What does this gene do? Coffee is the most popular drink worldwide, around 2 billions cups consumed daily. In the UK 95 million cups are consumed daily. In twin studies it revealed that genes play a role individual variability to consume coffee and the direct effects of caffeine. Caffeine at low doses, give rise to alertness, mild euphoria and enhanced cognitive performance. If taken at higher dos ...[Read More]
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 GENE (CYP1A2)
TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 7-LIKE 2 GENE (TCF7L2)
What does this gene do? TCF7L2 gene encodes for a protein that has been implicated in the maintenance of blood glucose levels. There has also been association with symptoms of metabolic syndrome such as a higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and abnormal lipid profile. The risk T allele, has been an associated with higher fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. The TT genotype, has 2-fold ...[Read More]
FUCOSYLTRANSFERASE-2 GENE (FUT2)
What does this gene do? The FUT2 genes interferes with vitamin B12 absorption. It also has a minor association with plasma homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that requires B vitamins to be broken down into further important body chemicals. This could have an indirect relationship with vitamin B levels, meaning that if you have inherited a variant of this gene, it could affect the c ...[Read More]
CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE GENE (COMT)
What does this gene do? Warrior or worrier? The COMT gene plays an important role in the nervous system as it is important in regulating chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and adrenaline. It does this by deactivating these chemicals by adding a methyl group (CH3) to them, another example of this important process called methylation which is a common on/off switch used in the body. If lots of ...[Read More]
MANGANESE SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE GENE (MNSOD)
What does this gene do? Manganese Superoxide Dismutase is a gene that encodes for a protein found in the energy powerhouse inside of our cells, called the mitochondria. This enzyme acts as a major antioxidant meaning it plays a critical role in protecting cells from stress and damage. Stress in the human body, like rust in a car, is responsible for damage caused to cells and DNA. This damage is ca ...[Read More]
GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE-T GENE (GSTT1)
What does this gene do? This gene is part of the GST family, which play an important role in the detoxification process of a number of compounds. Effectively it helps to make powerful substances that are consumed or in the environment, less toxic by making them water soluble meaning they can be excreted easily by the body (by obvious means) Specific natural chemicals found in cruciferous vegetable ...[Read More]
QUINONE REDUCTASE GENE (NQO1)
What does this gene do? Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) gene is a member of the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone) family. NQO1 plays an important role in getting rid of toxins often referred to as “detoxification”. Due to the detoxification ability of this gene, it is considered to be important in protection of cells, proteins, DNA and other molecules from damage caused by harmful subst ...[Read More]
ALPHA-ACTININ 3 GENE (ACTN3) 577 R/X
What does this gene do? The ACTN3 gene is active in muscle. Alpha-actin is only found in fast twitch muscle fibres which are responsible for fast muscle movements such as in the case of sprinting. The variant that is of impact is the C allele. If you have a two “Cs” as your result you’re more likely to achieve improvements in strength, speed and power in training. You see this result ...[Read More]
COLLAGEN TYPE 1 ALPHA 1 GENE (COL1A1)
What does this gene do? This COL1A1 gene codes for the protein that makes collagen. Collagen1 is the most abundant in the body. It’s the main collagen found in joint cartilage, skin, tendon, ligaments and bone. When there are variants found in COL1A1 gene it’s linked to the risk of soft tissue injuries. These injuries can include achilles tendinopathy/rupture and shoulder dislocation. COL1A1 vari ...[Read More]
FAT MASS AND OBESITY ASSOCIATED GENE (FTO)
What does this gene do? The fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene, also known as the “Fat gene” was the first obesity-susceptibility gene identified by a particular research method, however there are currently over 90 genes that have been associated with risk of obesity. The FTO gene is plays a role in managing your energy balance and has also been found to regulate how (and whe ...[Read More]