Your genes influence how well you absorb different vitamins and minerals, and your genes also interact with how your cells use nutrients. Genetic data can give you a starting point to know where you may need more – or less – of a specific nutrient. It can also point to problems with specific foods, like dairy, or with a component of foods, like histamine or tyramine.
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.
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Member tools:
DNA summary report –Â Nutrients Summary Report
Supplements and Your GenesÂ
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.
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.
Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth with an enzyme called amylase. Take a look into how the amylase enzyme works, genetic variants that impact your production of amylase, and solutions if you are low in amylase.
Folate is an essential vitamin with many benefits from getting an adequate amount. However, excess folate from high dose supplements may have potentially detrimental effects.
AHCY is a key gene in the conversion of SAH to homocysteine and in the regulation of the SAM/SAH ratio. It also plays an important role in the circadian regulation of gene expression.
The MTHFD1 gene encodes an enzyme in the folate cycle. Genetic variants here can indicate a greater need for choline or folate in the diet.
Creatine is an amino acid used in muscle tissue and the brain for energy in times of stress. Genes play a role in creatine synthesis. Find out what the research shows about creatine supplements for muscle mass and cognitive function.
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.
Your vitamin D levels are impacted by sun exposure and your genes. Learn more about how vitamin D is made in the body and how your genetic variants impact your levels.
If you have tried fasting or perhaps a ketogenic diet and felt horrible, there could be a genetic reason. You might carry a genetic mutation that causes SCADD (short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency).
Mutations in ATP7B can cause copper dysregulation and Wilson’s disease. People carrying one copy of the mutation may also have subtle changes.
Fructose intolerance can be due to a rare mutation in the ALDOB gene or it can be due to reduced intestinal absorption.
Some supplements interact with COMT variants to impact the rate at which neurotransmitters are broken down. Check your COMT genotype and discover how this may affect your reaction to different supplements or combinations of supplements.
Learn how riboflavin (vitamin B2) affects MTHFR genes, methylation, and energy. Find out the deficiency symptoms, food sources, dosage, and whether you need more based on your genetics.
Nickel allergy: Explore how genes, everyday exposures, and diet contribute to nickel sensitivity, including rashes, GI symptoms, and brain fog.
Caffeine remains the most popular ‘drug’ of choice for a large percentage of the population. Genetics determines how quickly your body processes and eliminates caffeine and whether it is likely to make you jittery or anxious.
Drinking alcohol is often a problem for people with histamine intolerance. Learn about the pathways that are involved and how to avoid alcohol-induced reactions.
MTHFR variants affect the conversion of folate into the active form. Learn how this can affect you if you are trying to get pregnant.
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.
The SCD1 enzyme converts saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fats. Learn how your genes impact this enzyme, and how this relates to weight loss.
Interested in low histamine foods and recipes? This article focuses on foods high in histamine so you can easily eliminate them from your 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 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.
The MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants get a lot of press, but they do not give the whole picture of the MTHFR gene. Additional variants are impacting the functionality of the enzyme.
Do you have a food allergy? Discover how environmental factors and genetic susceptibility can shape individual reactions.