Alex Swanson M.S. | Nutrition Genome
The MTNR1B Gene and Melatonin

The MTNR1B Gene and Melatonin

In the Nutrition Genome Report, a new gene was added in November 2021 called MTNR1B. This gene encodes for the melatonin receptor 1B. In humans, melatonin release starts soon after sundown, peaks between 2 am and 4 am, and decreases gradually. However, in...
The Connection Between APOE and Cholesterol Levels

The Connection Between APOE and Cholesterol Levels

Few topics in the medical world have created more controversy and conflicting opinions than the subject of cholesterol. Views on saturated fat and dietary cholesterol have oscillated since the Ancel Keys 7 Countries Study in 1958, which led to an overhaul in dietary...
How Grip Strength Can Predict Your Epigenetic Age

How Grip Strength Can Predict Your Epigenetic Age

You have received your Nutrition Genome Report, and now starting to incorporate all of the dietary, exercise, environmental and lifestyle recommendations based on your results to slow the aging process. How do you know how well you are epigenetically slowing down the...
What is MTHFR C677T? DNA-Based Nutrition

What is MTHFR C677T? DNA-Based Nutrition

What is MTHFR C677T? Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase is labeled for both an enzyme and a gene. The MTHFR C677T gene produces a functioning MTHFR enzyme that converts methyfolate to 5-MTHF and helps regulate homocysteine levels. If the MTHFR C677T gene has...
How the APOE Gene Affects the Immune System

How the APOE Gene Affects the Immune System

The International Journal of Medicine published a commentary in late April 2020 titled, “Does apolipoprotein E genotype predict COVID-19 severity?” The researchers argue that it is possible that having one or two copies of APOE-E4 allele predisposes one to be at high...
What Genes Benefit the Most from Coffee?

What Genes Benefit the Most from Coffee?

The health benefits of coffee are well documented in numerous published studies. The positive actions are often due to polyphenols like chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, not necessarily the caffeine.  Many studies find a negative...
Does the Ketogenic Diet Work for APOE4?

Does the Ketogenic Diet Work for APOE4?

Over the last few years, a lot of interest and research has gone into the possibility that the ketogenic diet can be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease prevention or treatment. We wanted to give you a review of what the current research says about...