietary (biomarker) data within the Children-of-Twin design in nutrition studies, develop laboratory skills and statistical genetic skills and establish a Sri Lankan-specific food composition database. Currently, a pilot study is being conducted with 304 individuals (38 Monozygotic twin pairs, 38 Dizygotic twin pairs and their male or female adult offspring). Questionnaire data on nutritional intake, eating behaviours, psychological well-being, physical health, and bio-specimens are being collected. A Sri Lankan-specific food composition database was developed, training sessions on macro and micro element analysis in biological samples and statistical genetics skills development were conducted and Community Engagement and Involvement programs were carried out in two districts of Sri Lanka.