Nutritional Needs
Information for Healthcare professionals
Medical researchers have begun to understand how variations in genes affect an individual’s overall health. To function properly, your cells depend on the action of a vast number of genes. The Inherent Health™ Nutritional Needs Genetic Test analyzes variations in several genes that influence how the body uses vitamins and micronutrients. The test identifies individuals who are likely to have altered B vitamin dependent metabolism or reduced response to oxidative stress.
This test uses SNPs that have been selected based on a comprehensive analysis of the literature and have passed stringent scientific review by scientists at Interleukin Genetics and the Nutrilite Health Institute. It investigates two genes important to B vitamin utilization and four genes that are important in managing oxidative stress. This test can be used to identify individuals who may benefit from particular nutritional supplements, and who may be at increased likelihood for health complications. This test is not intended to and does not diagnose a specific disease or assess a specific health condition. It is intended to provide information to individuals who are interested in knowledge that may help them improve or maintain health. This test is available through Inherent Health website.
- B Vitamin Genes: Researchers have conducted studies that link variations in one or both of the B vitamin related genes in this test with how efficiently the body uses B Vitamins. In some instances, these same genes have been associated with an increased risk for certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The genes analyzed related to B Vitamin metabolism are 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) and the transcobalamin 2 gene (TCN2). The variant of the MTHFR gene that was tested has been associated with less efficient activity of certain enzymes that depend on B vitamins for optimal function. The variant of the TCN2 gene that was tested has been associated with affecting the body’s need for vitamin B-12 and how effectively it reaches cells. A Positive result for one or more of the variants in these two genes indicates a less effective utilization of B Vitamins.
- Oxidative Stress Genes: Researchers have linked variations in several genes related to oxidative stress with how effectively cells deal with damaging chemicals known as free radicals. Knowing whether there is a variation in these genes contributes to understanding the body’s susceptibility to oxidative stress and free radicals. The genes analyzed related to oxidative stress are manganese superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione s-transferase M1 (GSTM1), paroxanase 1 (PON1), and x-ray repair cross complementing gene (XRCC1). Some studies have found that variations in these genes have been associated with increased risk for certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. More research needs to be done to confirm these associations. A Positive result for one or more of the variants in these four genes indicates cells may be less efficient at protecting against damage to the cells from oxidative stress. Analysis of the SOD2 gene variant is influenced by gender. In the case of the GSTM1 gene, a positive result means you were not born with a functional gene. This is called a null mutation.
The test may identify one or more gene variations that create a life-long influence for an altered metabolic response to nutrients that would not otherwise be identified. Studies indicate that the altered metabolic responses due to these genetic variations may be improved by nutritional modifications. If the test result for either MTHFR or TCN2 is positive, genetically determined enzyme kinetics that affect processes such as folate and B vitamin metabolism may be improved by addition of B vitamins, including B-6, B-12, and folate. If the test result for any of the four oxidative stress genes – SOD2, GSTM1, PON1, or XRCC1 – is positive, genetically determined alterations in oxidation-reduction chemistry may lead to increased oxidative stress. This increased oxidative stress may be improved by increased intake of antioxidants such as, vitamins C, E selenium; and certain phytonutrients, may help in lowering this increased risk for oxidative stress.
The Inherent Health™ Nutritional Needs Test provides a risk assessment tool that may be used to guide some nutritional and lifestyle decisions intended to optimize wellness. The genotypes associated with increased risk for an altered metabolic response are common in many ethnic and racial groups. Knowing genetic variations associated with nutrient and vitamin metabolism can help support the development of a personalized health plan.