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The Nutrition Profile
What do you need in your diet - and what should you avoid?
How can you modify your potential for illness by simple
changes to what you eat?
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Seven genes are examined for polymorphisms – slight
variations in DNA sequence that occur naturally which may result in slightly differing enzyme activities. The
function of these genes can be grouped as follows
Detoxification.
The test screens four genes responsible for producing enzymes that remove toxins
from the body. One gene is involved in Phase I detoxification: CYP1A1, and three
in Phase II detoxification: GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1. Toxin removal is more
complex than merely getting rid of wastes - under or over activity can lead to
cell damage.
Oxidative Stress.
One gene, MnSOD, is screened to evaluate the body's antioxidation ability. Many
foods contain oxidants or reactive molecular species which can interfere with
cell functioning and reproduction.
Tissue Repair.
One gene, MTHFR, is screened to evaluate the activity of a key enzyme associated
with tissue and organ repair. MTHFR and its role in Homocysteine activity is
being linked with heart disease among other illnesses.
Alcohol Metabolism.
One gene, ALDH2, is screened to
evaluate the activity of an enzyme that regulates alcohol elimination.
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Here
is all the science behind Genepoint
Case Histories
Kate arranged for the Nutrition Genepoint profile because
"I knew I would follow advice better if it was tailored to me
personally, rather than just general preaching which we all hear all the
time"
she was interested to see the results....
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gene MTHFR on Chromosome 1 site 1 was "slow"
this could lead to accumulation of homocysteine, which has been linked to
heart disease in the same way as cholesterol; the slow version of the MTHFR
enzyme produced by this version of the gene means that the normal metabolic
pathway of folate turnover is slowed
recommendation
to increase intake of foods rich in B vitamins especially folic acid
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gene
CYP1A1 on Chromosome 15 was normal
gene CYP1A1 site 2 on Chromosome 15 showed a "fast" variation - it
would result in excess production of enzymes which could damage DNA and
tissues, when the body was exposed to toxic chemicals common in smoked meats,
char grilled foods etc
recommendation
to avoid these foods as much as possible to limit the damage caused by over
stimulation of the body's own defence systems |
Kate decided to take the dietary advice, particularly as she has a history of
cardiovascular disease in her family
She still has a taste for smoked and barbecued foods - which are toxin rich in
any event - but has moderated her exposure, and increased her intake of fresh
green vegetables and vitamins
"these are only small changes but over a lifetime anything that helps
cut down risk of the sorts of illness in my family can only be good"
Lucy age 33
Lucy wanted to know her genetic background, particularly as she came from the
far east
she had always had a problem with alcohol - it made her nauseous and unwell in
small quantities ; she made use of the Nutrition Profile and also tried the
newly launched Alcohol Profile which examines genes relating to alcohol
metabolism
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gene
MnSOD on site 1 Chromosome 6 was "concentrated"
the enzyme produced by this gene is concerned with destruction of free
radicals, a species of oxygen molecules that can damage tissues and lead to
ageing and inflammation; concentration of the enzyme within cellular
mitochondria may lead to a deficit elsewhere in the cell
recommendation
dietary antioxidants should be increased - vitamin C, beta carotene, trace
elements, phenolic compounds
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gene
ALDH2 on Chromosome 12 was "slow"
this gene codes for the production of the enzyme which completes the destruction
of alcohol
the slow version allows alcohol by-products to build up rapidly, with
unpleasant results
recommendation
avoid alcohol completely - trying to get used to it or become less easily
inebriated by controlled intake will simply never work
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Lucy was impressed with the dietary advice, and relieved that her alcohol
intolerance was not due to drinking the wrong amount of the wrong beverage - in
fact she gained a good excuse for saying no to social drinking and felt better
all round
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