Genetic Variations of Note
Research indicates that specific genetic variations are associated with a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease, hemochromatosis, or celiac disease. These conditions are prevalent among individuals with certain genotypes, highlighting the importance of understanding genetic predispositions in disease susceptibility.
Homocysteine Buildup
This test includes the MTHFR, MTRR, MTR, MTHFD1, and CBS genes, each of which plays an important role in the methylation cycle. This cycle is responsible for converting homocysteine into methionine or glutathione with the aid of folate, vitamin B12, and B6.
Mutations within methylation genes may reduce the functionality of the enzymes produced, impacting how well they can do their job. These key genes in the methylation pathway work to break down homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that is normally only present in the blood in very small amounts. Homocysteine buildup in the bloodstream is like clogging a pipe in a plumbing system; it obstructs normal flow and increases inflammation, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, digestive issues, and complications during pregnancy.
Understanding these genetic variations can offer valuable insights into individual health risks, empowering informed decisions for better health management.
Active Folate Deficiency
This test includes the MTHFR, MTHFD1, MTR and MTRR genes to determine how variations in your genetics may influence your folate intake needs.
Folate is a B vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis and methylation. Folate deficiency disrupts these processes, leading to impaired cell division and increased levels of homocysteine. This can result in neural tube defects in newborns, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and potential cognitive impairments.
Understanding these genetic variations can offer valuable insights into individual health risks, empowering informed decisions for better health management.
Cognitive Performance & Mental Wellbeing
This test focuses on two important genes linked to how our brain functions and our overall mental well-being, called COMT and PEMT.
The COMT gene affects how our brain breaks down a chemical called dopamine, which plays a big role in how we feel happy and motivated. Think of dopamine as the brain's 'feel-good' messenger, involved in memory, motivation, and pleasure. Changes in how our body handles dopamine can impact things like problem-solving skills, memory, and coordination. If your body breaks down dopamine efficiently, you might find you're sharper in these areas. But if there are mutations in COMT, it can affect your mood and how well your brain works.
The PEMT gene helps make something called phosphatidylcholine, which is important for building cell membranes in our body and for brain function. Changes in this gene can affect how well it makes phosphatidylcholine, which in turn can affect how well your liver and brain work. It might also influence your sleep and make you more prone to certain health issues like fatty liver disease and heart problems.
Understanding these genetic differences can give us valuable clues about our brain health and overall well-being. This knowledge helps us make better decisions about how to take care of our health.
Gut Health
This test focuses on mutations in the MTR gene, which can provide insights into your gut health, particularly concerning inflammatory bowel conditions and their associated symptoms.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a range of inflammatory conditions affecting the colon and small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These conditions often lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. Some research has shown that carrying two variants in the MTR gene can lead to a 48% higher risk for IBD compared to the standard genetic makeup.
Understanding these genetic variations can provide valuable insights into your individual risk factors for IBD and related symptoms.
Methylation Profile
Your methylation profile describes your body's ability to regulate methylation, a vital process affecting DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and cardiovascular health. Imbalances can result in undermethylation which is linked to high histamine, detox challenges, and depression, or overmethylation which is associated with low histamine, anxiety, and mood instability. Poor methylation may also elevate homocysteine levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and impaired cognitive function.
Genetic Methylation Genes
This genetic methylation test includes the essential MTHFR, COMT, MTRR, MTR, MTHFD1, PEMT and CBS methylation genes. Knowing your methylation genotype can uncover needs for nutritional support such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals and help guide dietary and lifestyle treatment plans.
This cheek swab test measures:
Cardiovascular Health
Methylation plays a key role in cardiovascular health by regulating processes essential for heart and blood vessel function. Methylation also helps produce nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow, supports fat metabolism and repairs cardiovascular cells. Methylation defects (specifically MTHFR, MTR, MTRR or CBS) can raise blood homocysteine levels - homocysteine is an inflammatory byproduct with no useful role in the body. Elevated levels of homocysteine can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and in rare cases drive whole-body inflammation.
Cognitive Function
Methylation is essential for brain health through its effects on neurotransmitter production, brain cell repair, and inflammation regulation. Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to brain inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This test highlights genetic inefficiencies in these areas, helping you understand your risk factors for cognitive decline or chronic inflammation.
Emotional & Psychological Wellbeing
Methylation is essential for balancing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, which regulate mood, memory, and focus. Variations in methylation genes - such as COMT and MTHFR - may affect these pathways, leading to anxiety, depression, or brain fog. Optimising intake of B vitamins, methylated folate, or dietary and lifestyle changes may support neurotransmitter balance and brain health.
Sleep & Restorative Health
Sleep onset, maintenance and quality can be influenced by genetic variations in the PEMT and COMT genes. These genes play crucial roles in neurotransmitter regulation and sleep-wake cycles. Variations in these genes can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, leading to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep.
Knowing your genetic profile can help you optimise your nutrient intake and lifestyle to enhance sleep quality.
Nutrition & Gut Health
Methylation supports gut health by regulating the genes involved in digestion, inflammation, and gut barrier function. Proper methylation helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining, preventing "leaky gut". Methylation also influences the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a key role in gut-brain communication. Impaired methylation can lead to inflammation, increased nutrient demand, poor nutrient absorption, and imbalances in the gut microbiome, affecting overall digestive health.
Energy Production & Detoxification
Methylation is crucial for energy production as it influences the function of mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses. Methylation defects can impair mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy production and fatigue. Methylation also plays a vital role in detoxification processes, particularly in the liver - genetic variations can compromise the liver's ability to efficiently eliminate toxins, causing their accumulation and potential health issues.
Hormone & Reproductive Health
Hormone & Reproductive Health refers to the balance of hormones that regulate the reproductive system, influencing fertility, menstrual cycles, and overall reproductive function. Hormonal imbalances, such as irregular levels of oestrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, can lead to conditions like infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. Maintaining hormone balance through lifestyle changes, nutrition, stress management, and, if necessary, medical intervention can support reproductive health and fertility.