By examining our genomic blueprint through genetic testing, we can discover more about our unique needs for nutrients. This allows us to influence our genetic expression.

Each nutrient influences our bodies in different ways:

B-12 and Folate

B-12 and folate B9 are essential vitamins whose deficiency can cause serious health issues. Together, they regulate methylation which effects many of the body’s functions.

• Genetic testing will reveal whether you are likely to be B-12 or folate deficient, and what type of B-12 or folate is best for you to take so that they will be properly absorbed.

Choline

Choline is necessary for brain development, cognition, DNA synthesis, healthy cell structure, and proper operation of the nervous system. It helps move messages between cells and to move cholesterol from the liver.

• Genetic testing will indicate whether you are likely to be deficient in this essential vitamin and which form you should take.

Vitamin A

There are two types of vitamin A: retinoids (which many people use topically or orally for skin problems, and come from animal products) and beta-carotene (which comes from plants). Vitamin A is associated with vision and a healthy immune system.

• Genetic testing will show whether you are converting beta carotene from plant sources to vitamin A. If you have this variant, and do not eat animal products, you should supplement with vitamin A.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and fights inflammation, making it potentially useful against many different diseases and disorders. It is fat soluble, so your body can accumulate vitamin E to be used later when needed. However, vitamin E can actually be a source of inflammation in some people.

• Genetic testing can help determine whether Vitamin E is protective for you for inflammation or causes inflammation.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is the “sunshine vitamin,” as our bodies produce it in response to exposure to sunlight. This vitamin is associated with healthy bones, as it helps the body use calcium. It is involved in the regulation of as many as 200 genes, and research suggests that it may be helpful in preventing and treating a number of conditions.

• Your genomic blueprint will show whether your body sufficiently converts sunlight to vitamin D, whether you up or down regulate absorption of the active vitamin D and whether you are more or less likely to have enough of the active vitamin D (d) 1.25 OH2 D3 (calcitriol).

B6, magnesium, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin K

These vitamins affect metabolism, brain function, immunity and infection, blood pressure, inflammation, skin health, blood clotting and more.

• Genetic testing will indicate whether you are in need of supplementing any of these or not.

Nitric oxide

Nitric oxide plays a role in blood pressure and circulation, energy manufacture and use in the body, insulin signaling, and protecting against neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal disorders.

• Genetic testing can suggest whether you are likely to have enough nitric oxide in your body, or too much.

Sodium

While it is an essential nutrient, too much sodium increases blood pressure, putting stress on your heart and increasing your odds of related heart conditions. Other conditions associated with excess sodium are stroke, osteoporosis and kidney disease.

• Genetic testing can reveal whether your blood pressure is sensitive to sodium through mapping your genomic blueprint.

Caffeine

Caffeine has health benefits beyond making you a perkier person in the morning. Drinking caffeinated coffees and teas may aid weight loss and fat burning, and has been tied to decreased risk of some types of cancer, fewer heart rhythm disturbances, and a lessened risk of Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes. However, caffeine can also have adverse effects with certain genetic variations.

• Genetic testing can reveal whether you are a slow or rapid caffeine metabolizer, and whether you are likely to get anxiety from coffee.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an powerful antioxidant used by every cell and tissue in your body, and, therefore, is both vital for a host of bodily processes including elimination of toxins.

• Genetic testing will demonstrate whether you are likely to have normal function of this important antioxidant.