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 Gx® 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

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® website for more information about this test.

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 Gx® 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. 

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.

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.

Judy Merrick - Nutritional Therapist

I combine over 15 years’ experience of Nutritional Therapy with the latest technology in Genetic and Functional Testing to provide truly personalized recommendations to help you achieve your health goals.

Judy Merrick
Nutritional Therapist, Nutrigenomics Practitioner, Naturopath
Dip CNM, mBANT, CNHC, ANP

BANT, Lifecode Gx, ANP, CNM and CNHC logos

I combine over 15 years’ experience of Nutritional Therapy with the latest technology in Genetic and Functional Testing to provide truly personalized recommendations to help you achieve your health goals.

Judy Merrick
Nutritional Therapist, Nutrigenomics Practitioner, Naturopath
Dip CNM, mBANT, CNHC, ANP

Book a free 15 minute Discovery Call
BANT, Lifecode Gx, ANP, CNM and CNHC logos