Nutrigenomics (Genetic)Testing

Nutrigenomics is the study of the interaction between our genes and nutrition.

We all have our own genetic profile, as personal as a finger-print. Genetic testing enables us to look in detail at our DNA and how it provides chemical instructions to every cell in our body. Small but important changes or variants in our genetic code (known as SNP’s) can have significant impacts on every aspect of our health. Understanding how these variants influence our genetic strengths, weaknesses and predispositions can help us make informed and specific choices to support our personal health.

We know that our genes determine our gender, height, eye colour, physical attributes. Our genes can also determine how we: process or absorb certain nutrients, react to certain foods such as caffeine, gluten, lactose, and alcohol, how we produce energy, detoxify, metabolise sex hormones, cope with stress and store fat. Our genes can even influence our appetite.

There is a saying in Nutrigenomics – “Genetics loads the gun, but diet and lifestyle pull the trigger!” We cannot change our genes, but we can influence their activity with nutrition and lifestyle. Just because you have a weakness on a certain gene, it doesn’t mean that you are doomed to poor health.

A simple cheek swab can unlock a wealth of truly personal information about who YOU are.

The laboratory I work with is Lifecode Gx®, a British company and the leaders in the field of Genetic Testing. They provide clear and detailed information and recommendations, enabling us to work together to build your strategy for taking your health to the next level.

All Lifecode G^x® reports include:

Personalised, colour coded genotype results
Gene function and SNP (genetic variant) impact descriptions
Clinically relevant SNPs
Nutrient and other epigenetic impacts
Links to research evidence

Nutrigenomics Testing

Tests Offered

NUTRIENT CORE

This test gives an understanding of your likely requirement for key nutrients, and information about how you process food. Discover how your genes impact: food response – gluten (coeliac disease), lactose (found in dairy), and caffeine; microbiome diversity; nutrient need – vitamin A (beta-carotene & retinol), folate (B9), vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and glutathione; metabolism – blood sugar control (insulin), appetite (leptin), inflammation and omega-3 fatty acids; and circadian rhythm – early bird or night owl predisposition.

Genes tested:

Food Response: HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1 and LCT
Caffeine: CYP1A2 and ADORA2A
Microbiome: FUT2
Vitamins: BCO1, MTHFR, FUT2, TCN2, SLC23A1, COL1A1, GC, VDR and VKORC1
Blood Pressure: ACE and AGT
Detoxification: GSTM1
Metabolism: FADS1/2, FTO, TCF7L2, PGC1A and LEPR
Inflammation: TNF and IFNG
Circadian Rhythm: CLOCK and PER1

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

METABOLICS

This test helps you understand and manage your personal risk of diabetes, weight gain, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions and suggests how to optimise your health-span and longevity. It looks at the genes involved in the key pathways of metabolism: appetite regulation, nutrient sensing, sugar metabolism, fat metabolism, cholesterol and bile, and mitochondria and inflammation.

Genes tested:

Appetite Regulation: BDNF, FAAH, FTO, LEPR, MC4R, NPY, POMC
Nutrient Sensing: ADIPOQ, FOXO3, HIF1A, IRS1, PARP1, PGC1A, PPARA, PPARG, SIRT1, VEGFA
Sugar Metabolism: AMPD1, GCK, GLUT2, IRS1, PPARG, TCF7L2
Fat Metabolism: ADRB3, CD36, CPT1A, FABP2, LPL, PLIN1, PPARA, SREBF1
Cholesterol and Bile: CYP7A1, HMGCR, LDLR, SREBF1
Mitochondria and Inflammation: CAT, CRP, FOXO3, GPX1, IFNG, IL6, NRF2, SIRT3, SOD2, TNF, UCP1/2/3

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

METHYLATION

Methylation is a complex process critical to keeping your body and brain biochemistry in balance. It involves almost every process and system in the body, occurring billions of times per second in every cell. Common genetic variants (SNPs) can impact methylation and increase susceptibility to systemic imbalances and chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, sub-fertility, mood swings, depression, dementia, fatigue, autoimmune disease, allergies and premature ageing

Genes tested:

Folate Cycle: DHFR, FOLH1, MTHFD1, MTHFR, RFC1, SHMT1 and TYMS
Methionine Cycle: AHCY, BHMT, CHDH, FUT2, MAT1A, MTR, MTRR, PEMT and TCN2
Neurotransmitter Cycle: COMT, MAOA, MAOB, MTHFR, PNMT, QDPR and VDR
Trans-sulphuration Cycle: CBS, CTH, GSS, MUT and SUOX Urea Cycle: BDKRB2, NOS and SOD

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that enable communication within and between neurons in the mind and body. Symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalance can include: mood imbalances, depression, mania, attention deficit and obsessive compulsive disorders, addictive behaviours, motor control disruption, anger, aggression and restlessness.

Genes tested:

Serotonin: ALDH2, HTR1A, HTR2A, MAOA, MTHFR, SLC18A1 (VMAT), VDR and TPH1 &2
Kynurenic Acid: FKBP5, IFNG and TNF Melatonin: ASMT and MTNR1B
Dopamine: ALDH2, COMT, DRD2, MAOB, MAOA, MTHFR, OPRM1, SLC6A3 (DAT), TH and VDR
Adrenergic: ADRB2, COMT, DBH, MAOA, PNMT, SLC6A2 (NET) and SLC18A1 (VMAT)
GABA: ALPL, GAD1, GAD2 and GABRA2
Cannabinoid: CNR1, TRPV1 and FAAH

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

HORMONES

The Hormones test analyses genes involved in the regulation, synthesis, signalling, transport and metabolism of corticosteroids and sex steroids hormones. It looks at how gene variants affects hormones imbalance and details the nutrients and environmental factors that can influence and improve their balance. This report is recommended for men and women with hormone imbalance symptoms in the reproductive system, metabolism, inflammation and immune system.

Genes tested:

Steroid Hormones: AKR1C4, CYP17A1, GABRA2, HSD11B1, SRD5A2, SULT2A1
Oestrogen: COMT, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP3A4, CYP19A1, ESR1, ESR2, MTHFR, NQO1
Detoxification: ABCB1, GSTM1, GSTP1, SULT1A1, SULT1E1, UGT1A1 HPA
Axis: ADRB1, ADRB2, FKBP5, MTNR1B, OPRM1, TCF7L2 HPG
Axis: ESR1, ESR2, FAAH

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

DETOXIFICATION

Genetic variants (SNPs) can impact phase 1, 2 and 3 detoxification pathways and contribute to symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, allergies, skin disorders, weight gain, bloating, acid reflux and heartburn, excessive sweating, chronic infections, sub-fertility, decreased libido, poor mental function and lower stress tolerance.

Genes tested:

CYP450s: CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4
 Alcohol: ADH1B, ADH1C and ALDH2
Pesticides: PON1 ROS: SOD2, GPX1 and NQO1
Glucuronidation: UGT1A1, UGT1A6
Methylation: COMT and TPMT
Sulphonation: SULT1A1, SULT1E1 and SULT2A1
Acetylation: NAT1 and NAT2
Glutathione: GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1
Antiporter: ABCB1

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE

Histamine intolerance is a toxic response by the body resulting from an imbalance between accumulated histamine and the capacity to break it down. Symptoms of histamine toxicity may mimic an allergic reaction including skin irritation, gastro-intestinal upset, respiratory distress, headaches, insomnia and anxiety

Genes tested:

Nervous, Immune: HNMT, MAOB and NAT2
Methylation: MTHFR
Gastrointestinal: ALDH2, DAO and GPX1

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

OESTROGEN BALANCE

Oestrogen and androgen imbalances can contribute to sub-fertility, PCOS, endometriosis, menstrual irregularities, excess facial hair (women) or breast tissue (men), osteoporosis, cardio-vascular disease, blood clots, acne, sexual disfunction, mood swings, poor memory, weight gain and hormone sensitive cancers.

Genes tested:

Synthesis: CYP17A1, CYP19A1 and SULT2A1
 Activation: CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and CYP3A4
Receptors: ESR1 and ESR2
Methylation: COMT and MTHFR
Metabolism: GSTM1, GSTP1, SULT1A1, SULT1E1 and UGT1A1

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

THYROID

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck that produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones control the metabolism of almost every cell, with wideranging metabolic, developmental and cardiovascular effects. This report analyses genes involved in the thyroid hormone lifecycle: synthesis, activation, transport and metabolism. It also examines genes that confer susceptibility to inflammation and autoimmunity.

Genes tested:

HPT Axis: CAPZB, FKBP5, GPX1*, PDE8B, TG*, TSHR* (*also involved in autoimmunity) 
Autoimmune: CTLA4, FOXE1, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1 and PTPN22
 Inflammation: CD40, FCRL3, IL6, TNF, GC and VDR
Transport: SLCO1B1 and SLCO1C1 Activation: DIO1, DIO2, BCO1, GC and VDR
Metabolism: SULT1A1, SULT1E1, UGT1A

Visit the Lifecode G^x® website for more information about this test.

View the DNA/Genetic Reports glossary of terms page where I explain in simple terms, some of the language you may encounter when going through your DNA report.

Nutrigenomics Packages

I offer 3 key packages however I can tailor make a package from any of the reports listed on the Nutrigenomics pages. Furthermore, a significant discount is available if you order 5 tests. Please contact me for details and prices.

The Nutrient Core really is a core test and I recommend this test as a minimum and as a foundation on which to add additional tests.

Nutrient Core details how your genes impact: food response – gluten, lactose, and caffeine; microbiome diversity; nutrient need - vitamin A (beta-carotene & retinol), folate (B9), vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and glutathione; metabolism - blood sugar control (insulin), appetite (leptin), inflammation and omega-3 fatty acids; and circadian rhythm - early bird or night owl.
Includes:
- Test Kit
- Test Report
- 45-minute Consultation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Report
- Individual diet and lifestyle recommendations
- 5-10% discount on supplements

This package is great for anyone who is struggling with weight/metabolism. This test is for you if you’ve tried every diet but still struggle to lose or maintain a healthy weight, if you are suffering from any metabolic disorders e.g. diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS, Metabolic Syndrome, obesity, fatty liver.

It analyses genes involved in: nutrient assimilation, utilisation - fat / sugar burning or storing - and removal, appetite regulation, nutrient sensing, sugar metabolism, fat metabolism, cholesterol and bile, and mitochondria and inflammation.
Includes:
- Test Kit
- Nutrient Core Test Report
- Metabolics Test Report
- 60-minute Consultation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Report
- Individual diet and lifestyle recommendations
- 5-10% discount on supplements

This package is great for anyone struggling with stress, mood issues, anxiety, addictions, sleep disorders, OCD, ADHD.

It analyses genes involved in the production, release, response and metabolism of key neurotransmitters– serotonin, dopamine, gaba, glutamate, endocannabinoid pathways.
Includes:
- Test Kit
- Nutrient Core Test Report
- Nervous System Test Report
- 60-minute Consultation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Report
- Individual diet and lifestyle recommendations
- 5-10% discount on supplements

Additional Nutrigenomics packages

Having as much information as possible right from the off can help me make meaningful, personalized recommendations to help you achieve your health goals.

You can select any combination of tests from the list above. Book a discovery call to discuss which might be the most appropriate combination for you.

Any combination of three tests
Includes:
- Test Kit
- 3 Test Reports
- 75-minute Consultation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Report
- Individual diet and lifestyle recommendations
- 5-10% discount on supplements

Any combination of 4 tests
Includes:
- Test Kit
- 4 Test Reports
- 90-minute Consultation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Report
- Individual diet and lifestyle recommendations
- 5-10% discount on supplements

Any combination of 5 tests
Includes:
- Test Kit
- 5 Test Reports
- 90-minute Consultation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Report
- Individual diet and lifestyle recommendations
- 5-10% discount on supplements

If you feel that none of these packages is suitable for you, you can book consultations on an ad hoc basis with fees as follows:

Ad hoc
Initial 90 minute Consultation £175

Follow up 45 minutes £95

Follow up with test results 1 hour £110
(there may be a further interpretation fee for some tests)

15 min tele progress call £35

The above prices are for Zoom consultations. Please add on £20 for all Face-to-Face appointments.

Taking the test is simple:

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1. Order your package with me

I will arrange for your test kit to be sent to your home address. We will book your analysis consultation for 3 – 4 weeks’ time.

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2. Take your sample

A simple cheek swab saliva sample is all that’s required. Full instructions will be sent with the kit. Return your sample in the pre-paid envelope.

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3. Consultation

Your results will come to me, and I will explain them to you in your pre-booked consultation. I will follow up by email with personalised notes and diet/lifestyle recommendations.