Optimal Genetic Methylation Test

The Folate Cycle converts dietary folate into usable forms for critical bodily processes. Understanding your genetic predispositions is crucial because variations like impaired MTHFR or DHFR function can significantly reduce folate processing efficiency.

Genes: DHFR, MTHFD1, MTHFR (A1298C), MTHFR (C677T)

The Methionine Cycle drives methylation by producing SAMe - vital for gene expression, detox, and brain chemistry. Variants here can raise homocysteine and stall key pathways like BH4 and Transsulphuration. A methylation panel can uncover blocks behind fatigue, poor focus, and hormonal imbalance.

Genes: MTR, MTRR, FUT2, TCN2, PEMT, BHMT

This pathway clears homocysteine by turning it into cysteine - fuel for glutathione and taurine. Genetic blocks here can impair detox, raise sulphite toxicity, and drive brain fog and burnout. Screening for these variants can reveal why your stress and recovery systems are under strain.

Genes: CBS (C699T), GSS

The BH4 Cycle makes key neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin and supports nitric oxide and thyroid function. It depends on folate and SAMe from other cycles. Variants can lead to mood issues, poor sleep, and low motivation. Knowing your BH4 profile helps explain and address deeper neurological imbalances.

Genes: MTHFR (A1298C), COMT, VDR, MAOA, MAOB

The Urea Cycle detoxifies ammonia by converting it into urea for safe excretion - a vital process linked to liver function, nitrogen balance, and brain health. It also produces arginine, needed for nitric oxide (NO), which supports blood flow and protects your heart. Variants here or low BH4 can impair NO production, increasing oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk.

Genes: NOS3, SOD2

Your genes influence how well you process carbs, your insulin sensitivity, and how efficiently you use glucose. Some people are more prone to blood sugar spikes from high-GI foods, increasing the risk of insulin resistance. Knowing your genetic response helps you tailor carb choices to support steady energy, gut health, and long-term metabolic balance.

Genes: ACE, PPARG, TCF7L2, ADRB2, CLOCK, PLIN, INSIG, FTO, FABP2

This panel reveals how your body absorbs and processes fat, especially saturated fat, and how it affects your cholesterol levels. While fats are essential for energy, vitamin absorption, and cell health, some genotypes are more sensitive to saturated fat, raising the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Knowing your fat response helps you make smarter, heart-healthy choices.

Genes: APOC3, APOA5, APOA2, LPL, FABP2, FTO, CETP, LEPR, MC4R, PLIN, TCF7L2, PPARG, APOE, LIPC, APOE

Your genes affect how efficiently you convert carotenoids into active vitamin A (retinol), with some people converting up to 60% less. Poor converters need more preformed vitamin A to support vision, immunity, and gene expression. Understanding your genetic efficiency helps ensure you’re meeting your body’s true vitamin A needs.

Genes: BCMO1, BCO1

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) powers key coenzymes involved in energy production, fat metabolism, and detoxification. It also supports healthy homocysteine levels, especially in those with MTHFR variants that reduce enzyme efficiency by up to 65%. If you carry these variants, targeted B-vitamin support can help lower cardiovascular risk and optimise methylation.

Genes: MTHFR (C677T), MTHFR (A1298C)

Vitamin B6 supports over 140 enzyme reactions, including those involved in brain function, blood vessel health, and antioxidant defence. It also helps lower homocysteine, especially important for those with low-functioning MTHFR variants. For these individuals, B6 can play a key role in reducing cardiovascular risk and supporting optimal methylation.

Genes: MTHFR (C677T), NBPF3

Folate is central to one-carbon metabolism, working with B12, B6, and riboflavin to regulate homocysteine and support heart, immune, and brain health. MTHFR variants can reduce folate processing by up to 65%, raising homocysteine and disease risk. Knowing your genetic efficiency helps guide the right form and dose of folate for optimal protection.

Genes: MTHFR (C677T), MTHFR (A1298C), CBS

Vitamin C supports collagen production, hormone synthesis, immunity, and antioxidant defence. But genetic variations in how you absorb and transport vitamin C can leave you with suboptimal levels - even with a good diet. Testing helps identify whether your genes may be limiting this vital nutrient’s impact on your skin, stress response, and long-term health.

Genes: SLC23A1, GSTT1, SOD2

Vitamin B12 powers red blood cell formation, nerve health, and energy production, and plays a vital role in the methylation cycle. Some people have gene variants that reduce B12 absorption and transport, leading to deficiency even with adequate intake. Testing reveals if your genetics are limiting B12 activity and if you need a more bioavailable form or higher intake.

Genes: FUT2, TCN2

Vitamin D supports bone strength, muscle function, immunity, and insulin signalling. But your genetic makeup can affect how well you activate, transport, and respond to it. Variants in genes like VDR and CYP2R1 may mean you need more vitamin D than others to maintain optimal levels. Understanding your genetic profile helps tailor your intake to match your body’s true needs.

Genes: VDR

Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress, supports brain and heart health, boosts immunity, and may slow cellular aging. However, genetic differences in absorption and transport can lead to lower circulating levels, even with a good diet. Knowing your genetic profile can uncover hidden needs and help you optimise vitamin E’s protective effects.

Genes: CYP4F2, ZPR1

Iron is vital for oxygen transport, immune defence, and healthy skin, hair, and nails. But certain genetic variants, especially in the HFE gene, can lead to excessive iron absorption and increase the risk of iron overload (hemochromatosis). Identifying these variants can help you manage iron intake and prevent long-term damage from hidden excess.

Genes: HFE

Iron is essential for oxygen transport, immune defence, brain function, and muscle activity. While most focus is on deficiency, some genetic variants – like those in the TMPRSS6 gene – can disrupt how your body regulates iron through hepcidin, affecting absorption and storage. Understanding your genetic control of iron balance helps fine-tune intake and avoid both deficiency and overload.

Genes: TMPRSS6, TFR2, TF

Your antioxidant system defends cells against free radicals, protecting energy levels, thyroid health, immunity, and insulin sensitivity. But genetic differences in key detox enzymes can weaken this defence, raising the risk of chronic diseases. Identifying these variants reveals whether your body needs extra support from diet or lifestyle to boost resilience.

Genes: CAT, GPX1, SOD2

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in reducing chronic inflammation and supporting brain, eye, nerve and skin health. DHA is the most biologically active omega-3, yet many people produce only limited amounts from plant-based ALA or even from EPA. Variants on genes involved in inflammatory signalling can increase inflammatory load and therefore raise the body’s demand for DHA. In individuals with higher inflammatory activity, relying on conversion alone may be insufficient. In these cases, obtaining adequate DHA directly from diet or supplementation may be necessary to support optimal inflammatory control and overall resilience.

Genes: IL6, TNF

The LCT gene controls your ability to produce lactase – the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy. While most people lose this ability after infancy, some have a genetic trait called lactase persistence, allowing them to tolerate dairy into adulthood. Knowing your LCT status helps you understand whether dairy is a friend or foe to your digestion.

Genes: LCT/MCM6

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye but certain HLA gene variants can trigger an immune reaction to it, increasing your risk of Coeliac disease. These genes influence how your immune system responds in the gut. Knowing your HLA status can clarify whether gluten may be harming your health behind the scenes.

Genes: HLA DQ2/DQ8

Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruit, but variants in the ALDOB gene can impair its metabolism, leading to hereditary fructose intolerance. This can cause nausea, bloating, and discomfort after eating fructose-containing foods. Identifying ALDOB mutations helps explain unexplained digestive symptoms and guides smarter food choices.

Genes: ALDOB

While the body needs some salt for muscle and fluid balance, certain genetic variants can make you more sensitive to sodium – raising your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Knowing your salt sensitivity helps you take proactive steps to protect your cardiovascular health.

Genes: ACE, AGT

The ADH1C gene influences how your body breaks down alcohol. Some variants produce a slower-acting enzyme, which is linked to higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels in moderate drinkers. While this doesn’t affect alcohol tolerance, it can reveal how your genetics shape the impact of alcohol on heart health.

Genes: ADH1C

Your response to caffeine is shaped by your genetics – specifically how quickly your body breaks it down. Fast metabolisers may handle caffeine well, while slow metabolisers are more likely to experience anxiety, sleep issues, and cardiovascular effects. Knowing your caffeine metabolism can help you tailor your intake for better focus, energy, and long-term health.

Genes: CYP1A2

High-heat cooking of meats can produce harmful compounds like HCAs and PAHs, which damage cells through oxidative stress. Your genes influence how efficiently your body detoxifies these compounds. Certain variants may slow this process, increasing your risk of long-term cellular damage. Understanding your genetic detox capacity can guide safer cooking and dietary choices.

Genes: CYP1A2, EPHX1

Phase II detox relies on enzymes like GSTM1 to neutralise harmful compounds in the liver. Some people carry a deleted version of the GSTM1 gene, meaning this key enzyme is missing – reducing detox capacity. If you have this variant, increasing your intake of cruciferous vegetables can help support your body’s natural detox pathways.

Genes: GSTM1, GSTT1

Excess sugar can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and long-term health issues. A specific genetic variant influences how your body regulates blood glucose and how strongly you crave sweet foods. Carriers of this variant may consume more sugar and face a higher risk of cavities and metabolic imbalances. Knowing your sugar response can help you take control of cravings and protect your health.

Genes: GLUT2

Your ability to taste bitterness is influenced by the TAS2R38 gene, which encodes a receptor that detects bitter compounds in foods like broccoli and brussels sprouts. People with certain variants are “supertasters” and may find these foods more intense or unpleasant. Knowing your taste genetics can help explain food preferences – and guide strategies for improving dietary variety.

Genes: TAS2R38

Your genes play a key role in how you respond to different types of exercise - whether you’re better suited to power-based or endurance-focused training. Matching your workouts to your genetic profile can dramatically boost results, with studies showing up to three times greater improvement when training is aligned to your DNA.

Genes: ADRB2, CRP, COL5A1, TRHR, BDKRB2, IL6, ACTN3, VEGF, PPARA, ACE, AGT, NRF, VDR, PPARGC1A

VO₂max is a key measure of aerobic fitness, reflecting how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise. Genetics play a strong role in your capacity to improve VO₂max with training - some people respond more dramatically than others. Knowing your genetic potential helps tailor your fitness approach and set realistic goals.

Genes: ADRB2, CRP, PPARGC1A, VEGF

Your recovery rate is influenced by how well your body manages oxidative stress and inflammation after exercise. Genetic variants in key detox and inflammatory genes can slow recovery, making you more prone to fatigue, soreness, and overtraining. Understanding your recovery profile helps optimise rest, reduce injury risk, and get more from every workout.

Genes: SOD2, IL6, IL6R, CRP, TNF, GSTM1, GSTT1

Your genes influence how well your body repairs connective tissue and manages inflammation - two key factors in injury risk. Variants in genes like COL1A1, CRP, and TNF can affect how resilient your joints and tendons are under stress. Knowing your genetic risk helps you train smarter, recover better, and prevent avoidable injuries.

Genes: GDF5, COL1A1, COL5A1, IL6, IL6R, CRP, TNF

Your genetic chronotype shapes your internal body clock - determining when you naturally feel most alert or sleepy. It influences your energy patterns, hormone cycles, and even workout or productivity timing. By analysing multiple genes linked to circadian rhythm, we can identify whether you're more of a morning lark or a night owl, helping you align your lifestyle with your biology.

Genes: RNASEL, VIP, PER3, PER2, RASD1, FBLX3, PLCL1, RGS16, HCRTR2

Sleep is essential for mental and physical recovery but how easily you fall and stay asleep can be influenced by your genes. Variants in genes like ADA and MEIS1 affect sleep depth, efficiency, and sensitivity to disturbances. Understanding your genetic sleep profile can help you optimise rest, manage stress, and improve overall wellbeing.

Genes: ADA, MEIS1

Caffeine keeps you alert by blocking adenosine, the chemical that builds sleep pressure in your brain. But certain variants in the ADORA2A gene can make you more sensitive to caffeine’s effects - leading to disrupted sleep or insomnia, especially if consumed late in the day. Your genetic profile helps determine how caffeine affects your sleep and circadian rhythm.

Genes: ADORA2A

Your body’s response to stress is driven by hormones like cortisol and adrenaline but how you process stress is also shaped by your genes. Variants in key genes can influence dopamine sensitivity, emotional regulation, and how resilient you are under pressure. Understanding your genetic stress profile helps you manage triggers more effectively and build long-term resilience.

Genes: XKR6, MIR2113, BDNF, COMT, DCAF5, FKBP5, HTR2A, LINCOO461, NOS1, OXTR

The COMT gene influences how quickly your brain clears dopamine during stress, shaping how well you perform under pressure. Fast metabolisers tend to stay calm in high-threat situations, while slow metabolisers may excel in complex, detail-heavy tasks. Your COMT type can help explain your natural stress tolerance and the environments where you thrive best.

Genes: COMT

Skin ageing is driven by both genetics and environment - with UV exposure accounting for up to 90% of external ageing. Genes involved in collagen, elastin, and skin remodelling influence how well your skin maintains its structure over time. Small genetic variations can accelerate sagging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Knowing your skin-ageing profile helps guide preventative care from the inside out.

Genes: MMP1, MMP3, COL1A1, ELN

UV exposure triggers free radical production in the skin, accelerating ageing and cellular damage. Your body relies on antioxidant enzymes to neutralise these effects but genetic variations in genes like SOD2, CAT, and GPX1 can reduce their efficiency. If your defences are genetically weaker, you may be more susceptible to oxidative stress from sun and pollution.

Genes: SOD2, CAT, GPX1

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) build up when excess sugar reacts with proteins in the body, accelerating ageing and increasing the risk of chronic disease. Your genetic sensitivity to refined carbs - shaped by genes like ACE, PPARG, PLIN, and TCF7L2 - influences how much glucose lingers in your system to drive this damage. Knowing your glycation risk helps you personalise your carb intake to slow cellular ageing.

Genes: ACE, PPARG, TCF7L2, ADRB2, FTO, CLOCK, PLIN, INSIG, FABP2

Melanin determines your skin, hair, and eye colour - and your natural protection against UV damage. Genetic variants in genes like MC1R and SLC24A5 influence how much melanin you produce and how it’s distributed. Lighter skin tones may be more vulnerable to sun damage but can produce vitamin D more efficiently. Understanding your melanin profile helps balance sun protection with vitamin D needs.

Genes: MC1R, SLC24A5

Nickel is a common trigger for contact allergies, often found in jewellery and everyday items. Variants in genes like GSTM1 and GSTT1 can reduce your body’s ability to detoxify allergens, while TNF influences how strongly you react to irritants. Your genetic profile may explain heightened sensitivity and guide ways to reduce exposure and inflammation.

Genes: GSTM1, GSTT1, TNF

Your body detoxifies harmful substances by converting them into water-soluble forms for safe elimination. Variants in detox genes like EPHX1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 can reduce this efficiency, increasing your vulnerability to oxidative stress and toxin build-up. Knowing your genetic detox profile helps you target support through diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.

Genes: EPHX1, GSTM1, GSTT1

Inflammation is your body’s frontline defence against injury, infection, and cell damage but when poorly regulated, it can become chronic and harmful. Variants in genes like IL6 and TNF can heighten inflammatory responses, increasing your risk for accelerated ageing and long-term health issues. Understanding your inflammation profile allows for targeted nutritional and lifestyle strategies to restore balance.

Genes: IL6, TNF