Nutrients

Nutrigenomics: Genetics & Nutrients

Are you getting the right form of vitamin A? Do you need more biotin than most people? What about folate?

Knowing which specific nutrients you may ‘genetically’ need more of can be the key to solving health issues or optimizing wellness.

Here you will find the tools you need to dial in your nutrition. This isn’t a one-size-fits all approach. Instead, you’ll learn which nutrients may be more important for you, and then you can decide how best to implement the many possible solutions.

Members: Start with the Nutrients Summary Report for a quick visual overview of all your genetic variants related to vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.

Not a member? Join now for the invaluable, time-saving nutrients report and full access to the Lifehacks sections.

Biotin Deficiency: Check your Genes

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a cofactor that aids in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Biotin deficiency due to diet is pretty rare, but there are genetic variants that can increase your risk for biotin deficiency or insufficiency.

Lactose Intolerance Genes

Your genes control whether you are likely to produce lactase as an adult. Check your 23andMe or other genetic data to see if you are likely to enjoy a big glass of milk.

BChE gene: Nightshade sensitivity, Anesthesia risk

Genetic variants of the BChE gene decrease its enzyme’s activity. This can lead to various and seemingly unconnected consequences…such as an increased risk for Parkinson’s or food sensitivity to potatoes.

Tryptophan Pathways: Kynurenine, Serotonin, and Melatonin

Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin. Genetic variants can impact the amount of tryptophan that is used for serotonin. This can influence mood, sleep, neurotransmitters, and immune response.

Do you need more Vitamin C? Nutrigenomic reasons

Like most nutrients, our genes affect how vitamin C is absorbed, transported, and used by the body. It can influence your risk for certain diseases and make a difference in the minimum amount of vitamin C you need to consume each day.

Zinc genes: The healing power of zinc

Learn why zinc is important for your immune system and so much more. Find out how your genes impact your need for zinc and discover ways of boosting your zinc status. 

CBS Gene Variants and Low Sulfur Diet

Some clinicians recommend a low sulfur diet for people with CBS mutations. Find out what the research shows – and why that recommendation is not backed up. (Member’s article)

Selenium and Your Genes

Selenium is a trace element found in certain foods. Learn how selenium is used in the body, why it is important, and how genetic variants can make someone more susceptible to problems with a selenium-deficient diet.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

We all vary in how well we convert the plant-based omega-3 oils into the DHA and EPA that our body needs. Some people are really poor at this conversion and thus should either eat more fish or consider taking a DHA / EPA supplement. Learn more about how your variants might affect your health.

Genetics and Vitamin B12

There are several genes that can influence your absorption, transport, and need for vitamin B12. Some people need higher amounts of B12, and some people thrive on different forms of B12. Take a look at your genetic data to see if you should up your intake of B12. (Member’s article)

Vitamin K Genes: Bone strength, blood clots

Genetic variations cause people to have higher or lower levels of vitamin K, which can affect blood clotting. Learn more about the genes that affect vitamin K and how it relates to your genetic raw data.

Find out if you have Tyramine Intolerance

Tyramine intolerance happens when you can’t break it down. Too much tyramine can lead to a hypertensive crisis. Learn more and check your genetic raw data for results. (Member’s article)

SCD1: A lynchpin of metabolism

The SCD1 enzyme converts saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fats. Learn how your genes impact this enzyme, and how this relates to weight loss.

Mushroom intolerance: Ergothioneine and the OCTN1 gene

Mushrooms contain a healthy antioxidant called ergothioneine. But for people with a SLC22A4 genetic variant, this antioxidant can be too much of a good thing, leading to intestinal problems. Check your genetic data to see if you carry this mushroom intolerance variant.

Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Vitamin B6 is an important co-factor in hundreds of different enzymatic reactions. Low levels of B6 are linked to an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. B6 is also essential for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Choline-rich foods and recipe ideas

Interested in choline-rich foods? This article focuses on foods high in choline that can be easily incorporated into your diet plus links to choline-rich recipes.

Foods rich in vitamin A – retinol form

Interested in vitamin A foods? This article focuses on foods high in the retinol form of vitamin A that your body doesn’t need to convert plus some great links to vitamin A-rich recipes.

Carbohydrate metabolism: Genetics, Insulin, and Carbs

Genetic variations play a role in how people react to carbohydrates in the diet. Learn about a few genes that affect insulin or glucose levels based on carbohydrate consumption. Use your genetic raw data and discover how your body handles carbohydrates.

TRPV1 gene: Spicy foods, cold, and CBD oil

The TRPV1 receptor is activated by capsaicin in spicy foods. But there is a lot more to this story… find out how this receptor impacts diabetes, metabolic function, and more.

Do you carry the Hunter-Gatherer or the Farmer Genetic Variant

Our ancient ancestors lived much differently than we do today. They were hunter-gatherers, living off of fish, meat, and plant foods that they gathered. A huge shift took place when those hunter-gatherers began farming, growing grains, and storing them so that there would be food available all year. Learn if you carry the hunter-gatherer or farmer gene variant. (Member’s article)