IMPORTANCE OF NUTRIGENOMICS
A basic presentation of how nutrigenomics impacts you and an overview of the benefits of understanding nutrigenomics.
INTRO TO SNP
Learning about Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
FAQ
what is a variant report?
A Variant Report is a listing of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), derived from the raw data results of 23andMe saliva testing, and generated via a software tool. The most comprehensive and well researched Variant Report can be obtained via MTHFRsupport.com, using Sterlings App. The Variant Report is organized into groups of SNPs, including Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification SNPs, IgE, IgA, and IgG SNPs, Methylation SNPs, Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain SNPs, and others.
How does snp and dna relate?
- A SNP or Single Nucleotide Polymorphism occurs when a single nucleotide differs from the majority (wild type is considered the “normal” expected nucleotide)
- SNPs occur in coding regions, non-coding regions or between genes (intergenic). We look at the coding regions.
- SNPs vary in terms of severity and benefit due to location and redundancy. Our bodies typically have back-up pathways for redundancy. So for example, estrogen breakdown via the Phase II liver sulfation pathway is backed-up by the Phase II liver glucaronidation pathway. The sulfation (SULT SNPs can affect) pathway can accept a larger variety of intermediate metabolites, but will defer to the glucaronidation pathway when it gets overwhelmed, so both pathways need to be working optimally.
- Most SNPs do NOT govern genetic function and expression. Diet and lifestyle do.
- SNPs may cause gene instability due to decreased cofactor affinity. A cofactor can be a vitamin, mineral or other byproduct of biochemical pathway processing (e.g., NAPD)
- SNPs may be bypassed by increasing cofactor concentration and providing end products directly. So for example, if you have an MTHFR C677T down-regulation, you can “bypass” the down-regulation via delivery of 5 MTHF (folate) as a supplement. Having said that though, its much more complicated, as the biochemical pathways interconnect. If you simply address one SNP in isolation, you run the risk of mucking up other pathways. I’ve seen this many times where a person takes a high dose of 5-MTHF (e.g., Deplin) without considering neighboring enzymes (affected by SNPs). The improper supplementation can result in feeling great for a few days, then tired, to experiencing increased anxiety.
Why the interest in Methylation SNPs?
- Turn on and off genes (gene regulation via CH3)
- Process chemicals, endogenous and xenobiotic compounds (biotransformation via Phase II liver clearing, especially estrogen and heavy metals)
- Build neurotransmitters (dopamine-> norepinephrine à epinephrine, serotonin àmelatonin). If one has neurotransmitter issues, then looking at methylation pathway genetics and lifestyle are key.
- Metabolize/breakdown neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine)
- Build immune cells (T cells, NK cells)
- Build DNA “bits and pieces” and Histone Synthesis (Thymine aka 5-methyluracil)
- Produce energy (CoQ10, carnitine, creatine, ATP via Krebs cycle)
- Produce protective coating on nerves (myelination)
- Build and maintain cell membranes (via utilization of phosphatidylcholine derived from phosphatidylethanolamine in the presence of estrogen and functioning PEMT enzyme)