Month: November 2024

This page offers a simple guide to help you understand specific genetic markers using data from your genetic test, like one from 23andMe or another service that lets you download raw data. While 23andMe provides its own health reports, they may not be detailed enough for certain genetic conditions. This guide is especially for those who want a deeper look into their genes but find standard reports insufficient.

If you've already taken a genetic test, I’ll show you how to access your raw data to find valuable information for making informed health decisions.

A Note on Privacy

Before submitting DNA to any company, consider the potential long-term impacts of giving a company your DNA. For those who already have a test, I’ll point out a few useful tools to make the most of your results.

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Key Genes to Check

Genes are often identified by names like “rs1801133,” which may look technical but are simply labels. Once you know which ones to search for, it’s easy to access information that may be relevant to your health. This guide focuses on a few important genes.

Genes Related to Methylation

• rs1801133
  Known as the MTHFR C677T SNP, this gene variant impacts folate metabolism.
  • (C;C) - Typical type.
  • (C;T) - About 35% lower methylation.
  • (T;T) - Roughly 70% lower methylation.
• rs1801131
  Also called A1298C, this gene also influences methylation.
  • (A;A) - Typical type.
  • (A;C) - About 10% lower methylation.
  • (C;C) - Approximately 40-50% lower methylation.
• rs4680
  Known as the Val158Met gene, it affects COMT enzyme activity, which helps break down neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine.
  • (G;G) - Higher COMT activity, commonly called the "warrior" type, which may support faster stress recovery.
  • (A;G) - Intermediate type.
  • (A;A) - Lower COMT activity, sometimes referred to as the "worrier" type, associated with slower detox, increased estrogen, and reduced glutathione levels.

Identifying both MTHFR and COMT status is often helpful. People with reduced COMT activity may be more sensitive to folate supplements, as folate can increase neurotransmitter levels. If both MTHFR and COMT are slow, it’s usually best to address COMT first.

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Accessing Your Genetics Data on 23andMe

If you’ve used 23andMe, here’s how to view your specific genes:

1. Click on your profile in the top-right corner and select Resources from the dropdown menu.
2. Choose Browse Raw Genotyping Data on the next page.
3. Type the gene names (e.g., rs1801133, rs1801131, and rs4680) in the search box to check your methylation and COMT status.

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