This genetic methylation test covers an extensive 92 genes, and 113 SNP’s, (including the MTHFR, MTHFD1, MTRR, MTR, and COMT genes) and is performed by a NATA accredited international laboratory.
The regulation of methylation pathways is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Genes encoding enzymes like DNA methyltransferases play a crucial role in determining the DNA methylation pattern, affecting gene expression - whether genes are turned on or off. However, environmental factors such as diet, exposure to toxins, and stress also impact methylation patterns.
The simple cheek swab test covers an extensive 92 genes and 113 SNP’s across the following categories:
- Methylation
- Digestion
- Energy
- Hormones
- Stress & Cognitive Performance
- Inflammation
- Athletic Performance
- DNA Protection & Repair
- Detoxification
A genetic strength and weaknesses report is provided with personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to help you optimise your methylation pathways.
What we test
Genetic Methylation Report
Homocysteine Buildup
This test examines four important genes, MTHFR, MTRR, MTR, and CBS, involved in a process called the methylation cycle. This cycle is vital for converting a compound called homocysteine into other substances the body needs, like methionine and glutathione. To carry out this conversion, the body relies on nutrients like folate, vitamin B12, and B6.
Changes or mutations in these genes can affect the enzymes they produce, which in turn affects their ability to do their job properly. Think of it like a plumbing system: when these genes aren't functioning well, it's like a clog in the pipes. This can lead to a buildup of homocysteine in the blood, which isn't ideal because it can cause inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can contribute to various health issues such as heart disease, brain conditions, digestive problems, and complications during pregnancy.
By understanding these genetic differences, we gain valuable insights into individual health risks. This knowledge empowers people to make informed decisions about managing their health more effectively.
MTHFR helps our bodies use folate effectively, but certain genetic differences, like the mutations C677T and A1298C, can slow it down. If someone has two copies of C677T mutation or a mix of one C677T and one A1298C mutation, it slows MTHFR even more, making it harder to convert homocysteine. This could lead to higher homocysteine levels, which might increase the risk of heart problems.
MTHFR helps our bodies use folate effectively, but certain genetic differences, like C677T and A1298C, can slow it down. If someone has two copies of C677T or a mix of C677T and A1298C, it slows MTHFR even more, making it harder to convert homocysteine. This could lead to higher homocysteine levels, which might increase the risk of heart problems.
MTR and MTRR use folate and vitamin B12 to produce a crucial substance called methionine. If someone has two identical mutations in MTRR, or mutations in both MTR and MTRR, it can greatly reduce methionine production, potentially leading to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood and raising the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease.
MTR and MTRR use folate and vitamin B12 to produce a crucial substance called methionine. If someone has two identical mutations in MTRR, or mutations in both MTR and MTRR, it can greatly reduce methionine production, potentially leading to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood and raising the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease.
The CBS gene helps turn homocysteine into important substances for our body, like proteins and antioxidants that fight cell damage. Some genetic mutations, like the A13637G variant, can weaken this process, potentially raising homocysteine levels and causing cardiovascular issues.
The AHCY gene produces SAM-e - a vital molecule for all methylation processes including those that regulate neurotransmitter balance (affecting mood), cartilage synthesis (impacting joint health), and inflammation (influencing pain levels). A variant like C112T in AHCY can lower SAM-e production, leading to imbalances in homocysteine and adenosine levels, which may contribute to depression, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Active Folate Deficiency
This test examines four genes, MTHFR, MTHFD1, MTR, and MTRR, to assess how your genetic makeup may impact your body's folate requirements.
Folate, a type of B vitamin, is crucial for tasks like building DNA and supporting methylation processes in the body. When there's not enough folate, these processes can be disrupted, leading to issues like impaired cell division and elevated levels of homocysteine - a compound linked to health problems.
Low folate levels can increase the risk of neural tube defects in newborns, as well as raise the chances of developing cardiovascular disease and experiencing cognitive difficulties later in life.
By understanding how your genetics influence folate metabolism, you gain insights into your personal health risks. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed choices to better manage your health.
MTHFD1 helps convert one form of folate into another form that is critical for making DNA and RNA, as well as for providing methyl groups for important cellular processes like methylation. Mutations in MTHFD1 result in lower levels of active folate, which is a key input for downstream biological pathways.
MTR and MTRR use folate and vitamin B12 to produce a crucial substance called methionine. If someone has two identical mutations in MTRR, or mutations in both MTR and MTRR, it can greatly reduce methionine production, potentially leading to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood and raising the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease.
MTR and MTRR use folate and vitamin B12 to produce a crucial substance called methionine. If someone has two identical mutations in MTRR, or mutations in both MTR and MTRR, it can greatly reduce methionine production, potentially leading to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood and raising the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease.
MTHFR helps our bodies use folate effectively, but certain genetic differences, like C677T and A1298C, can slow it down. If someone has two copies of C677T or a mix of C677T and A1298C, it slows MTHFR even more, making it harder to convert homocysteine. This could lead to higher homocysteine levels, which might increase the risk of heart problems.
MTHFR helps our bodies use folate effectively, but certain genetic differences, like the mutations C677T and A1298C, can slow it down. If someone has two copies of C677T mutation or a mix of one C677T and one A1298C mutation, it slows MTHFR even more, making it harder to convert homocysteine. This could lead to higher homocysteine levels, which might increase the risk of heart problems.
Cognitive Performance & Mental Wellbeing
This test focuses on two important genes linked to how our brain functions and our overall mental well-being, called COMT and PEMT.
The COMT gene affects how our brain breaks down a chemical called dopamine, which plays a big role in how we feel happy and motivated. Think of dopamine as the brain's 'feel-good' messenger, involved in memory, motivation, and pleasure. Changes in how our body handles dopamine can impact things like problem-solving skills, memory, and coordination. If your body breaks down dopamine efficiently, you might find you're sharper in these areas. But if there are mutations in COMT, it can affect your mood and how well your brain works.
The PEMT gene helps make something called phosphatidylcholine, which is important for building cell membranes in our body and for brain function. Changes in this gene can affect how well it makes phosphatidylcholine, which in turn can affect how well your liver and brain work. It might also influence your sleep and make you more prone to certain health issues like fatty liver disease and heart problems.
Understanding these genetic differences can give us valuable clues about our brain health and overall well-being. This knowledge helps us make better decisions about how to take care of our health.
The V158M mutation in COMT can change how quickly your body breaks down dopamine, which affects mood, thinking, and stress. This contributes to health outcomes including cognitive performance, susceptibility to psychiatric disorders, and stress-related conditions.
The PEMT M175V mutation is associated with having lower choline production in the liver. Choline is essential for a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which helps send messages through to various organs like the lungs, heart, and brain. If you don't get enough choline, it could affect memory and sleep, as well as how your organs work.
The PEMT C744G mutation is associated with having lower choline production in the liver. Choline is essential for a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which helps send messages through to various organs like the lungs, heart, and brain. If you don't get enough choline, it could affect memory and sleep, as well as how your organs work.
Gut Health
This test focuses on mutations in the MTR gene, which can provide insights into your gut health, particularly concerning inflammatory bowel conditions and their associated symptoms.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a range of inflammatory conditions affecting the colon and small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These conditions often lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. Some research has shown that carrying two variants in the MTR gene can lead to a 48% higher risk for IBD compared to the standard genetic makeup.
Understanding these genetic variations can provide valuable insights into your individual risk factors for IBD and related symptoms.
MTR and MTRR use folate and vitamin B12 to produce a crucial substance called methionine. If someone has two identical mutations in MTRR, or mutations in both MTR and MTRR, it can greatly reduce methionine production, potentially leading to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood and raising the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease.
Genetic Variations of Note
Research indicates that specific genetic variations are associated with a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease, hemochromatosis, or celiac disease. These conditions are prevalent among individuals with certain genetic makeups, highlighting the importance of understanding genetic predispositions in disease susceptibility.
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a lipid binding protein that transports triglycerides and cholesterol in multiple tissues, including the brain. There is research to suggest that the APOE-e4 allele has the strongest risk factor gene for Alzheimer’s disease since over 60% of persons with Alzheimer’s disease harbor at least one e4 allele. The e4/e4 genotype is cited as being a higher risk than e3/e4. However, inheriting a single or double ApoE4 genotype does not mean a person will develop the disease as there are many other epigenetic factors at play.
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a lipid binding protein that transports triglycerides and cholesterol in multiple tissues, including the brain. There is research to suggest that the APOE-e4 allele has the strongest risk factor gene for Alzheimer’s disease since over 60% of persons with Alzheimer’s disease harbor at least one e4 allele. The e4/e4 genotype is cited as being a higher risk than e3/e4. However, inheriting a single or double ApoE4 genotype does not mean a person will develop the disease as there are many other epigenetic factors at play.
There is research to suggest that mutations in the HFE C282Y may lead to an iron overload due to increased iron absorption and disrupted metabolism. Individuals who carry two copies of the HFE C282Y gene mutation, known as homozygotes, represent the majority (85 to 90 percent) of individuals with hemochromatosis. Whilst those with only one mutation in the HFE C282Y gene are associated with a lower risk of iron overload you may want to consider talking to your doctor about further testing if hemochromatosis runs in your family and have either of these mutations.
Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat,barley and rye. Published research shows that approximately 30 percent of the general population have variants in the celiac disease risk genes HLA-DQA1 through HLA-DQB, yet only 3% of these individuals develop celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat,barley and rye. Published research shows that approximately 30 percent of the general population have variants in the celiac disease risk genes HLA-DQA1 through HLA-DQB, yet only 3% of these individuals develop celiac disease.
Test instructions
Your test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, and there is no need to visit a collection centre.
Mail your sample back to the lab according to the instructions provided with your kit
Results for this test available in 21-24 business days from being received at the lab and will be published in your online dashboard.
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