Nutrients

Nutrigenomics: Genetics + Nutrients

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.

Popular topics

Member tools:
DNA summary report – Nutrients Summary Report
Supplements and Your Genes

Latest articles on Vitamins, Nutrients, and Genetics:

IgE-mediated Food Allergies, non-IgE-mediated Food Allergies

Genetics and Food Allergies

Do you have a food allergy? Discover how environmental factors and genetic susceptibility can shape individual reactions.

MTHFR variants and depression and anxiety

MTHFR, Depression, Anxiety, Symptoms and Treatment

We are all genetically unique, and a common genetic variant in the MTHFR gene causes some people to be more susceptible to having low folate levels. This article explains the research linking MTHFR variants, folate, and depression — and gives you information on how diet or supplements may help.

MTHFR Gene variants, folate, MTHFR and vaccine response, genes that impact vaccine efficacy

Vaccines and the MTHFR mutation

This article covers what the research shows about folate metabolism, MTHFR, and immune response. See what the research says.

FASD1 and FASD2 genes, converting Omega 3&6 in DHA and EPA

FADS1 and FADS2: 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.

BHMT gene variants, BHMT in the methylation cycle

BHMT: Genetic Variants that Impact Methylation

BHMT is involved in homocysteine methylation and impacts the methylation cycle.

BCO1 Gene: Converting Beta-Carotene to Vitamin A

Genetics plays a huge role in how well you convert beta-carotene into vitamin A! Discover how well you convert beta-carotene into retinol.

MTHFR and Migraines

The MTHFR C677T variant increases the risk of migraines. Learn how to check your genetic data and how to mitigate the risk.

Debunking the “blood-type diet”

Does the science back up the idea that you can lose weight solely based on your blood type? The article explains the different ABO blood types, breaks down the core ideas of a blood type diet, and offer some food for thought on how to approach these methods. (Member’s article)

Foods rich in vitamin A in its retinol form

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.

Folate-rich recipes for MTHFR

Getting enough folate in your diet? We’ve collected some simple nutritional tools and recipes to get you on track.

Histamine Intolerance, MTHFR, and the Methylation Cycle

Genetics plays a role in how well your body breaks down histamine. Histamine that is out of balance with the body’s ability to break it down can cause symptoms that are collectively known as histamine intolerance. Discover how to check your genes that are involved with histamine levels.

Hunter-Gatherer or the Farmer Genetic Variant, Glucose transport

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)

Choline, An Essential Nutrient Impacted By Genes

An essential nutrient, your need for choline from foods is greatly influenced by your genes. Find out whether you should be adding more choline into your diet.

COMT Graphical Abstract, Slow COMT effects, Slow COMT

COMT Gene: Neurotransmitter Levels, Estrogen Metabolism, and SNPs

Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Glucose Response: Caffeine + Sugar + Genes

Consuming caffeine along with carbohydrates changes glucose response for people with certain genetic variants and yet it doesn’t change blood glucose levels for those without the variants. Find out more about your response. (Member’s article)

Is intermittent fasting right for you?

Intermittent fasting and ketosis have a lot of benefits, but they may not be right for you. Your genes play a role in how you feel when fasting.

MTR and MTRR genetic variants, Vitamin b12 genetic variants, choosing the right form of B12 for your genetic variants

MTR and MTRR Genes: Methylation cycle and the need for Vitamin B12

This article explains where the MTR and MTRR genes fit within the methylation cycle. I’ll show you how to check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA raw data for the MTR and MTRR SNPs, and then explain how to optimize your diet for these variants.

Mediterranean Diet and Your Genes

A study looked at the interaction between a Mediterranean diet, genetics, and metabolic syndrome. Find out if a Mediterranean diet would work well for you. (Member’s article)

Methylation Cycle Topic Summary

Utilize our Methylation Cycle Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)

Nutrigenomics: Use your 23 and Me data

A list of focused articles on nutrigenomics looking into background science, research studies, and related genetic variants.

5 ways to optimize your diet, based on your genes

What is right for your body? Discover the 5 quick ways to optimize your diet based on your genes.

Nutrients Topic Summary Report

Utilize our Nutrients Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)

Coffee: Benefits based on your genes

Wondering how your genes influence your reaction to coffee? Find out if you will benefit from drinking coffee and how this interacts with your genes. (Member’s article)

Vitamin E, Genetics, and Inflammation

Vitamin E, an antioxidant, is often promoted to prevent cardiovascular disease and LDL cholesterol oxidation. New research shows a genetic component to whether a person benefits from supplementation. Find out more by checking your genetic data.