About Vitagene

Vitagene, a DNA testing company, was co-founded by Mehdi Maghsoodnia and Dr. Reza Malek in 2014. The company aimed to improve individual health and wellness based on genetic testing. Initially, Vitagene started with supplement recommendations by collecting diet and lifestyle data. Gradually the company grew to provide skincare products, personalized diet and fitness regimens, and ancestry reports. Vitagene aims to collect enough health data to draw evidence-based conclusions on why people get sick and disease prevention.

Vitagene Products & Services

Vitagene provides a range of products:

Health+ Ancestry Reports

This bundle covers the following reports:

• Diet Report
• Supplement Report
• Exercise Report
• Ancestry Report

DNA Health Upload Report

This option allows you to upload your DNA data to get the following reports:

• Diet Report
• Supplement Report
• Exercise Report

Premium Report

This kit enables free updates to user reports based on recent research. It covers the following reports:

• Diet Report
• Supplement Report
• Exercise Report
• Ancestry Report
• Skin Report

Vitality Bundle

This bundle provides all the reports included in the health+ancestry bundle, along with monthly personalized supplements and nutritional coaching. 

Smart Supplements

The supplements range from vitamins, minerals, hormones, and bacteria that help users optimize their health and lifestyle goals.

Apart from these, Vitagene offers a COVID-19 at-home test kit. It was the first FDA Emergency Use Authorized at-home COVID-19 saliva test. Customers can collect a saliva sample and mail it to the lab with a provided FedEx overnight shipping label. Results will arrive within 72 hours of the lab receiving the DNA sample.

Getting Started

Once customers create a Vitagene login, they can either order a swab test or upload raw DNA data for testing. 

You can check out our DNA raw data download guides here

How To Download Your Raw Data From FTDNA

How To Download Your Raw Data From AncestryDNA

How To Download Your Raw Data From 23andMe

How To Download Raw Data From MyHeritage DNA

Users also need to fill an online questionnaire about their lifestyle and goals. They can also purchase their choice of product. Vitagene then uses an algorithm developed by medical experts to generate its reports. 

Overview of Reports

The Vitagene Health Report consists of the following:

Vitagene Diet Report

With the Diet Report, you can get insights into how genetics influence your diet. 

It also includes customized meal plans, tailored calorie breakdowns, information on food sensitivities, insights on MTHFR gene mutations, etc.

Here's the entire list of traits included in the report:

• Customized meal plans
• Ingredients w/ calorie breakdown
• Tailored macronutrient percentages
• Gluten Sensitivity
• Lactose Sensitivity
• Caffeine Metabolism
• Fat Metabolism
• MTHFR Gene Mutation Detection
• Omega 3 Fatty Acid Level
• Saturated Fat Level
• Polyunsaturated Fat Level
• Monounsaturated Fat Level
• Carbohydrate Metabolism
• Alcohol Metabolism
• Cholesterol Levels
• Triglyceride Levels
• Sodium Intake & Blood Pressure

Diet Report Traits Page

Source: Vitagene Website

Detailed Trait Page

Source: Vitagene Website

Vitagene Supplement Report

The report recommends supplements for you based on your genetic profile, goals, and health conditions. It includes personalized supplement plans, dosages, and even supporting scientific research.

Here's the entire list of traits included in the report:

• Your Top Recommended Supplements
• Specific Dosages
• Reason for Recommendation
• Over 13 Essential Vitamins & Minerals
• Your Genetic Risk Level by Nutrient
• Scientific Research
• SNPs & Genotypes (including MTHFR)
• Personalized Recommendations and Plan

Supplement Report Page

Source: Vitagene Website

Vitagene Ancestry Report

The ancestry report reveals your global ancestry and includes an interactive ethnic map and regional percentages.

Ancestry Report page

Source: Vitagene Website

Vitagene Skin Report

The report analyzes your genetic risk for common skin conditions like freckles, tanning, acne, eczema, dry skin, etc. It also includes personalized skincare recommendations.

Here's the comprehensive list of what you'll get with the report:

• Skin Trait Description
• Percent Genetics vs. Lifestyle
• Genetic Risk Level
• SNPs & Genotypes
• Skincare Recommendations
• Scientific Research

Vitagene Exercise Report

The report provides suggestions on the best exercise types and intensity of workouts based on your genetic makeup. It analyzes your response to exercise and provides a personalized fitness plan. 

Here's the entire list of traits included in the report:

• Ability to Build Muscle
• Muscle Cramps
• Interactive Workout Planner
• Power vs. Endurance Body Type
• Exercise Behavior
• Weight Response to Exercise
• Blood Pressure Response to Exercise

Vitagene Pricing

Vitagene offers products ranging between the price point of $49 to $289. 

• Health+ Ancestry Reports ($99)
• DNA Health Upload Report ($49)
• Premium Health+ Ancestry Report ($139)
• Vitality Bundle ($289)
• COVID-19 at-home saliva test ($117)

Shipping charges may apply based on your order.

About Vitagene Privacy

Vitagene collects personal information from its users during registration. It also gathers health information using the online questionnaire and testing kit information. 

Vitagene stores DNA samples and results using barcodes for identification. Users can decide whether their DNA samples can be destroyed or stored. It also says customers can delete their data from the company at any time.

The company monitors user activity and uses cookies to improve user experience. They also promise not to share information with any third parties. They use Security Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology to protect personal details like login credentials and genetic data. 

For further information, read the Vitagene privacy policy.

What People Say: Vitagene News & Reviews

Vitagene On News

In 2019, Bloomberg reported that DNA test service Vitagene exposed thousands of client records online.

Vitagene Reviews

Vitagene Reviews on Trustpilot (2.9/5)

Vitagene Review on DNA Testing Choice  (4.5/5)

Vitagene on Twitter

Vitagene on Reddit

You can read user success stories on the Vitagene website.

Summary: Pros & Cons

Pros

• The company provides the option to delete information
• Users can access a nutritional coach online
• Reports provide personalized recommendations based on your genetic profile
• Kits are affordable compared to other testing companies

Cons

• Vitagene only analyzes raw DNA data files from 3 websites
• The company has a data breach history
• Recommendations are generic and vague
• Vitagene only ships within the US

About Genetic Lifehacks

Genetic Lifehacks is a website where users can learn about the genetic connection between their diet and health. Founded by Debbie Moon in 2015, the company aims to combine an engineering mindset with biological systems and apply genetics to dietary and lifestyle choices. Genetic Lifehacks claims to use people's DNA to optimize their diets and lifestyles, based on their exact needs.

Genetic Lifehacks Services

Genetic Lifehacks offers the following products and services:

Consultation Reports

The website offers a "Top 5 Topics" report customized based on vital topics for each individual. It spans over 11-15 pages and includes the following:

-Explanation of the topic 

-Discussion of the genetic variants 

Sleep and Your Genes Report

This report analyzes 20+ genes and explains how these genes influence sleep aspects like melatonin secretion, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and caffeine response.

The report includes the following:

• Background information on the genes
• Studies and references related to the genetic variants 

Additionally, it includes information on circadian rhythm and homeostatic sleep drive.

Xcode Life's Gene Sleep Report - 15 traits for $20

Ultimate Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet quickly shows you which article on the website matches your gene results. It is organized into the following categories:

• Heart Disease
• Exercise
• Detoxification Pathways
• Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
• Neurotransmitters & Hormones
• Vitamins, etc.

Each category has a short article description, the risk gene, and a color-coded section for the individual genome. It also explains the different interactions of gene variants from different article sections.

Source: Genetic Life Hacks

Email Course

This free introductory course explains what genetic data means. It is a 4-day course, providing essential information on genetics. 

However, please bear in mind that Debbie Moon is not a doctor. 

She only provides information and opinions, curated using peer-reviewed research and statistics. Individuals must seek assistance from a doctor for any medical advice regarding the provided information.

Genetic Lifehacks: Getting Started

Once you subscribe to a membership plan and purchase a product, you can upload your raw DNA data file from 23andMe or AncestryDNA on the checkout page. The upload process takes about a minute. Once that is done, you can complete the checkout. 

After checkout, you will receive an email with your Top 5 Report within 1-3 business days. 

Genetic Lifehacks Pricing

Genetic Lifehacks offers a membership option to its users at the following rates:

• Monthly Plan: $6 per month
• Annual Plan: $39 per year

Genetic Lifehacks offers a range of other services for its users.

• Sleep and Your Genes Report: $29

• Ultimate Cheat Sheet: $39

• Top 5 Topics Report – Add on: $60

• Topics Consultation Report + Cheat Sheet + Annual Membership Plan: $99

About Privacy

According to their website, Genetic Lifehacks does not store personal information except when purchasing a product. 

The website collects user activity statistics and cookies to improve user experience. No tracking software is used on the website, ensuring user privacy.

If one chooses to post their personal information like name and email in the comments section, it gets recorded on the site. 

Genetic Lifehacks stores user genetic data offline on an encrypted drive. It is deleted after 30 days and not used for research. The information is used only for consultation and not shared with third parties. 

For further information, read the Genetic Lifehacks Privacy Policy.

What People Say: News & Reviews

You can learn more in the News and Research section of Genetic Lifehacks.

Trendhunter reviewed Genetic Lifehacks and scored it a 4.9.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The membership and reports are affordable
• The website is very informational, with 200+ articles
• It provides a cheat sheet option for easy navigation
• The website has a free email course for beginners

Cons:

• The reports are not put together by a medical professional
• The website limits reports to 5 topics
• Reports might predominantly include fun facts

According to a research study by the University of Exeter Medical School in the United Kingdom, men with hemochromatosis, a common genetic disorder due to iron build-up, are ten times more likely to develop liver cancer. 

What is Hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis, also called the iron-overload disease, is a condition where too much iron builds up in the body. Usually, the intestines absorb adequate amounts of iron and excrete the rest.

With hemochromatosis, excess iron is absorbed by the intestines, and the body has no way of getting rid of it. As a result, iron gets built up in joints, the pituitary gland, and organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas.

This gradually results in the shutting down of these organs if hemochromatosis is not treated.

Hemochromatosis is more serious in men. Women may be partially protected as they lose some iron during menstruation and childbirth.

Some common symptoms associated with hemochromatosis include:

1. Joint pain
2. Weight loss
3. Fatigue
4. Low sex drive
5. Abdominal pain

The HFE Gene

HFE gene is associated with iron homeostasis. A variant (type) of the HFE gene, called the C282Y (the faulty type), is significantly associated with hereditary hemochromatosis.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, the C282Y variant contributes to 26% variation in ferritin levels among monozygotic twins.

Hemochromatosis and Liver Cancer

With hemochromatosis, the iron build-up is commonly seen in the liver. This enlarges the liver and messes up the liver enzymes. It can result in an increased risk of liver conditions like cirrhosis, fibrosis, and cancer. 

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary form of liver cancer, was the first condition in which hepatic iron overload was shown to predispose to the development of HCC.

According to a study, 8-10% of people with hemochromatosis develop HCC.

The Study

The study was led by the University of Exeter Medical School along with the University of Connecticut, Western University in Ontario, and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.  

This study focused on men and women with two copies of the faulty HFE gene - C282Y. The data of 2890 people aged 40-70 years were analyzed over a nine-year period.

The following were observed:

1. 21 out of the 1,294 men with faulty genes developed liver cancer
2. 14 out of these 21 men died of liver cancer
3. 10 out of these 21 men were not diagnosed with hemochromatosis by the time they developed liver cancer
4. **More than 7% of the men** with two faulty genes develop liver cancer by 75 years of age
5. No increase in liver cancer risk was found in women with the faulty genes

The study insists on the importance of early diagnosis of hemochromatosis in order to avoid health complications and even death.

The NHS advises that “it is important to talk to your GP if you have a parent or sibling with hemochromatosis, even if you don’t have symptoms yourself” to identify your risk. 

The lack of impact on women from the faulty HFE gene variant may suggest that periodic blood donations might play a protective role.

Summary

1. Hemochromatosis is a condition where your body absorbs too much iron resulting in its build-up in joints and organs. It leads to complications like low sex drive, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
2. When iron builds up in the liver, it can alter the size of the liver and disturb the liver enzymes. Both these factors contribute to the increased susceptibility to liver diseases like fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer.
3. The HFE gene is associated with the regulation of iron levels in the body. The faulty type of the HFE gene called C282Y increases your risk for hemochromatosis. 
4. A study by the University of Exeter Medical School revealed that men with two copies of the faulty gene are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer. According to the study, by the age of 75, more than 7% of these men had developed liver cancer. No association was found in women with the faulty genes and liver cancer risk.
5. Genetic testing, which analyzes your HFE gene type, is a key way to prevent and manage hemochromatosis. The NHS advises people who have a sibling or a close family member with hemochromatosis to talk to their healthcare provider for suitable tests.

Reference:

1. https://www.sciencecodex.com/liver-cancer-ten-times-more-likely-men-common-genetic-disorder-haemochromatosis-661896
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2668053/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995380/

Our genes are a template for how our bodies work. Most people on keto diets tend to consume a high amount of saturated fats. The diet works only when the stored fat is properly broken down and used for energy. Certain variants of the APOA2 gene tend to interfere with this saturated fats metabolism and hence, carriers of such variants may not get the desired benefit from this diet.

There seems to be an endless debate about whether saturated fats are good or bad for your health.

The truth is, all of us need a little bit of fat for some body functions like hormone production or maintenance of cell integrity.

But, what is considered 'too much' for your body is determined by certain gene variants you carry.

Let's explore this concept with a diet that's been constantly gaining popularity for weight loss and prevention and treatment of certain health conditions:

The ketogenic diet

The basis of this diet is ketosis, which refers to the metabolic process in which the body converts stored fats into energy, releasing ketones in the process.

Hence, the conventional keto diet, which calls for high consumption of fats may work only if the stored fat is metabolized efficiently.

Several genes contribute to how your body reacts to saturated fats.

APOA2 gene is one of them that determines how well you tolerate saturated fats and how well you can transport cholesterol.

Depending on the variant of this gene you carry, you may need to modify the keto diet a little bit, in order to maximize its benefits to your body.

From the evolutionary perspective, certain human societies, such as those in the colder northern regions are likely to have subsisted on the large intake of fats for hundreds of generations.

As a result, they could have developed adaptations that enable them to metabolize this macro ingredient in food quite efficiently.

If you have inherited those genes, then your body is better able to cope with fats intake.

APOA2 gene and Saturated fats

APOA2 gene produces a protein apolipoprotein -II, which plays a role in fat metabolism and obesity.

Individuals with the sensitive variant of this gene are more prone to increased BMI (6.8 times greater BMI), waist circumference, and body weight in response to high levels of saturated fat (more than 22g of saturated fats per day).

This was an observation in comparison to the people with the non-sensitive variant of the gene consuming the same amount of saturated fats.

It is vital for the carriers of the sensitive variant to limit their saturated fat intake.

However, there was no difference among individuals with both versions, in terms of weight and BMI when saturated fat intake was low (less than 22g per day).

One possible mechanism that could help explain the above gene-diet interactions  is that, the sensitive variant of this gene produces lower levels of the protein, APOA2 (regulates the satiety response),  resulting in low satiety and  greater appetite among individuals with higher saturated fat intake.

This appetite may preferably be for foods rich in saturated fat and this higher fat intake would lead to greater weight.

Other genes like FTO, PPARG also impact the metabolism of saturated fats.

How does this impact your ketogenic diet success?

Carrying even 2-3 variants that affect saturated fats metabolism can pose a challenge to cholesterol control and weight loss.

It is thus vital for such individuals to alter their diet with lesser intake of saturated fatty acids.

Replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids can be a good start.

Sources of MUFA

• Nuts
• Olive oil
• Avocados
• Sesame oil
• Peanut butter

Sources of PUFA

• Flax seeds
• Fish like salmon, mackerel
• Walnuts
• Sunflower oil
• Corn oil

Simple ways to reduce saturated fats in your diet

• Read the nutrition labels. Many low-fat food products may be high in refined carbohydrates, which may increase your triglyceride levels.
• Terms such as “ low” or “lite” could be misleading. The best is to compare the fat content of similar food products.
• Adopt healthy cooking methods like baking, broiling, and grilling for cooking vegetables and meats. Try to avoid frying foods. Use liquid oils such as canola, sesame, mustard seed oils instead of fats of animal origin such as butter, ghee, or vanaspati.
• Instead of butter or ghee, try cooking with herbs, spices, lemon juice, etc.

Do you have your DNA raw data file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FTDNA, LivingDNA, etc.?

Upload your DNA raw data to Xcode Life to know your genetic variants for saturated fat metabolism.

Updated 30 June, 2020

Transmembrane Protease, Serine 6 (TMPRSS6) gene is associated with the synthesis of transmembrane protease, serine 6 (also known as matriptase-2), a liver serine protease. TMPRSS6 cleaves the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and down-regulates the iron hormone hepcidin, facilitating iron absorption. Inactivation of TMPRSS6 is associated with iron deficiency anemia.

There are two single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with this gene, rs855791 and rs4820268. Variations in this gene are shown to be associated with serum iron, hemoglobin transferrin saturation and erythrocyte traits.

Iron is essential for production of blood and most of the body's iron (70%) is found in the red blood cells of the blood called hemoglobin and in muscle cells called myoglobin. Hemoglobin transfers oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissues. Myoglobin, present in muscle cells, transports, stores and releases oxygen.

Iron is also a constituent of certain proteins (6%) and is essential for energy metabolism and for respiration. It is a component of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of collagen as well as for certain neurotransmitters. Iron is also required for optimum immune function.

Nearly 25% of the iron is stored as ferritin in the body.

• On an average 1,000 mg of iron is stored among adult men.
• 300mg of iron is stored among women

Does your 23andme, Ancestry DNA, FTDNA raw data have TMPRSS6 gene variant information?

Association with Iron Levels:

In a study conducted on 2100 elderly women, people with the T variant of the gene (rs855791) were associated with lower levels of serum iron and hemoglobin. In another study conducted on 14,100 Danish men, men with the T variant were shown to be associated with lower levels of iron.

In another study conducted on about 600 people, the G variant of the gene (rs4820268) is associated with lower hepcidin levels than the A variant.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26597663
2. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemoglobin_and_functions_of_iron/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22885719
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135421/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22301935?dopt=Abstract

“Nutrigenetics, fitness genetics, health genetics are all nascent but rapidly growing areas within human genetics. The information provided herein is based on preliminary scientific studies and it is to be read and understood in that context.”

GA‐binding protein (GABP) transcription factor gene, also known as the Nuclear Respiratory Factor 2 (NRF2) gene is associated with the synthesis of GABPB1, a key transcriptional activator of numerous nuclear genes which produce various mitochondrial enzymes. The variants of the GABPB1 gene that code for the beta1 subunit of NRF2 protein have been shown to be associated with endurance. Specific alleles of this gene are known to either increase or decrease GABPB1 which stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis upon exercising.

Does your 23andme, Ancestry DNA, FTDNA raw data have GABPB1 gene variant information?

Association with Running:

A study conducted on track and field athletes showed that people with the A variant of the gene were more common among endurance athletes than non-athletes. In a similar study conducted on elite endurance, elite power and non-athletes, it was found that people with the A variant were found to be more common among elite endurance athletes.

Association with Aerobic Capacity:

People with the A variant of the gene were associated with better baseline aerobic capacity and an increase in VO2 max upon aerobic training, when compared with people with the C variant of the gene.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=17357964
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22749526?dopt=Abstract
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20028934

“Nutrigenetics, fitness genetics, health genetics are all nascent but rapidly growing areas within human genetics. The information provided herein is based on preliminary scientific studies and it is to be read and understood in that context.”

The Alpha-Tocopherol Transfer Protein (TTPA) gene is associated with the synthesis of alpha-tocopherol transfer protein, a fat-soluble antioxidant that is secreted by the liver, together with low-density lipoproteins into the bloodstream. Variants of this gene are associated with an increase or decrease in the level of Alpha-Tocopherol Transfer Protein, which corresponds to an increase or decrease in the level of vitamin E in the body. When alterations in the gene for alpha-tocopherol transfer protein lead to its deficiency deficiency, it is associated with infertility, neurological disorders, and muscular weakness.

This vitamin is fat-soluble which is essential for a healthy immune system, skin, and eyes. As it is a good anti-oxidant, it can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. In humans, 40 mg/kg of vitamin E is normally present, with 77% in the adipose tissue, 20% in muscle and only 1% in the liver. People on a low-fat diet are also at an increased risk for its deficiency.

In a study by researchers from the Vanderbilt and NorthWestern University, 652 children and their mothers were studied for the first two years. Mothers with low levels of alpha-tocopherol were shown to be associated with an increased risk of having babies with asthma.

Does your 23andme, Ancestry DNA, FTDNA raw data have TTPA gene variant information?

Association with Vitamin E Needs: 

In a study conducted on 500 people from the Mediterranean population, people with the A variant of the gene were shown to be significantly associated with lower plasma levels of this vitamin.

In a similar study conducted on 449 people, there was an association between alpha-tocopherol, when supplement users were excluded. This study indicates that the lowered production of the protein that leads to lower alpha-tocopherol levels can be modified by the intake of supplements.

 References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1136412/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566896/

“Nutrigenetics, fitness genetics, health genetics are all nascent but rapidly growing areas within human genetics. The information provided herein is based on preliminary scientific studies and it is to be read and understood in that context.”

The Melanocortin 4 Receptor gene (MC4R) is associated with the synthesis of MC4R enzyme, a G protein coupled receptor which is found to bind to alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone. Among humans, this gene is shown to be associated with obesity.

There are two SNPs that are used in our panel, rs17782313 and rs12970134

Association with Obesity:

In a study conducted on a North Indian population, people with the C variant (rs17782313) of the gene were associated with elevated obesity risk. In another similar study, the number of people with the C variant was found to be significantly higher among obese people than among others. In the same study, people with the A variant (rs12970134) were shown to have a strong association with obesity.

Association with Physical Activity:

In a study conducted to assess physical activity, people with the C variant of the gene were found to carry out 3.5% less MET/per week when compared to people with other variants of the gene.

Association with Cardiovascular Health:

In a study, people with the C variant of the gene were shown to be associated with increased risk for nocturnal hypertension. In a similar study, people with the C variant of the gene, who had hypertension and were smokers, were shown to be associated with a higher risk for large artery stroke.

Does your 23andme, Ancestry DNA, FTDNA raw data have MC4R gene variant information?

Association with Tendency to Overeat (Fatty Food Preference):

In a study conducted to determine the reward value of food, people with the C variant of the gene were shown to be associated with increased energy intake.

Association with Age and Gender:

In a study conducted to analyze the effect of MC4R gene variant on age and gender, women with the C variant of the gene were shown to be associated with a greater risk of obesity than men. People within 20-40 years were shown to be associated with obesity-related effects of the gene and there was a lower influence of the gene as age advanced.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26226973
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26495240
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27213003
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4816968/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27701175
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27730429

Related Links:

1. https://www.xcode.life/dna-and-fitness/do-you-have-the-obese-gene
2. https://www.xcode.life/dna-and-nutrition/how-much-of-body-weight-is-determined-by-genetics
3. https://www.xcode.life/dna-and-health/what-regulates-energy-intake-and-why-does-it-differ-from-person-to-person

“Nutrigenetics, fitness genetics, health genetics are all nascent but rapidly growing areas within human genetics. The information provided herein is based on preliminary scientific studies and it is to be read and understood in that context.”

The Human Leukocyte Antigen system (HLA) gene is associated with the synthesis of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), which are cell surface proteins that are associated with the regulation of the immune system. There are six single nucleotide polymorphisms of this gene complex, HLA DQ(rs7454108), HLA DQ 2.5 (rs2187668), HLA DQ 2.2 (rs7775228, rs2395182, rs4713586) and HLA DQ7 (rs4639334) which have been shown to be associated with gluten intolerance.

Association with Gluten Intolerance:

Farming and agriculture introduced humans to new proteins about 10,000 years ago. Gluten is one such protein present in wheat, which makes bread light and springy as it traps steam and carbon-di-oxide when the dough rises during baking. However, this protein cannot be completely broken down into amino acids like other proteins are. Instead it is broken down to the peptides- gliadin and glutenin. People with certain variants of the gene have been shown to react to these peptides, giving rise to classic symptoms of gluten intolerance like diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness and abdominal bloating.

Celiac disease is a severe form of gluten intolerance and it is found to affect 1% of the population. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a mild form of gluten intolerance. In India, more than 10% of the population has gluten intolerance.

The HLA DQ genes have been shown to be strong genetic predictors of celiac disease. In a study conducted to assess the genetic predisposition to gluten intolerance, nearly all the patients with celiac disease had the risk allele in the HLA DQ2 and the HLA DQ8 gene, with the absence of these variants in 100% of people without celiac disease.
In a study conducted to analyze the human leukocyte antigen alleles, people with the G variant of HLA DQ(rs7454108), T variant of HLA DQ 2.5 (rs2187668), G variant of HLA DQ 2.2 (rs7775228), T variant of HLA DQ 2.2 (rs2395182), G variant of  HLA DQ 2.2 (rs4713586) and A variant of HLA DQ7 (rs4639334) were shown to be associated with predicting a reaction to gluten in the diet.

Does your 23andme, Ancestry DNA, FTDNA raw data have HLA DQ gene variant information?

How can this information be used?

It is important to choose an appropriate diet based on the genetic profile

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2386975/
2. https://celiacindia.org.in/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26603490
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27278238
5. https://www.grupoaran.com/mrmUpdate/lecturaPDFfromXML.asp?IdArt=4621240&TO=RVN&Eng=1
6. https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2015/07/14/facts-behind-celiac-disease-and-gluten-intolerance/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18184122
8. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0002270

Related Links:

1. https://www.xcode.life/dna-and-health/world-osteoporosis-day-2016-osteoporosis-could-be-linked-to-gluten-intolerance
2. https://www.xcode.life/product/gluten-intolerance-genetic-assessment

“Nutrigenetics, fitness genetics, health genetics are all nascent but rapidly growing areas within human genetics. The information provided herein is based on preliminary scientific studies and it is to be read and understood in that context.”