My staff and I recently attended a training put on by a company called Genelink and Solgar vitamin company. The two have teamed up to provide consumers with a vehicle for identifying their own personal risk of certain diseases and providing answers to those risks in the form of supplements targeted at reducing that risk. We were very impressed with both the testing itself, the quality of the company that developed it and the formulas that Solgar has come up with to address issues that are identified.
First, let's talk about Genelink. Genelink is a genetic bioscience company established in 1994 whose mission is "To provide people with products and services that can help extend and improve their quality of life." Their core business revolves around "Providing consumer-focused genetic assessments as a scientific basis for the personalization of health, beauty and wellness products." The test that Genelink has developed shows your inherent genetic capacities in important areas of health. They have developed the only patented DNA collection system reviewed by the FDA. Genelink has a world-class scientific advisory group, comprised of leading scientists and researchers in the fields of biotechnology, genomics, molecular biology, chemistry, medicine and nutritional sciences.
Genelink has come up with a test that is a simple cotton swab of the inside of the cheek. It takes a look at 12 specific gene "blips" called SNP's that can identify the risk of certain diseases. It also looks at whether you inherited that risk from one or both parents. Surprisingly, the DNA between any two people is 99.1% identical. It is the remaining .9% that accounts for all of our genetic differences. None of us, unfortunately, has perfect genes. These SNP's are not gene mutations, but natural variations in the DNA sequence of our genes.
When there is a difference detected on a particular SNP, important diferences in health can occur. The differences can account for your sensitvity to certain drugs, your ability to process environmental toxins, or your sensitivity to certain types of food. The "blip" can cause you to produce faulty proteins, which can have important health consequences. We now have the opportunity to look at some of those differences and make diet and supplement choices that will best support us.
Let's discuss the 12 SNP's that are included in Genelink's test. We'll talk about what those SNP's can indicate a risk of and how that risk can be mitigated. Remember, if an SNP shows up from one parent, you may want to supplement against it, if it shows up from both parents, you will defintiely want to pay attention to it. This does not, however, necessarily show that you will get a certain disease or condition, only that the risk is there. Other factors such as diet and lifestyle will obvoiusly have an impact as well.
Please note that many of Solgar's formulas designed to support variations in the genes include their Core DNA Assist formula. This formula, which contains uncaria tomentosa extract (cat's claw), RNA, D-ribose and magnesium, is a base formula designed to enhance DNA repair and reduce DNA damage. Solgar considers it to be fundamental to keeping our DNA in good working order.
SNP 1--The VDR Gene (Vitamin D Receptor)
This gene initiates and regulates the activity of vitamin D in the body. It is central to maintenance of the bone and calcium balance in the body, and an issue with this gene can therefore indicate a risk of osteoporosis. An SNP on this gene is also associated with reduced growth from pre-adolescence on , reduced parathyroid hormone production, normal cell division and blood sugar regulation. This SNP has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, colon cancer, type II diabetes, parathyroid problems, arthritis, lupus, immune issues, and MS. Solgar's formula that adresses this SNP includes calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and the DNA Assist formula.
SNP 2--The EPHX Gene (Key Detoxifier for Epoxides)
This gene provides the key enzyme for detoxifiying cigarette smoke, car exhaust fumes, charcoal grilled meats, smoke from burning wood, pesticides and alcohol in the body (all considered "epoxides"). An SNP here can indicate an inability to properly or completely detoxify many man-made chemicals that can cause disease in the body. This gene is also associated with detoxifying certain dangerous estrogen metabolites found to be an issue in hormone-related cancers. A variation in the gene is linked to chemical sensitivities, mutagenic effects, emphysema, and lung cancer. An SNP on this gene would be doubly dangerous with heavy smoking or alcohol use. The formula to address this gene includes broccoli extract, indole-3 carbinole and the Core DNA Assist.
SNP 3--The NQO1 Gene (Converts CoQ10 to its Active Form)
This gene is responsible for converting CoQ10 to its active form in the body, ubiquinol. An SNP in this gene can cause a reduced ability to make this conversion, thus reducing CoQ10's important antioxidant activity in the body. Free radicals are considered by many scientists to be involved in the aging process. Ubiquinol is responsibile for scavenging free radical in the mitochondria of the cell and lipid membranes. This SNP has been linked to liver problems, neurological issues, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue, diabetes, leukemia and lung, skin and urothelial cancers . The formula to address this SNP includes ubiqiunol (the active form of CoQ10) and cat's claw.
SNP 4--The SOD2 Gene (Neutralizes Superoxide Radicals)
The SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2) gene is responsible for neutralizing superoxide radicals in the mitochondria, which if unchecked can set off a long chain of free radical production. This includes the hydroxide radical, the most destructive of all the free radicals. This SNP has been linked to diabetes, asthma, neuropathy, kidney issues, reduced wound healing, irritable bowel, inflammatory conditions, breast and prostate cancer and macular degeneration. The formula contains SOD, wolfberry extract, the minerals zinc, copper, manganese (all bind to SOD and deliver it to the cell) and the Core DNA Assist Blend.
SNP 5--The GPX-1 Gene (Gutathione Peroxidase)
The GPX-1 gene is responsible for the production of the enzyme that reduces hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen in the body. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural product of normal metabolism, but is very reactive and must be neutralized in the body. This SNP has been linked to inflammatory issues, cardiovascular problems, viral and retroviral complications including herpes, shingles, HIV and hepatitis. Comprised liver function, arterial sclerosis, and interference with thyroid hormonal production are at issue here. There is a major cancer connection, particularly in lung and breast tissue. The formula to address this SNP contains selenium and the Core DNA Assist Blend.
SNP 6--The MMP-1 Gene (Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 or Collagenase)
The MMP-1 gene is responsible for degrading cartilage. Degradation and production of cartilage happens continually in the body to keep our joints healthy. The concern with this gene is overactivity, unlike the genes discussed above. In other words, an SNP on this gene can cause an excessive breakdown in joint material. This SNP has been found to increase joint damage, cartilage problems, and wrinkles. An increase in the risk of lung and endometrial cancers, and rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are also found. The formula to work with an SNP on this gene includes Biocell Collagen Type II, glucosamine hydorchloride, chondroitin sulfate, silicon, MSM, Vitamin K2 and the Core DNA Assist Blend.
SNP 7 & 8--The MTHFR and MTRR Genes (Conversion of Folate and B-12 to Active Forms)
Both of these genes are involved in clearing homocysteine from the blood. MTHFR reduces folic acid to its bioactive form and MTRR reduces Vitamin B to its bioactive form. High homocystiene levels have been implicated in being a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. SNP 7 has been associated with lower SAMe levels, blood clotting, increased myocardial infraction and stroke. It is also a factor in memory activity, nerve function and mood. SNP 8 is afactor in intestinal cancer and birth defects. It is also linked to psychological problems and depression. The formula contains a patented form of folate, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, and the Core DNA Assist Blend.
SNP 9--The TNF-Alpha Gene (Tumor Necrosis Factor)
This gene activates the immune system and inflammation. Having an SNP here is a problem when the function doesn't get "turned off". This SNP has a major inflammation connection and is linked to lung and cardiac disease, Crohn's disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's and sinusitis. The formula includes 5-Loxin, an extract of boswellia serrata, pycnogenol, alpha lipoic acid and the Core DNA Assist Blend and its main function is to promote a healthy inflammation response.
NOTE: SNP's 10, 11 & 12 all relate to cardiovascular health. It is recommended that you take two formulas if you show an SNP on these genes, one for the specific gene and the Assist Plus formula. Assist Plus is a combination of pomegranate and reseveratrol, along with the Core DNA Assist Blend. It gives general cardiovascular suppport thought to be needed by anyone with SNP's on these genes. Pomegranate has significant benefits for the cardiovascular system including decreasing plaque thickness and LDL oxidation, decreased platelet aggregation and systolic blood pressure. Resveratrol has similar benefits.
SNP 10--The PON-1 Gene (Paraoxonase 1)
This gene prevents the oxidation of HDL and LDL cholesterol, the first step in arterial plaque formation. It also helps detoxify insecticides. This SNP is linked with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, LDL oxidation, and dramatic increases of 30% in heart disease and diabetes. The formula to address this SNP contains antioxidants, amino acids, a carotenoid mix and proanthocyanidin complex.
SNP 11--The CYP11B2 Gene (cytochorome P450 11B2)
This gene encodes for an enzyme that regulates blood pressure by influencing salt retention and body fluid levels. An SNP is strongly associated with the decreased ability of the blood vessels to relax, causing high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and an enlarged left ventricle. It is also linked to ovarian cysts, oxidative stress and adrenal function. The formula contains magnesium, potassium, l-arginine and the Core DNA assist Blend.
SNP 12--The ApoB Gene (Apolipoprotein B)
Apolipoprotein B is the protein component of LDL cholesterol and without it LDL cannot be formed, transported to tissues, or be broken down. The concern here is overactivity, that you will produce too much apolipo B. This SNP is linked to high triglycerides, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and glucose metabolism. High blood levels of ApoB are a stronger predictor of heart attacks and vascular disease than LDL levels. The response formula contains vitamin E in the tocotrienol form, omega-3 fish oils and CoQ10.
Sound interesting?? We all took the test at the training and just received our results. Interestingly, when we were going through the trainings, there were a couple of SNP's that, based on the description, I thought would be indicated for me. In fact, they were. This really verifies for me that the test is a legitimate indicator of the risk of certain health problems. What I want to re-emphasize is that having an SNP does not mean you will get a disease! It simply shows a propensity toward it that can certainly be modified with proper diet, exercise and supplementation. The test is confidential and will be turned in to Genelink with only a barcode. We will not see the results here at the store as they are in a sealed envelope, unless you wish to share them with us. We would be happy to discuss them with you and work with you on how to work with the results. The cost of the test is only $125 and it seems to me it is well worth the information it gives.
