Functional Nutritional Genomics

Personalized Nutrition begins with your Genetic Analysis

Human metabolism is highly individualized due to genetic variations, specifically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are variations in DNA that affect gene function.

Functional Nutritional Genomics sits at the intersection of nutrient chemistry, your unique genomics, and ideal ‘textbook’ functional biochemistry. It examines how your individual genetic variations influence your body’s response to nutrients.

Investigating these inherited genetic variants allows you to address root causes of dysfunction, such as: inflammation, oxidative stress, mental health challenges, and metabolic imbalance. Tailored dietary adjustments can help optimize health and prevent disease.

It is a fiction that all nutrients are good for everyone.

Understanding Enzymes and Nutrient Processing in Your Body

A key function of your DNA is to provide the instructions for 3,400 protein processing enzymes for 5000 reaction functions. AND we all have inherited variations in how well we make these.

Full function +|+, partial function +|-, missing function -|-. is how individual SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) strengths are described.

We can think of enzymes as tiny molecular "scissors" involved in biochemical reactions to serve our bodily systems. While all organ systems rely on enzymes for basic metabolism, there are "top" ones that stand out for their direct roles in handling nutrients.

Our digestive system uses a collection of these enzymes to chop up big food molecules into smaller, absorbable pieces—such as turning starches into sugars or proteins into amino acids.

The ___ase ending denotes it’s an enzyme, ___in ending denotes it’s a protein.

  • Mouth saliva – carbs and fat

    • Alpha-Amylase

    • Lingual Lipase

  • Stomach – protein and fat

    • Pepsin

    • Gastric Lipase

  • Small intestine – protein, carbs and fat

    • Pancreatic Amylase

    • Trypsin

    • Chymotrypsin

    • Carboxypeptidase

    • Pancreatic Lipase

    • Maltase

    • Sucrase

    • Lactase

  • Liver – See next section

Liver System

The Phase 2 Methylation Conjugation Processing

  • Oxidation/Reduction enzymes modify toxins

  • Excretion as bile or urine

  • Enzymes conjugate reactive intermediates from Phase 1 with molecules to make them water-soluble for excretion

Phase 2 liver ENZYMES combine with Phase 1 to send them to Phase 3. If one, or several, of these pathways are genetically weak, then functionality decreases and toxicity increases.

Biochemically Phase 2 liver enzymes conjugate reactive intermediates from Phase 1 with molecules to make them water-soluble for excretion in Phase 3.

  • Methylation: Adds methyl groups via SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), supported by MTHFR, MTR, BHMT, and COMT.

  • Glutathione Conjugation: Uses glutathione (supported by CBS in transsulfuration).

  • Sulfation: Adds sulfate groups (e.g., SULT genes). (Needs investigation)

  • Glucuronidation: Adds glucuronic acid (e.g., UGT genes). (Needs investigation)

  • Acetylation: Adds acetyl groups (e.g., NAT genes). (Needs investigation)

  • Amino Acid Conjugation: Uses glycine or taurine.

In other words, to what degree your particular SNP profile assists in your ability to produce these key enzymes, determines the strength of your Phase 2 Liver function.

MTHFR = Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase

COMT = Catechol-O-Methyltransferase

VDR = Vitamin D Receptor

MTR = Methionine Synthase

MTRR = Methionine Synthase Reductase

BHMT=Betaine-Homocysteine, S- Methyltransferase

CBS = Cystathionine Beta-Synthase

Anything your systems cannot take apart for processing becomes a toxic burden.

Vitamin C Example

Iris discusses the intersection of perfect functional biochemistry, individual genetic variations (SNP profiles), and environmental exposures (nutrients, supplements, toxins) in determining how substances are processed in the body.

Using vitamin C as an example, she explains that while perfect function assumes ideal enzyme activity, genetic differences such as a catalase enzyme production deficiency can limit processing. This highlights the importance of considering genetic makeup to understand biochemical processing and nutrient utilization.

Key Points

What does the term 'perfect function' refer to in the context of biochemistry?

The theoretical 100% efficient biochemical processes assumed in traditional nutritional programs.

What role do SNP profiles play in individual biochemical function?

SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) profiles represent individual gene variations that affect enzyme functions, making biochemical processes unique to each person and their descendants. Full function +|+, partial function +|-, missing function -|-. is how individual SNPs strengths are described.

What types of exposures are considered in the biochemical processing model described?

Exposures include food, nutrients, supplements, toxins, lotions, smoke, weed, and other environmental factors that the body must process.

How does the example of vitamin C metabolism illustrate the concept of perfect function and individual variation?

Vitamin C metabolism involves about five enzymes; if someone has a catalase deficiency, their ability to process vitamin C is limited, whereas those with optimal enzyme combinations can process it fully, showing how individual enzyme function affects nutrient processing.

Can supplementation always compensate for enzyme deficiencies according to the explanation?

Not always; while some enzymes such as catalase might be available, not every enzyme has a corresponding supplement to compensate for deficiencies. In these cases the nutrient is best avoided.

To be continued