The Genetics

Many genetic variants influence how well we absorb, activate and use specific vitamins and minerals. An understanding of your genetic variation allows you to customize your nutritional planning.

GENETIC VARIANTS IDENTIFIED IN THIS TEST:

Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, skin health, bone growth and reproduction.

• BCO1 – affects activation of vitamin A

Vitamin B6 is needed for carbohydrate metabolism, cognitive development, immune function, skin health and hemoglobin formation.

• NBPF3 – increases clearance of vitamin B6 from the body

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and is required for DNA synthesis and the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids.

• FUT2 – reduces absorption of vitamin B12 in the gut

Vitamin C is involved in the production of several critical biological molecules (e.g. collagen and neurotransmitters), immune response, wound healing, absorption of non-heme iron, and as an antioxidant to remove toxic byproducts.

• SLC23A1 – decreases vitamin C absorption and distribution

Vitamin D is required to modulate cell growth, aid in immune functions, decrease inflammation and maintain normal bone growth and remodelling.

• CYP2R1 – reduces activation of vitamin D
• GC – reduces efficiency of vitamin D transport and uptake

Vitamin E promotes the immune system, healthy eyes and skin, as well as a number of other metabolic processes.

• APOA5 – influences vitamin E levels

Folate is essential for proper growth and development, and is important for the conversion of the toxic homocysteine amino acid to methionine.

• MTHFD1 – linked to folate-related disorders
• MTHFR – affects activation of folate

Iron is required to make hemoglobin – an essential protein that transports oxygen around the body.

• TMPRSS6 – influences iron absorption from the diet
• TF – influences iron transport

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for normal, healthy metabolism.

• NOS3 – influences triglyceride levels when omega-3 is low