Snips about SNPs: Quick bits about your genes

I get it. You don’t have time to read all the really long articles on this website!

The Snips about SNPs series gives you a short, quick article about different genetic variants that you can look at in your 23andMe, Ancestry.com, or other genetic data.

Jump in, read a little – and then check your genetic data.  Want to know more? There is always a link to the in-depth article.

Snips about SNPs:

Snips about SNPs: Alcohol Flush - Does your face flush after a drink or two? The ALDH gene is responsible for the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, which is a toxin that your body produces from alcohol. While most people can get rid of acetaldehyde fairly quickly, for some, a...

Snips about SNPs: HFE gene and iron - The HFE gene controls how much iron you absorb in the intestines from food.  Iron is tightly regulated by the body. It is completely essential for carrying oxygen in the bloodstream and for many other reactions in the body.  But too much iron is...

Snips about SNPs: BCMO1 and beta-carotene - The BCMO1 gene is responsible for the enzyme that converts beta-carotene into the active form of vitamin A that your body needs.  SNPs in this gene cause it to not function as well, possibly leaving you deficient in vitamin A. These two SNPs add...

Snips about SNPs: FTO and your weight - The FTO gene has the unfortunate nickname of the ‘fatso gene’ because several FTO variants are associated with obesity.  Lots of studies link it to being likely to have a higher BMI.  [ref][ref] Of course, this SNP isn’t entirely to blame if you have...

Snips about SNPs: Lactose Intolerance Gene - The LCT gene controls whether you produce lactase (enzyme that breaks down lactose) as an adult. The genetic variant that allows people to still drink milk as an adult is found in about 90% of Caucasians.  But Caucasians are the exception here, and most...

Snips about SNPs: ACTN3 (muscle type gene) - The ACTN3 gene codes for a type of muscle fiber found in fast-twitch skeletal muscles. These are the muscle fibers that produce explosive, powerful contractions. Think Olympic sprinters and powerlifters… About 25% of Caucasians have a non-functioning ACTN3 genetic variant. If you carry this...