I recently attended a seminar in London at The Royal Society of Medicine run by a UK-based genetic profiling company, Lifecode Gx, entitled “Nutrient Core.”
In preparation for the seminar I undertook a genetic test myself. After ordering online, a silver packet arrived in the post with a test tube and swab. I took a swab of cheek cells by rubbing the swab around my mouth for one minute and placed it back into the test tube with a preserving capsule and posted it back. So far so simple.
When the results came in, they explained in user-friendly traffic light graphics which SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms – in short: gene variants) of my DNA were beneficial and which were not. For example, I discovered that I am a fast metaboliser of caffeine, yet have a high sensitivity. There was also some bad news for my late-night chocolate habit: I have heightened sensitivity to insulin and a tendency towards metabolic syndrome, but this can be mitigated by high intensity exercise.
150 gene variants were tested, predicting such things as lactose or gluten sensitivity, alcohol processing and metabolic and detoxification functions. I have made changes to my diet in response to the test data, and already feel better as a result. I would highly recommend this service to anyone who wants feedback on what their strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to nutrition.
LifecodeGX: The Nutrient Core costs £199 for the DNA test and results analysis.
“As always please consult a registered health professional, such as myself, or your GP before starting
a new diet.”