Mediterranean Diet | IL-6 (rs1800795)

How IL-6 Genotype Can Influence Response to a Mediterranean Diet

The IL-6 gene helps regulate inflammation and metabolic signaling in the body. Variations in IL-6 can influence how your body responds to dietary fats and inflammatory signals. The Mediterranean diet is a plant-focused eating pattern centered on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and extra-virgin olive oil, with moderate fish, poultry, and dairy, and limited red meat and sweets. For many people, this pattern supports heart health, insulin sensitivity, and weight management through fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Extra-virgin olive oil is a key component because its monounsaturated fats and polyphenols help reduce inflammation and support favorable changes in body composition.

What to Expect from an IL-6 Informed Approach

People with certain IL-6 variants may experience greater weight loss and improved metabolic markers when following a Mediterranean diet that includes extra-virgin olive oil.
Regardless of genotype, emphasizing whole plant foods, healthy fats, and regular physical activity supports metabolic health.
Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, viscous soluble fibers, and magnesium may provide additional support when used under healthcare supervision.

Practical Mediterranean Diet Guidelines

Make extra-virgin olive oil your primary cooking and dressing fat. Use it for sautés, roasting, and salad dressings.
Fill half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables at most meals.
Include legumes 3 to 5 times per week: beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas.
Eat fish 2 to 3 times per week, emphasizing fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel for omega-3s.
Choose whole grains such as quinoa, farro, barley, oats, and brown rice instead of refined grains.
Consume nuts and seeds in moderation as snacks or meal toppings for healthy fats and protein.
Limit added sugars, processed foods, and high-sodium packaged meals.
Prefer lean poultry and low-fat dairy in moderation; limit red and processed meats.

Supplements and Nutrients to Consider

Omega-3 fatty acids: Consider 1,000 mg combined EPA and DHA daily if you do not regularly eat fatty fish. Discuss dose with your healthcare provider.
Viscous soluble fibers: Psyllium, beta-glucan, or glucomannan can help with satiety and cholesterol when added to a high-fiber diet.
Magnesium: May support sleep, glucose metabolism, and muscle function. Food-first approach: dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.
Polyphenol-rich foods: Extra-virgin olive oil, berries, citrus, herbs, and green tea deliver antioxidants that support inflammation control.

Lifestyle Factors That Complement Diet

Physical activity: Aim for a mix of aerobic exercise and resistance training most days of the week. Strength training twice weekly helps maintain lean mass during weight change.
Sleep: Target 7 to 9 hours per night. Poor sleep can worsen inflammatory signaling and metabolic outcomes.
Stress management: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga, and regular social connection help regulate stress hormones and inflammation.
Limit alcohol: Moderate intake only. Excess alcohol can increase inflammation and counteract diet benefits.

Optional Blood Tests and Monitoring

Basic metabolic panel and fasting glucose or HbA1c to track blood sugar control.
Lipid panel to monitor cholesterol and triglycerides, noting changes after dietary adjustments.
High sensitivity C-reactive protein as a general marker of inflammation, if clinically appropriate.
Vitamin D and magnesium levels when symptoms or risk factors suggest deficiency.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles (CC genotype for rs1800795)

You carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with greater weight loss when following a Mediterranean diet that includes added extra-virgin olive oil. Your IL-6 variant may influence inflammatory signaling and metabolic responses to dietary fats. The monounsaturated fats and polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil can help modulate inflammation and support favorable changes in body composition.

Recommendations

Make extra-virgin olive oil your primary cooking and dressing fat. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons daily as part of meals and salads.
Fill half your plate with vegetables at most meals to increase fiber and antioxidants.
Include legumes 3 to 5 times weekly to boost plant protein and fiber.
Eat fish 2 to 3 times per week, favoring fatty fish for omega-3 benefits.
Choose whole grains and limit added sugars and processed foods to improve insulin sensitivity.
Pair the diet with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction practices for optimal results.

1 effect allele (CG genotype for rs1800795)

You carry one copy of the effect allele. This variant is associated with likely greater weight loss on a Mediterranean diet that includes added extra-virgin olive oil. IL-6 encodes interleukin-6, a signaling molecule involved in inflammation and metabolism. Your genotype may influence how your body responds to dietary fats and inflammatory pathways.

Recommendations

Adopt a Mediterranean pattern emphasizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
Use extra-virgin olive oil regularly to supply monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that support inflammation control.
Limit highly processed foods and added sugars to reduce inflammatory dietary triggers.
Consider omega-3 supplementation if fatty fish intake is low. Talk with your healthcare provider for personalized dosing.
Maintain consistent physical activity, aim for quality sleep, and practice stress management to support metabolic health.

0 effect alleles (GG genotype for rs1800795)

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical IL-6 inflammatory signaling and metabolic responses. You are likely to benefit from standard Mediterranean diet principles and lifestyle habits.

Recommendations

Emphasize vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and extra-virgin olive oil as your primary fat source.
Eat fish 2 to 3 times per week and limit red and processed meats.
Opt for whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates to support blood sugar and weight management.
Combine diet with regular exercise, 7 to 9 hours of sleep, and stress reduction strategies for ongoing metabolic support.

Final Notes and Disclaimer

This information is educational and focused on how genetic variation in IL-6 may interact with diet and lifestyle. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, starting supplements, or altering medications. A healthcare provider can help interpret genetic results in the context of your full medical history and current health needs.