Exploring the Interplay of Autoimmunity and Longevity

At the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (acnem) Annual Conference (19-20 July)

Always an excellent learning program and opportunity to connect with esteemed industry colleagues, acnem’s 2024 annual conference once again delivered, with this year’s theme exploring the interplay between longevity and autoimmunity.

The informative two-day conference delved into the strategies for longevity and using health as the means for extending lifespan, with Kaneka Ubiquinol™ as a pivotal nutrient in increasing healthspan.

Host, and acnem president, Dr Mark Donohoe set the scene for the importance of looking at longevity from all angles by stating that while we have extended our LIFEspan, our HEALTHspan has decreased by two years.

This was the theme for the weekend, with our key speaker Dr Denise Furness informing that we live with chronic illness for nine years before we die.

Dr Denise Furness, a distinguished molecular geneticist and nutritionist, spoke about “The Power of Ubiquinol: Impact on Mitochondrial Health and Longevity”. Through her research, she uncovered that Ubiquinol is key to healthy ageing, where, unlike the other nutrients (vitamins B2 and B3) involved in mitochondrial energy production, Ubiquinol levels decrease as we age.

Dr Furness shone the spotlight on little known gene NQO1 which codes for an enzyme needed to convert ubiquinone into the active form Ubiquinol.

According to statistics, approximately 45% of Asians and 20% of Caucasians have a genetic variation within this gene resulting in reduced enzyme activity, resulting in depleted endogenous levels of Ubiquinol, in addition to depletion from natural ageing from circa age 20+.

Dr Furness leads pioneering research in nutrigenomics, epigenetics and DNA damage. Inspired by her own journey overcoming autoimmune thyroid disease, she actively promotes healthy ageing and leads a study on biological ageing.

Over the two days, attendees were delighted by many esteemed and well-respected researchers and practitioners in their specialised knowledge in the topic of longevity or autoimmunity. Other speakers included: Dr Terry Wahls, Professor Gustavo Duque, Dr Christobelle Yeoh, Professor Thomas Borody, Dr Michael Thomsen, Dr Nicole Bijlsma, Eric Smith, Dr Jason Hawrelak, Paul Taylor and Dr Elisabeth Steels.

Longevity strategies discussed by all the speakers included the importance of a healthy diet and microbiome, nutrient-rich foods, physical activity and regular exercise, stress management and decreasing toxin exposure to not only increase longevity but also the lengthen our healthspan.

Building biologist Nicole Bijlsma presented insights into the effects of our home and environment on our toxic load. Michael Thomsen talked about the types and benefits of intermittent fasting and time restricted eating. Geneticist Denise Furness described how genetics are the recipe that makes us individuals with disease dispositions that are influenced by our behaviour around diet and lifestyle choices.

Dr Christabelle Yeoh spoke about mitochondrial epigenetics (light, water, exercise, microbiome, nutrients (with Ubiquinol being key)), and their effects on increasing adaptive changes and therefore lifespan.

Dr Elizabeth Steels described how mitochondrial function is directly related to immune system function. The importance of nutrient signalling to provide the correct levels of nutrients for immune regulation and functioning in support for healthy and optimal health.

At the end of the day, the core pillars for longevity are simply defined: optimal nutrition, regular exercise, stress management and sleep, with the importance of allowing the body to reset each and every day.

About our speaker:
Dr Denise Furness, (PhD, BSc (Hons), RNutr, CSO; Geneticist & Nutritionist; CSO, Your Genes & Nutrition, Noosa, Australia) is a prominent molecular geneticist and nutritionist with 20 years of expertise. She spearheads research in nutrigenomics, epigenetics, and DNA damage to support fertility and pregnancy health. As the Chief Scientific Officer of Your Genes & Nutrition, she is dedicated to advancing research in fertility, thyroid health, and autoimmunity.