8-13-24 LifeDNAcom Methylation Genes Report Amber Nestor, NASM-CNC, NASM-CPT, and more. These are my results. Below is a general summary, in depth, regarding what I learned about the problematic gene mutations I possess that negatively impact my health. Knowledge is power. Looking at all of this, it sure does explain A LOT of things I have battle with regarding my health through my lifespan! I really encourage everyone to get this testing done. Learning about your unique body can ONLY EMPOWER YOU! I have a large, and abnormal, number of gene mutations that are problematic. This is NOT a typical result. ---------------------------------------- Methylation Genes Report The methylation cycle is a chain of chemical changes that occur in the body with the primary purpose of regulating gene expressions and repair, chemicals that relay signals in the nervous system, and biochemical reactions involving proteins and lipids. Genetic variants in the methylation pathway cycle genes can compromise critical functions in our bodies. Find out if you possess any of the methyl cycle genetic variants. Disclaimer: "Risk variants" in these genes are not life-threatening. They may, however, have the potential to compromise our physiological homeostasis or increase the risks of some disorders. This report does not diagnose any medical condition, replace the advice of a healthcare professional, or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to note that these variants are very common, with 30-50% of the population possessing them in their DNA. ---------------------------- CBS Cystathionine Beta-Synthase About CBS The CBS gene is responsible for making cystathionine beta-synthase enzyme. Homocysteine and serine are converted to cystathionine by this enzyme using pyridoxine, a Vitamin B6 derivative. Taurine or glutathione can be produced via this transsulfuration process, which is an essential process for the production of cysteine-containing amino acids. Cysteine-containing amino acids are important for protein structure, antioxidant activity, detoxification, and metabolic function. About Your Result Studies have shown individuals with CBS risk variant(s) may be at higher risk of homocysteine and cystathionine imbalance. People with risk variant(s) in this gene were reported to be more susceptible to excessive levels of taurine and ammonia. While ammonia and taurine are important for normal physiological function, high levels of these substances can potentially be harmful. Maintaining balanced levels of these substances is important for overall health and well-being. Some studies have also linked CBS risk variant(s) to an increased risk of excess sulfur in the blood. Excess sulfer in the blood can affect the Acid-Base balance of the body, which is important for maintaining normal bodily functions. Interestingly, those with the risk variant(s) may be more responsive to the homocysteine-lowering effects of folate supplementation compared to those without it. Disclaimer: This test does not include all possible risk variants for the CBS gene. Please talk to a healthcare professional if you think you might have symptoms associated with these variants, or you have any concerns about your results. You may wish to speak with a genetic counselor, board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, or equivalent health care professionals about the results of your test. You can find information about doing so here. The presence of these risk variants may not directly affect your day-to-day life. Some effects are too minuscule to notice and may not significantly impact your quality of life. Suggestions Actionable Lifestyle Optimizations It's crucial to consult with a medical professional when addressing the CBS risk variant, especially to manage healthy ammonia and taurine levels in the body. Discuss with your doctor the importance of getting a baseline Urine Amino Acid Test (UAA) to check taurine levels. Depending on the UAA results, your doctor may recommend methylation supplements to help maintain healthy taurine levels, tailored to your body’s needs. Speak with your healthcare provider about potentially limiting sulfur intake, as the CBS risk variant can lead to increased sulfur levels. Foods to consider moderating include eggs, nuts and seeds, dairy products, and certain legumes, as excessive sulfur might contribute to chronic stress. Discuss with your doctor the potential benefits of incorporating Yucca root into your regimen. Studies have indicated that Yucca root may be beneficial for wellness, particularly in relation to managing symptoms associated with the CBS variant. Consider manganese supplementation as a strategy to reduce excess sulfites and ammonia, which can be elevated in individuals with the CBS risk variant. Ensure this supplementation is discussed and monitored by your healthcare provider to optimize its effectiveness and safety. -------------------------- COMT Catechol-O-methyltransferase About Your Result Individuals with COMT risk variant(s) may exhibit a decrease in normal enzyme activity. The enzyme activity could further decrease with the more risk variants carried. People with COMT risk variant(s) have been reported to experience strong emotions towards stress and may be less able to handle negative events well. The COMT risk variant(s) may contribute to higher dopamine levels than those without the risk variants. Some studies have shown that higher dopamine levels may negatively impact prefrontal neural signaling. The COMT risk variant(s) has also been associated with an alteration in estrogen metabolism. Some studies have shown that certain alterations in estrogen metabolism may lead to an increased risk of infertility. Interestingly, those with the risk variants may have a better working memory than those without the risk variants. Disclaimer: This test does not include all possible risk variants for the COMT gene. Please talk to a healthcare professional if you think you might have symptoms associated with these variants, or you have any concerns about your results. You may wish to speak with a genetic counselor, board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, or equivalent health care professionals about the results of your test. You can find information about doing so here. The presence of these risk variants may not directly affect your day-to-day life. Some effects are too minuscule to notice and may not significantly impact your quality of life. About COMT COMT is an important enzyme for the metabolism of various catecholamines (neurohormones responsible for the fight-or-flight response of the body) such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Variations in COMT can cause hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction and elevated levels of cortisol, which can affect the body’s ability to handle stress. Suggestions Actionable Lifestyle Optimizations If you're experiencing symptoms linked to low COMT activity, such as mood fluctuations or joint discomfort, consider SAM-e as part of your wellness regimen. Avoid self-prescribing SAM-e due to its potent effects and potential interactions. Consult with a healthcare professional for comprehensive diagnostic testing to confirm low COMT activity before starting any supplementation. Ensure that any intervention, like SAM-e, is precisely tailored to your body's unique biochemistry by working with your healthcare professional. Individuals with a COMT (+) variant should carefully manage their intake of methyl donors, as excess can exacerbate symptoms. Conduct detailed blood work to evaluate your methylation cycle and determine the optimal form of Vitamin B12 (hydroxy, adenosyl, or cyano) that is best tolerated by your body. To manage and optimize estrogen levels, look to include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts in your diet. These vegetables may help support the liver in detoxifying excess estrogen, crucial for maintaining hormonal balance. Incorporate phytonutrient-rich foods such as onions, garlic, celery, and grapefruit to further potentially support hormonal balance. ------- MTHFD1 Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase 1 About Your Result People with the MTHFD1 risk variant(s) gene may be at a higher risk of imbalance in folate metabolism. Folate metabolism is important for cardiovascular health, pregnancy, among other health concerns. Some studies have shown the MTHFD1 risk variant(s) to contribute to excessive levels of homocysteine in the blood, and slightly decreased levels of methionine. Increased homocysteine has been observed in studies to be toxic to cells and potentially be an indicator for cardiovascular problems when levels are elevated. Lower levels of methionine have been studied in conjunction with impaired immune function, increased susceptibility to infection, and impaired wound healing. Methionine deficiency can also lead to a decrease in levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is an important molecule involved in methylation reactions and the regulation of gene expression. It is important for those with the MTHFD1 risk variant(s) to be mindful of their choline intake, as they may not be getting enough. Disclaimer: This test does not include all possible risk variants for the MTHFD1 gene. Please talk to a healthcare professional if you think you might have symptoms associated with these variants, or you have any concerns about your results. You may wish to speak with a genetic counselor, board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, or equivalent health care professionals about the results of your test. You can find information about doing so here. The presence of these risk variants may not directly affect your day-to-day life. Some effects are too minuscule to notice and may not significantly impact your quality of life. About MTHFD1 The MTHFD1 gene encodes an enzyme of the same name (MTHFD1). The enzyme MTHFD1 is known as a trifunctional enzyme that is important for generating and interconverting 1-carbon derivatives of tetrahydrofolate, which are substrates for methionine (an essential amino acid), thymidylate (an essential precursor for DNA biosynthesis), and de novo purine synthesis (a biochemical pathway that creates purine nucleotides from simple molecules). This gene, along with MTHFR, are important enzymes in folate metabolism. Suggestions Actionable Lifestyle Optimizations Discuss with your doctor the benefits of increasing your intake of folate and activated Vitamin B12 to support the functions related to the MTHFD1 gene. Include foods rich in these nutrients, such as spinach, kale, meat, and nuts (subject to any food intolerances you may have), in your diet or consider supplementation as recommended by your healthcare provider. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider about the implications of any risk variants in the MTHFD1 gene. To help potentially reduce homocysteine levels, incorporate choline-rich foods into your diet, which can be beneficial for individuals with variants in the MTHFD1 gene. Foods high in choline include egg yolk, beans, tofu, and various meats, all of which can contribute to lowering homocysteine, a risk factor for various conditions. Look to ensure optimal cardiovascular fitness through consistent cardiovascular exercise. ------------------- MTHFR Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase About Your Result Individuals with MTHFR risk variant(s) may exhibit a decrease in normal enzyme activity. The enzyme activity could further decrease with the more risk variants carried. People with risk variant(s) in this gene may have elevated levels of homocysteine in blood plasma compared to those without the risk variant. Increased homocysteine levels have been observed in studies to be toxic to cells and potentially be an indicator for cardiovascular problems. People with MTHFR risk variants have been reported to be more susceptible to altered levels of DNA methylation compared to those without the risk variants. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should speak to their physician or other healthcare provider about their MTHFR results, as processing folate properly is important for fetal development. Disclaimer: This test does not include all possible risk variants for the MTHFR gene. Please talk to a healthcare professional if you think you might have symptoms associated with these variants, or you have any concerns about your results. You may wish to speak with a genetic counselor, board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, or equivalent health care professionals about the results of your test. You can find information about doing so here. The presence of these risk variants may not directly affect your day-to-day life. Some effects are too minuscule to notice and may not significantly impact your quality of life. About MTHFR The MTHFR gene is responsible for providing instructions for making methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme, which helps the body process folate (Vitamin B9). Folate is needed for healthy red blood cell formation and is crucial during pregnancy for fetal development. MTHFR is involved in the process of converting homocysteine to methionine that the body can use for building proteins. MTHFR gene variants can cause elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine has been observed in studies to be toxic to cells and potentially be an indicator for cardiovascular problems when levels are elevated. Suggestions Actionable Lifestyle Optimizations Discuss with your healthcare provider the potential benefits of supplementing with Folate (Vitamin B9) and Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) to support methylation processes affected by the MTHFR variant. A consultation can determine the best form of supplementation, possibly suggesting L-methylfolate over synthetic folic acid due to its higher bioavailability and ability to be absorbed by those with MTHFR risk variants. Monitor your homocysteine levels. A blood test provided by your healthcare provider should assist with monitoring. Pregnant women with MTHFR variant(s) may require specific supplementation strategies to support fetal development and reduce homocysteine levels. It's important to ask your doctor about the right folate supplementation and other prenatal vitamins that are safe and effective during pregnancy. Incorporate gut-healthy foods such as fermented products and broths into your diet to improve gut wellness and potentially enhance nutrient absorption. Better gut wellness can supports overall well-being and can help in the more effective utilization of nutrients critical for individuals with the MTHFR variant. Look to maintain improved cardiovascular fitness to help potentially mitigate cardiovascular concerns associated with higher homocysteine levels. -------------- MTR and MTRR Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine Methyltransferase and Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine Methyltransferase Reductase About Your Result Some studies have shown the risk variant(s) in the MTR and/or MTRR gene to be associated with problems in methylcobalamin utilization and methionine biosynthesis. Methylcobalamin is a form of Vitamin B12; one of its primary functions is to act as a coenzyme in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, known as methionine biosynthesis. Individuals with risk variant(s) may be at risk of lower B12 levels since the MTR enzyme is utilizing B12 at a faster rate. Vitamin B12 has been shown to be important for: DNA synthesis and cell division, red blood cell formation, energy production, mood regulation, and other important bodily functions. Those with the risk variant(s) may also exhibit higher homocysteine levels, especially if B12 levels are low. Some studies have shown higher homocysteine levels to potentially be an indicator for cardiovascular problems. Disclaimer: This test does not include all possible risk variants for the MTR & MTRR genes. Please talk to a healthcare professional if you think you might have symptoms associated with these variants, or you have any concerns about your results. You may wish to speak with a genetic counselor, board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, or equivalent health care professionals about the results of your test. You can find information about doing so here. The presence of these risk variants may not directly affect your day-to-day life. Some effects are too minuscule to notice and may not significantly impact your quality of life. About MTR and MTRR MTR gene is responsible for encoding the MTR (Methionine Synthase) enzyme, which converts homocysteine to methionine using vitamin B12. Methionine is an essential amino acid that is important for building proteins in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced during the breakdown of proteins; it has been observed in studies to be toxic to cells and potentially be an indicator for cardiovascular problems when levels are elevated. To function properly, MTR enzyme requires an MTRR (Methionine Synthase Reductase) enzyme for its activation. Suggestions Actionable Lifestyle Optimizations Individuals with risk variants in the MTR and MTRR genes might experience faster utilization of Vitamin B12, potentially leading to lower levels. Regular monitoring of Vitamin B12 is suggested due to its importance in DNA synthesis, cell division, red blood cell formation, energy production, and mood regulation. Pay attention to homocysteine levels, especially if Vitamin B12 levels are low, as those with risk variants may exhibit higher levels. Elevated homocysteine has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Look into a blood test for your homocysteine levels from your healthcare provider. Consider enhancing your diet with foods rich in Vitamin B12 or exploring supplementation options to support adequate B12 levels. Certain risk variants in other methylation genes may impact which version of Vitamin B12 is best for you. Discuss with a healthcare provider the potential benefits of targeted supplementation to maintain balanced homocysteine and B12 levels, particularly tailored to your genetic profile. --------------------- VDR Vitamin D Receptor About Your Result Studies have shown that individuals with VDR risk variant(s) may exhibit a decrease in normal vitamin D receptor function. Since the VDR gene is responsible for the body's ability to respond to Vitamin D, the presence of risk variant(s) may increase the risk of having bone-related problems. VDR regulates some metabolic pathways related to the immune response. Studies have shown that individuals with risk variant(s) in this gene may have a higher risk of having an impaired immune response as a result. In some studies, the VDR Taq variant has been linked to lower dopamine levels compared to those without the risk variants. Lower dopamine levels have been associated with feeling anxious, moody, depressed, and unmotivated. The VDR Fok variant has been linked to blood sugar regulation and pancreatic function. Disclaimer: This test does not include all possible risk variants for the VDR gene. Please talk to a healthcare professional if you think you might have symptoms associated with these variants, or you have any concerns about your results. You may wish to speak with a genetic counselor, board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, or equivalent health care professionals about the results of your test. You can find information about doing so here. The presence of these risk variants may not directly affect your day-to-day life. Some effects are too minuscule to notice and may not significantly impact your quality of life. About VDR The VDR gene is responsible in providing instructions for making Vitamin D receptors for the bioactive form of vitamin D, calcitriol. Calcium absorption from food also requires Vitamin D, which supports the function of the heart, muscles, and bones. Suggestions Actionable Lifestyle Optimizations To address the potential risks associated with VDR gene variants, consider supplementing with vitamin D to promote optimal levels. Incorporate foods high in vitamin D such as nuts and seeds, egg yolks, and fatty fish into your diet, dependent on any food intolerances you may have. Potentially enhance your calcium intake through dairy products, nuts and seeds, sardines, and legumes which may support bone wellness and overall wellness. Aim for adequate sun exposure to naturally boost your body’s vitamin D production. Consider reducing your caffeine intake as it may inhibit calcium absorption. Decreasing caffeine can prevent potential deficiencies and malabsorption issues, potentially supporting stronger bone density and overall wellness. Supplementing with methylcobalamin, or methyl-B12, can be beneficial, especially for those with the VDR (+) variant who can tolerate methyl donors well. Those without the risk variant (-/-) should be cautious with this form of B12 and consider alternative forms or dosages. Herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) may enhance dopamine levels, supporting brain wellness and mood regulation. These herbs can be integrated into your health regimen to potentially improve cognitive function and well-being. -----------------------