Where Genetics Meets Nutrition

What is Epigenetics? Epigenomics is the study of the complete set of epigenetic (chemical) modifications on the genome that can modify DNA instructions, turning on and off genes, or control the production of proteins. These modifications occur when chemical compounds...

What is the FUT2 Gene? Variants in the FUT2 gene (fucosyltransferase 2) may impact B12 absorption and the production of prebiotics. Prebiotics help support the colonization of probiotics. Research on the FUT2 Gene Genome-wide association studies have recently...

What is the CBS Gene? The Cystathione Beta-Synthase (CBS) enzyme pulls homocysteine to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and glutathione, requiring B6 and SAMe as a modulator. Interruptions in this process may be connected to digestive disorders, intolerance to sulfur rich...

What is MTRR? Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is a vital enzyme of the homocysteine/methionine metabolic pathway and is required for the conversion of the inactive form of methionine synthase (MTR) to its active form. MTRR helps recycle B12. The MTRR enzyme...

What is COMT? COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase) breaks down estrogen, catecholamines and neurotransmitters including dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Heterozygous or homozygous variants for the COMT V158M methionine allele slow down the COMT enzyme,...

What is MAO-A? MAO-A (Monoamine oxidase A) is a critical enzyme involved in breaking down important neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Males can only have a heterozygous MAO-A, while females can have heterozygous or homozygous variants....

What is the MTHFR A128C Gene? Unlike MTHFR C677T, MTHFR 1298 is not linked to elevated homocysteine levels unless there is a heterozygous MTHFR 1298 and MTHFR 677 together. Disruptions in both MTHFR genes may lead to lower levels of tetrahydrobiopterin BH4.  The...

The Story of the Cell Membrane and Mitochondria "Cancer arises from a single abnormal cell." Dr. Joe Lipsick, Professor of Pathology and Genetics at Stanford University  Imagine your cell is like your own personal kingdom. The nucleus and the mitochondria are the King...