I provide DNA:Nutrigenomics testing and consultation for my clients either to provide more information to investigate the causes of their unwanted symptoms or as part of a preventative or personalised program.

 

The package with one report includes

·      DNA Test Kit

·      1 Report: see the reports below to choose from.

·       75-minute Practitioner Support

Total cost: £399

For every additional report cost £150.

 

Lifecode Gx® DNA kit: To collect a sample of cheeks cells from which DNA is extracted and analysed. It takes just 1 minute to collect the sample, place the swab in the test tube with the stabilising table, compete and sign the consent form and place everything in the return packaging provided. The test is not impacted by HRT, contraceptives, pregnancy, nutritional supplements, exercise or any other environmental factors.

Practitioner Support: A detailed analysis of your reports and 75 minute Zoom call with me (a Lifecode Gx Registered nutrigenomics practitioner), to further explain your results, recommend nutrition and lifestyle interventions and answer any questions you may have.

*Reports are provided in electronic (pdf) format.

Once you have decided on your reports (See below), click onto booking button to order for your test and book your appointment 8 weeks in advance to allow for receiving your DNA test kit, sending it to the lab and analysing the results. Once you have selected your preferred time and date you will be asked to complete your details and make payment. It is important to book in the name of the person taking the DNA test.

 

If you are in doubt and would like help choosing for your test, please use this link here. You will be asked for a quick questionnaire so you can use my free discovery call appointment. 

 

If you can’t wait, and/or you know what you are doing, please read the guidance for choosing your report written below:

 

What is nutrigenomics?

 

Nutrigenomics (also known as nutritional genomics) is broadly defined as the relationship between nutrients, diet, and gene expression.

How does nutrigenomics work?

In addition to the effect of genes on the phenotype (i.e. the physical expression of genetic traits), genes can also respond to environmental influences – of which nutrition is one such influence. Key nutrients of note include those involved in the one-carbon cycle such as folate, choline, and vitamins B2, B6 and B12, and others such as vitamin A, which regulates gene expression. More general dietary patterns such as diets with a high Glycaemic Index (GI) load have also been associated with gene expression, for example the association between a high GI diet and exaggerated polymorphism of the Adiponectin gene, contributing to insulin resistance and diabetes type II.

A simple, accurate, one-off home saliva test gives you a detailed report you can refer to time and again. Knowledge of your own genetic variants empowers you to focus on the food and lifestyle that works best for you. This is a dive into PERSONALISED NUTRITION, a chance to work with your body for optimal health now and in the future.

I help to interpret your report and support you in implementing the information in a practical way to benefit your long-term health. I am working with Lifecode Gx® which applies the latest genomics science to enable a preventative, proactive and personalised approach to health.

·       They offer a range of specialist nutrigenomics DNA test panels which inform us on how any inherited health risks you may have, can be reduced through personalised nutrition and lifestyle change.

·       Genotype results are presented in the context of nutrition and other environmental factors, such as sleep, stress, physical activity and chemicals, that may influence them.

 

All of the Lifecode Gx reports include

• personalised, colour coded genotype results

• gene function and SNP impact descriptions

• clinically relevant SNPs

• nutrient and other epigenetic impacts

• links to research evidence

 

Reports available:

 

Metabolics Report

 

The Metabolics Report transforms our understanding of how genes confer metabolic individuality and underpin energy regulation, longevity and healthspan.

Metabolism refers to all cellular chemical reactions and is essential for life. It involves many interconnected pathways that can be divided into ‘anabolism’ (‘build up’ e.g synthesis of sugars, fats, proteins and nucleic acids) and catabolism (‘break down’ e.g., releasing energy in the form of ATP). These complex processes, and the balance between them, are the key to energy metabolism and healthy cell structure and function. 

The comprehensive Metabolics report presents the genes that can powerfully influence key pathways driving human metabolism. It incorporates over 40 genes and 50 SNPs across 6 pathways, including appetite regulation, nutrient sensing, sugar and fat metabolism, cholesterol and bile, mitochondria and inflammation.

 

Genes Included

Appetite Regulation: BDNF, FAAH, FTO, LEPR, MC4R, NPY, POMC
Nutrient Sensing: ADIPOQ, FOXO3, HIF1A, IRS1, PARP1, PGC1A, PPARA, PPARG, SIRT1, VEGFA
Sugar Metabolism: AMPD1, FABP2, 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

 

Nutrient Core Report

 

This foundational test analyses how gene variants can affect food tolerance (and intolerance), appetite control and blood sugar balance, vitamin and mineral needs, detoxification ability, and susceptibility to inflammation and infection.

Nutrient Core will help you understand the fundamental genetic interactions with diet and lifestyle and indicate whether specific functions require further genetic testing.

It includes genes that have been shown to affect:

* food response - coeliac disease (gluten) and lactose intolerance


* caffeine - sensitivity and metabolism


* microbiome - diversity


* vitamin need - vitamins A, B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin), C, D and K


* blood pressure - sodium-potassium balance & salt sensitive hypertension


* detoxification - glutathione


* metabolism - blood sugar control (insulin), appetite (leptin)


* inflammation - specific (infection response) and systemic


* circadian rhythm - early bird or night owl predisposition


 

Genes Included

Food Response: HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1 and LCT


Caffeine: CYP1A2 and ADORA2A


Microbiome: FUT2


Vitamins: BCO1, MTHFR, FUT2, TCN2, SLC23A1, 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

 

 

Nervous System Report

 

The nervous system supports the transmission of messages around the mind and body, enabling an individual to respond to their environment. A neurotransmitter is a molecule that carries signals between neurons and across nerve junctions (synapses). Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood a neuron will fire a signal, while inhibitory neurotransmitters have the opposite effect. In order for us to interact effectively with our environment these must remain in balance.

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.

It analyses gene variants that impact serotonin (contentment) and melatonin (sleep), dopamine (motivation), noradrenaline and adrenaline (fight or flight); glutamate (the major excitatory neurotransmitter); GABA (the major inhibitory neurotransmitter) which is critical for relaxation; and endocannabinoids (AEA/ anandamide) which regulate other neurotransmitters. The report provides detailed recommendations for nutritional support to alleviate symptoms and to optimise mental health.

 

Genes Included

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

 

Methylation Report

 

Methylation is the process of adding methyl groups, consisting of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms, to other molecules. It is involved in almost every metabolic process in the body, occurring billions of times every second in our cells and contributing to numerous crucial functions.

Imbalances in methylation - too little or too much - can increase susceptibility to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, circulatory problems, chronic fatigue, infertility, immune and autoimmune conditions, food and chemical sensitivities, and mood and psychiatric disorders, as well as cancer and premature ageing.

The Methylation test examines genes involved in five sub-cycles - folate, methionine, neurotransmitter, transsulphuration and urea. Genetic results will inform whether someone is likely to be poor or overly efficient at processing cofactors - B6, B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin), methionine, betaine, choline, zinc and magnesium; and inhibitors - chemicals, moulds, drugs, hormones and heavy metals and provide guidance on how to support or bypass bottlenecks or weaknesses.

 

Genes Included

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


Transsulphuration Cycle: CBS, CTH, GSS, MUT and SUOX


Urea Cycle: BDKRB2, NOS and SOD

 

Detoxification Report

 

Detoxification is the physiological removal of toxic substances from the human body. It is mainly carried out by the liver, and to a lesser extent the small intestine, kidneys and lungs. Substances such as nutrients, food additives, pesticides, medications, air pollutants, alcohol and hormones are transformed from being fat-soluble to water-soluble, allowing them to be more easily excreted from the body. The process occurs in two major phases: Phase I primes toxic molecules for deactivation and Phase II finishes the deactivation and prepares for elimination.

Poor detoxification can cause symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, allergies, skin disorders, weight gain, bloating, acid reflux and heartburn, excessive sweating, chronic infections, subfertility, low libido, poor mental function and low stress tolerance.

The Detoxification test examines genes which impact Phase I reactions in the liver, including the cytochrome P450 oxidases, Phase II conjugation, including the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and the Phase III antiporter gene ABCB1, which affects the transport of medicines and other substances into and out of cells. It also include genes that help to neutralise ROS - due to toxic intermediates (generated in Phase 1). The report identifies personalised nutritional support required to optimise detoxification.

 

Genes Included

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

 

Thyroid Balance Report

 

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck that produces two thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. Thyroid hormones control the metabolism of almost every cell in the body, with wide-ranging metabolic, developmental and cardiovascular effects. Thyroid activity is altered by genetics and environmental factors: nutrients (tyrosine, selenium and iodine), toxins (fluoride, chlorine or moulds), psychosocial or physical stressors, bacteria and viruses. Imbalance can result in HPT axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid) dysfunction, autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) such as Graves’ and Hashimoto’s, thyroid sensitive cancers (although rare), and impact transport, activation and response to thyroid hormones. Deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones can result in many different symptoms. Hypothyroidism (under activity) can cause weight gain, fatigue, low libido, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation and depression. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (over activity) include anxiety, heat intolerance, heart palpitations, insomnia and weight loss. The Thyroid Balance report analyses the genes involved in the thyroid hormone lifecycle: synthesis - centrally (in the thyroid) and in activation in peripheral tissues, transport and metabolism, processing of cofactors (vitamins D and A) and inhibitors (stress and toxins). It also examines genes that confer susceptibility to inflammation and autoimmunity.

 

Genes Included

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, UGT1A1

 

 

Hormones Report

 

Steroid hormones are a group of hormones derived from cholesterol that act as chemical messengers in the body. They are involved in the regulation of many physiological processes in both men and women, such as the development and function of the reproductive system, metabolism, inflammation and immune system.

Symptoms of steroid hormone imbalance can affect men and women, and include: infertility, low libido and sex drive, low sperm count, acne, excess facial hair in women, PCOS, blood clots, mood swings, depression, substance misuse, poor memory, weight gain (belly fat for men), breast appearances in men, and hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. 

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. The Hormones report is recommended for men and women with hormone imbalance symptoms such as the ones listed above.

 

Genes Included

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

 

 

Oestrogen Report

 

Oestrogen is one of the two major female steroidal sex hormones, the other being progesterone. Men also require oestrogen for producing sperm and maintaining libido, but at significantly lower levels. Oestrogen main role is to increase the growth and production of cells. It is responsible for the development of the female reproductive system and is also involved in maintaining bone density, blood clotting and affects hair, skin, mucous membranes and pelvic muscles.

Oestrogen imbalance can contribute to female gynaecological issues including fibroids, PMS, and heavy menstrual bleeding, skin-related issues including acne and rashes, and ER positive breast cancer.

The Oestrogen Balance test analyses genes involved in the oestrogen lifecycle. It looks at how gene variants affects production, activation and elimination of oestrogens as well as detailing the nutrients and environmental factors that can influence and improve their balance. The Oestrogen Balance report is recommended for women who suspect oestrogen-linked conditions.

 

Genes Included

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

 

 

Histamine Intolerance Report

 

Histamine has many functions: as a neurotransmitter, communicating messages to and from the brain and nervous system; triggering the release of stomach acid to help digestion; and it can also be released after stress, injury or allergic reaction as part of the body’s immune response.

 

Histamine intolerance is the body’s reaction to an imbalance between accumulated histamine and the capacity to break it down. When the body is unable to break histamine down quickly enough it becomes toxic. Symptoms of histamine toxicity may include skin irritation or breathing difficulties (mimicking an allergic reaction), digestive problems, headaches, insomnia and anxiety.

The Histamine Intolerance test analyses the genes and nutrients needed to breakdown and remove histamine, showing where disruptions occur and how to support optimal function. Diamine oxidase (DAO), which primarily breaks down histamine in the gut, can be impaired by gastrointestinal disease or ‘blockers’ such as alcohol, smoked or fermented foods, black tea, green tea and some medications such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen or aspirin). Insufficient histamine-n-methyl- transferase (HNMT) in the nervous system and lungs can also lead to histamine overload.

 

Genes Included

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

 

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Athlete Report

 

DNA sequencing has opened the door to personalised approaches to health and fitness, enabling a more intelligent approach to training, recovery and performance.
In this report, we present elements of your unique DNA profile that have been shown to affect athletic performance.

he personalised genetic results are grouped into three topic areas:

Train - tailor a programme that will be most effective for you to support cardio-vascular adaption, strategic fuelling and structural strength

Recover - build resilience and reduce your risk of injury and illness by controlling inflammation, reducing oxidative stress and optimising sleep

Perform - balance stress and stimulation when it matters most - to achieve your personal best

 

GENES INCLUDED

Balance: HTR2A, LCT, HLA-DQA1
Cardio: ACE, AGT, BDKRB2, NOS3, VEGFA
Fuel: MTHFR, MTRR, ADRB2, AMPD1, PGC1A, PPARA
Inflammation: IL6, TNF
Motivate: ADRB2, ADORA2A, CYP1A2
Oxidative Stress: GSS, NOS3, SOD2
Sleep: CLOCK, PER1
Structure: ACTN3, COL1A1, VDR, VKORC1