Did a genetic adaptation in the FADS gene help African populations better process plant-based fats, and was it selected for around 85,000 years ago?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far suggests that a specific version of the FADS gene is common in people of African ancestry and may help the body convert plant-based fats into essential fats needed for brain and body function [1]. Our analysis of the available research shows this genetic variation likely became widespread in African populations long ago, possibly because it offered a survival advantage.
The evidence we've reviewed leans toward the idea that this version of the FADS gene supports more efficient processing of plant-based fats . This could have been especially helpful when dietary sources of pre-formed essential fats—like those found in fish or animal foods—were less available. Instead, individuals with this gene variant may have been better at making these critical fats from plant sources, which could have supported brain development and overall health.
Based on what we've reviewed so far, this genetic adaptation appears to have become common in Africa tens of thousands of years ago, though the exact timing is not specified in the evidence we analyzed . There are no studies in our current analysis that contradict this view.
It’s important to note that our understanding is based on limited assertions—just one distinct claim supported by 49.0 studies or data points—and we don’t yet have enough detail to confirm the exact timeline, such as whether it was around 85,000 years ago. We also don’t know how this genetic trait interacts with modern diets, or whether it has different effects today compared to the past.
Our current analysis doesn’t prove cause or timing, but it does suggest a link between this gene variant and improved metabolism of plant-based fats in populations of African ancestry.
Practical takeaway: If you’re of African descent, your body might be genetically tuned to make the most of plant-based fats, thanks to an ancient adaptation that helped your ancestors thrive on available foods.