I am thrilled to now be able to offer targeted nutrition reports, based on raw data from 23andme or Ancestry. PureGenomics® is a practitioner-exclusive website application that identifies common genetic variations known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that are clinically relevant and nutritionally actionable.
What are genes?
Genes are small sub-units of DNA. DNA is a vast chemical information database that carries the complete set of instructions for making all the proteins your cells will ever need. The DNA in each chromosome is composed of many genes and also has long stretches of non-coding DNA, the function of which is not yet completely understood. Every gene in your body contains a particular set of instructions to build a particular protein. There are between 50,000 and 100,000 genes, and every gene is made up of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of chemical bases called nucleotides.
Genes orchestrate every aspect of our lives from the big things including development and maturation; to daily activities such as digestion, sleep, and movement. Nothing happens in our bodies without directions from our genes.
What are SNPs?
SNPs is the acronym for single nucleotide polymorphisms, where one nucleotide, in the sequence of thousand of nucleotides making up a gene, is substituted for a different nucleotide. This substitution does not make the gene inactive, but does alter its effectiveness. Undoubtedly the most famous SNP is the MTHFR SNP. MTHFR, which stands for methyl-tetra-hydro-folate reductase, is a protein that puts methyl groups onto a folate molecule. MTHFR is famous because this is responsible for a very important step in the production of methyl groups. Methyl groups are used throughout the body for DNA repair, reproduction and development (making healthy babies), processing of environmental toxins and hormones, building immune cells and making neurotransmitters.
Why test your SNPs?
Knowing your SNPs allows you to customize your nutrition and other lifestyle factors to optimize your phenotype, or genetic expression. It also helps you understand why you may react differently to toxic exposures and stress. When you have a strong family history of chronic disease, knowing your SNPs gives you some real tools to protect your future health. If you are planning a pregnancy, knowing your SNPs helps you avoid specific risk factors to optimize the health of your baby.
How does it work?
PureGenomics® tests for nutritionally relevant SNPs with saliva-based personal genome analysis kits. Simply visit www.23andMe.com or Ancestry.com, order the kit and follow the step-by-step instructions to obtain full-service genotyping and secure, downloadable results. PureGenomics® translates the results to nutritional recommendations and allows targeting with personalized nutritional support.
What’s next?
Contact me to coordinate the uploading of your raw data to PureGenomics®. The cost is $25 for a report. If you would like to schedule a full intake for a personalized treatment plan, which will include targeted nutrition based on your report, please let me know.