Daniel Knecht

Methylation genetic test results

When you are reading the LifecodeGx reports it’s helpful to know that: 

  • SNP stands for ‘single nucleotide polymorphism’, which basically means your gene is slightly different to the most common, or ‘wild’ type. 

  • The reports colour the effects of SNPs – yellow represents some negative effect, red is a greater negative effect. Green is positive. 

  • Some SNPs can be advantageous. 

  • Everyone has some SNPs – don’t be alarmed by the number you have. 

  • Factors in purple on the reports support the genes, those in orange inhibit them. 

Remember, genetic tests just indicate where you have an increased susceptibility to health issues, they don’t mean that you will have problems. The aim of this report is to help you manage the genetics you have using diet, lifestyle and supplements to enable you to be as healthy as you can be. 

Methylation 

Methylation is the transfer of a methyl group (CH3) from one substrate to another, or to a gene to regulate gene expression.  

When methylation is going well the process helps repair your DNA, regulates hormones, produces energy, protects against cancer, supports detoxification, keeps your immune system healthy, supports the protective coating along your nerves and strengthens the nervous system. The body is a very complex machine, with various gears and switches that need to be all functioning properly to operate optimally. Think of methylation, and the opposite action, demethylation, as the mechanism that allows the gears to turn, and turns biological switches on and off for a host of systems in the body.

Please read your report thoroughly. The notes below will help you deal with any negative variant you have. 

Your results

Folate cycle

The folate cycle converts dietary folate to methyl folate or 5-MTHFR. 

DHFR – yellow 

  • Your genes represent a 2.4x  higher level of enzyme activity. This can use up 5.10-MTHF, leading to issues with DNA replication and repair and high homocysteine. This gene is supported by vitamin B3. 

  • Avoid intake of synthetic folic acid – added to much of the non-wholewheat flour in Switzerland. Avoid foods that say ‘fortified with folic acid’. Don’t take any supplements including ‘folic acid’, always ensure your supplements include methyl folate or 5-HMTHF (5-methlytetrahydrofolate). 

  • Ensure high intake of natural folate in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, bananas, legumes (peas, beans and lentils), avocados, beetroot, eggs, nuts and seeds. Aim for a minimum of 2 fist-sized portions of greens per day. 

  • I recommending that you take a multivitamin that contains methyl folate. https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/mens-health/multi-essentials-for-men-multivitamin-nutri-advanced

FOLH1 –  yellow

  • This gene affects the amount of folate you absorb from food. Avoid alcohol to improve gut health. 

  • Increase your intake of folate from food to ensure adequate supply – at least 2 handfuls of leafy greens per day. 

MTHFD1 – yellow / yellow

  • This SNP makes the gene slightly less effective, reducing the amount of methylated folate available for the methionine cycle, and forcing the body to use more choline, increasing your risk of choline deficiency.  Low choline can have result in many symptoms including fatty liver, fertility problems, endometriosis and poor foetal development.

  • Choline is made in the body but we also need it in our diet. Choline is found in eggs, beef, chicken and fish. We need around 400-500mg per day, the equivalent of 4 eggs. 

  • This gene is also supported by B vitamins, specifically B3 and B6. 

  • You will benefit from taking a vegan choline supplement: https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/respiratory-circulation/choline-500-mg 1 per day with food. 

MTHFR –  yellow / green

  • You have a variation on one of your MTHFR genes. This will slightly slow down production of methylfolate. 

  • This gene is supported by B vitamins. I’ve recommended a multivitamin which will supply the B vitamins and other methylation co-factors that you need.  

TYMS -  yellow

  • This SNP impacts fertility (growth), immunity, red blood cells, DNA stability (cancer prevention) and cells with a rapid turn-over eg. gut cells and immune cells. It requires methylfolate to function effectively, and is supported by vitamin B2. 

  • Increased intake of folate and the methylfolate in your multi will support this gene. 

Methionine Cycle

This cycle converts homocysteine to methionine, then methionine to SAMe, the master methyl donor. 

The long route needs vitamin B12 and relies on the MTR gene which transfers methyl group from folate to B12 and from B12 to homocysteine. 

FUT2 – red / red 

  • This genetic combination means you are less efficient at absorbing B12 from your gut, and also have an increased susceptibility to H Pylori and gastritis. 

  • B12 is only found in animal foods, and in meats that have been traditionally reared as it originates in soil bacteria. 

  • The multivitamin I have recommended includes B12, but given your genetics and vegan diet I’m recommending an additional sublingual B12 supplement which is absorbed straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the effect of the FUT2 gene. https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/shop-online/b12-liquid-methylcobalamin-klaire-labs - 1mg strength ,1 dropperful under the tongue per day. 

MTRR - red / green

  • This gene re-methylates B12 with SAMe as cofactor. Your variant reduces activity, potentially leading to high homocysteine levels. This gene is impacted by heavy metals, nitrous oxide (which depletes B12) and insufficient SAMe. 

  • Additional B12 is helpful for this gene.

  • Reduce your exposure to lead and mercury by filtering tap water. 

Short-route homocysteine to methionine

To use the short route the methyl group supplied is by betaine with SAMe as a cofactor. This route is also B12 dependant. 

PEMT – red / green 

  • Your genes means you will be less efficient at making choline, this impacts on the availability of betaine. Choline is found in eggs, beef, chicken and fish, so your diet will be very low in choline. I’ve recommended a choline supplement above. 

CHDH –  yellow

  • This gene is responsible for transferring choline into cells and mitochondria and oxidation of choline to betaine. SNPs impact energy production, nervous system health and fertility including sperm motility. 

  • You can support this process by eating foods rich in Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), it is found in kiwifruit, parsley, green peppers, tofu and green tea. 

  • You can further support this process by increasing your intake of omega 3 fatty acids which support cell membrane health. These are found in walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds. 

  • It may be helpful for you to take an omega 3 supplement: https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/joint-skin-circulation/vegan-dha-ntjxw 

MAT1A –  yellow 

  • This is the final step in the production of SAMe. This gene is supported by magnesium and potassium. Ensure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – a minimum of 6 fist-sized portions per day, more if you can. 

  • Eat zinc-rich foods including seafood, nuts and seeds, and magnesium rich leafy greens. Fruits high in potassium include bananas, citrus fruit, spinach, tomatoes and root vegetables.  

Trans sulphuration Pathway

This pathway is downregulated if methionine levels are low. The main purpose of this pathway is to produce glutathione – the master antioxidant. It also produces succinyl-CoA which is needed for energy production, detoxification and production of DNA. 

CBS – red / green

  • CBS converts homocysteine to cystathionine. Your genes speed up this conversion, and can deplete methionine, homocysteine, B6, B12 and result in excess ammonia and sulphites. 

  • You can reduce the effect of this gene by supporting the methionine cycle and taking B vitamins. 

  • This gene variant also indicates need for gastrointestinal support. Try eating probiotic rich foods such as yoghurt, kimchi, kombucha, kefir and sauerkraut.

  • You will benefit from taking NAC – N-acetyl-cysteine, to boost cysteine levels and improve glutathione production. https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/immunity-detox/n-acetyl-cysteine-100mg-hypoallergenic-100-capsules-kirkman-laboratories 1 per day, best taken on an empty stomach. 

CTH –  red

  • Your gene downregulates the production of cysteine and can result in an increase in ammonia. It is supported by vitamin B6. This found in foods including dark leafy greens, bananas, papayas, oranges, cantaloupe melon, and is in the multivitamin I’m recommending. 

  • In addition, the NAC supplement will bypass the effect of this gene. 

GSS – red / red 

  • Your genetics mean you will have reduced production of glutathione. 

  • This process needs glutamate and glycine which are amino acids. Ensure you have enough protein in your diet and that you eat protein with every meal.  

  • It also requires energy, and so needs magnesium. Magnesium-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, nut, seeds, pulses and dark chocolate. 

  • If you have low energy or suffer from fatigue, cramps, stiff muscles or poor sleep consider supplementing with magnesium. https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/shop-online/magnesium-bisglycinate-plus-120-capsules-new-roots-herbal take 1 or 2 per day with food. 

MUT –  yellow

  • Your gene downregulates this pathway, reducing the production of succinyl CoA. It is supported with vitamin B12, which we know you are probably low in, the liquid supplement will help. 

BH4 / Neurotransmitter metabolism 

This cycle creates neurotransmitters. The production of serotonin (happiness) and dopamine (reward) require BH4 which is created from BH2 using methyl folate )5-MTHFR) from the folate cycle. This process is affected by 2 genes, MTHFR and QDPR. 

QDPR –  yellow

  • This genetic variant slightly slows production of BH4, reducing dopamine production. Dopamine is responsible for allowing you to feel pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. When you feel good that you have achieved something, it's because you have a surge of dopamine in the brain. It can also affect melatonin levels which leads to sleep disturbances. 

  • Lead and aluminium further reduce the effect of these genes. Avoid aluminium in cooking, food storage and personal products such as deodorant. Don’t use antacids such as Gaviscon liquid which contain aluminium. 

  • Filter tap water to remove lead.

PNMT - red /red 

  • Your genes show you will have very slow conversion of noradrenaline to adrenaline – this is linked to high blood pressure. It requires SAMe, produced by the methionine cycle. 

COMT – yellow

MAOA – red 

MOAB – red 

Urea cycle

NOS3 – red / red 

  • Variation of these genes can result in low nitric oxide which can cause high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Ammonia and lead further slow this conversion. 

  • To manage these gene variants boost your antioxidant levels by eating at least 6 fist-sized portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

  • Taking the NAC supplement will increase your antioxidant levels. 

BDKRB2 – bradykinin receptor 2 – yellow

  • Bradykinin is a peptide produced by the body to help control blood pressure and inflammation. 

  • Your receptors are not very efficient. Ensure you exercise regularly (2-3 times a week) to support this gene variant.

Recommendations

  • Avoid synthetic folic acid in supplements and fortified foods including anything made with white flour. 

  • Eat at least 6 fist-sized portions of fruit and vegetables per day including 2 portions of leafy greens. 

  • Eat kiwi regularly and drink 2 cups of green tea. 

  • Eat protein with every meal, include vegetable protein from nuts and seeds, peas, beans and lentils. 

  • Avoid toxins in food and household products, use natural products without aluminum and avoid cooking and storing food in plastic. 

  • Increase your intake of: 

    • zinc from, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, cashews 

    • betaine - from quinoa, spinach and beetroot

    • iron from green leafy veg, peas, beans and lentils. You can increase the iron you absorb from food by adding vitamin C – try sprinkling lemon juice on to greens or salad. 

  • Support your gut health by consider eating probiotic rich foods such as yoghurt, kimchi, kombucha, kefir and sauerkraut.

This is a useful document showing which foods contain which nutrients, it might be helpful https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/prescription-only/tania-schnuppe-nutrients-from-foods

Recommended supplements

Through the report I have recommend a number of supplements. Some are higher priority the others. They are listed in priority order below. 

Lower priority supplements:

The supplements above are ones that we sell, you will be able to get similar ones locally. Looking at the list of supplements that you are taking I suggest that you can stop taking: 

  • Vitamin A

  • Vitamin E 

  • CoQ10

  • MSM unless you have specific conditions that it helps, for example gut health issues or inflammation. 

  • Ashwagander unless you suffer with stress and anxiety in which case continue. 

Continue with: 

  • D3 and K2, 1 drop daily 

  • Creatine

And take, either the ones above or the ones you are already taking: 

  • Liquid B12 

  • Multivitamin 

  • Omega 3 

  • NAC - 100mg 

  • Choline   - 500mg 

  • Magnesium if you need it for anxiety/mood or joint pains/muscle pain.

Recommended tests

Re your DNA data, I have asked if it possible to supply you with the file. When I get a reply I’ll pass it on to you. 

I suggest you trial the supplements for 12 weeks initially then assess if your health is improving before continuing. 

I do hope you find this information useful. Your DNA data is kept on file with the labs for 6 months before being destroyed so if you decide to do further gene testing you will not need to complete another cheek swab and we can offer you a 10% discount. The human body has over 20,000 genes each one performing a different task. Click below for details on the other DNA tests we offer;

Health Test Kits — Body Fabulous Natural Health Clinic (mybodyfabulous.co.uk) 

Simply add code DNA23 at checkout to use your discount code. * Please note this code is only valid for your DNA you can not use this discount for orders for other friends or family as they will need a new test kit.

 

If you require further support you can book a 30 minute follow up with me here for £75 https://www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk/prescription-only/anneclark

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Thank you. 

Anne Clark

DNA Specialist

 
Winner – Corporate LiveWire Global Awards, ‘Health Testing Specialists of The Year’ 2023 & 2024
Winner – Prestige Awards, ‘Health Testing Clinic of The Year UK ’ 2022 & 2023
Winner - Global Health & Pharma, ‘Best Food Intolerance & Microbiome Testing Specialists’ 2023
 
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