What We Test For

Our screening focuses only on gene variations that call for changes in diet or lifestyle. By learning about the specific nature of some of your genes from your Advisory Report, you will learn to focus on factors that are of greatest benefit to your health. Our DNA analysis does not include genetic diseases that are not influenced by nutrition or lifestyle.

These genes have been chosen because they are markers for some of the most essential processes in your body's metabolism - the way your body transforms food into energy and disposes of waste products and are known to code for metabolic enzymes that are a key to long term health and well being. Variations in these genes are commonplace and are not cause for undue alarm, but your awareness of them will enable you to make choices that can maximize your health.

The genes in our screen cover seven major areas of metabolic activity: heart health, detoxification, Antioxidant Activity, B vitamin use, bone health, inflammation and insulin sensitivity.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY – (GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1, SOD3, MnSOD)
Oxygen is vital for life, but it can form highly reactive and potentially dangerous molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are normal products of energy producing processes in the body, however excessive amounts of these highly reactive molecules can damage DNA, proteins and cell membranes. An excess of free radicals leads to oxidative stress, which has been linked to a variety of common disorders including, heard disease, chronic inflammation and cancer as well as accelerated aging. Our bodies have built in defenses against free radicals: genes that make antioxidant enzymes, which neutralize these highly reactive molecules. If a variation is found in this group of genes, a targeted supply of antioxidants through diet or nutraceutical formulas may be recommended.

B VITAMIN PATHWAYS – (CBS, MS_TRR, MTHFR, MTR)
Certain variations alter the function of genes responsible for B vitamin metabolism, an important factor in cell growth. Changes in the metabolism of B vitamins may lead to increased homocysteine levels, which have been linked to heart disease and venous thrombosis. There may also be alterations in the building and repair of DNA, which can influence the normal growth and functioning of our bodies. If a variation is found in this group of genes, an increase intake of certain B vitamins both in foods and through nutraceutical formulas may be recommended.

BONE HEALTH – (COL1A1, IL-6, TNFalpha, VDR)
Bone replacement takes place during our entire life span, but by the age of 30 both men and women start losing bone mass. According to the latest research genetic factors are believed to play an important role in determining overall bone health. Certain genetic factors may create a requirement for particular foods and supplements that provide our bones with the nutrients they need to stay strong.

DETOXIFICATION – (GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1)
Genes produce enzymes that help our bodies remove harmful toxins. When potentially toxic compounds are ingested or inhaled, they are removed from the body in a series of detoxification reactions. Generally this process is divided into two stages: PHASE1 (enzyme activators) and PHASE II (enzyme excretors). If appropriate, ONE TEST recommends specific foods that give the body's "cleansing" systems a healthy boost.

HEART HEALTH – (ACE, APOC3, CBS, CETP, eNOS, IL-6, LPL, MnSOD, MS_MTRR, MTHFR, MTR, SOD3)
Heart health depends on a balance of environmental, dietary and genetic factors. ONE TEST screens DNA for several categories of genes that affect a variety of factors linked with heart health, including the metabolism of cholesterol, antioxidant activity and the levels of homocysteine in blood. ONE TEST offers nutritional advice on optimizing heart health. For example, people whose genes may be associated with altered cholesterol metabolism will receive guidelines on keeping their cholesterol levels within the normal range.

INFLAMMATION – (IL-6, TNFalpha)
Some gene variations produce altered proteins that may hinder inflammatory processes from running smoothly. Recent research has shown that an increasing number of common disorders, such as heart disease, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease may be affected by the inflammatory processes in the body. Certain gene variations produce altered proteins that may hinder inflammatory process fro running smoothly. ONE TEST can recommend certain foods that have been shown to have a beneficial effect, including the fats known as omega-3 fatty acids.

INSULIN SENSITIVITY – (ACE, PPARgamma2)
Researchers have managed to link insulin sensitivity to several different genes that play diverse roles in the body. Variations in certain genes may lead to reduced sensitivity to insulin. ONE TEST can recommend nutritional and lifestyle changes that may help to prevent the loss of insulin sensitivity.