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Personalized Mental Health: How Genetics Influence Treatment & Nutrition

Mental health disorders account for many of the top causes of disability in the U.S., with an estimated 26% of U.S. adults suffering from a mental disorder in a given year. There are many contributors to mental health disorders, including genetics, biological factors such as brain chemistry, psychological factors such as trauma or stress,...

A Dietitian’s Personal Experience with Genetic Testing: Part III

Genetic testing is driving the future of personalized healthcare. The detailed nutrigenomics reports offered through Scylex give a lot of great insight into the best dietary choices for disease prevention and disease management. In this article, Part III of my personal experience with genetic testing, I’ll discuss more of the nutrigenomic testing results. This...

A Dietitian’s Personal Experience with Genetic Testing: Part II

We’re diving into more of the genetic testing options available from Scylex and my personal experience with these tests. In Part I of this series, I discussed the pain, psychiatric, and statin panels, all part of the pharmacogenetic testing options.

In this article, I’ll discuss some of the nutrigenomic...

A Dietitian’s Personal Experience with Genetic Testing: Part I

Advancements in genetic testing have opened new avenues for understanding how our genes influence health. As a dietitian, I was eager to dive into and uncover insights beyond traditional blood work and health assessments.

This curiosity led me to undergo genetic testing through Scylex Labs, aiming to personalize...

Optimizing Substance Abuse Treatment Through Multiple Omics

Substance use disorders (including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol) is a critical concern in healthcare. In 2019, alcohol use disorder (AUD) affected over 100 million people, causing around 160,000 deaths, while opioid use disorder (OUD) impacted 21 million, leading to more than 88,000...

Could Your Patients' Genes Be Impacting B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. Deficiency can lead to anemia, nerve damage, and cognitive issues, including memory loss. Those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, those with malabsorptive conditions, and older adults are typically at higher risk for deficiency. Often overlooked are the genetic variations...

Building Strong Bones: Nutrition, Exercise, and Your Genes

Maintaining optimal bone health is essential for reducing the risk of fractures, osteoporosis, and related complications. According to the CDC, osteoporosis impacts about 13% of U.S. adults 50 and over, while low bone mass impacts about 43% of the adult population 50 and older. 

While exercise and nutrition greatly impact bone mineral density (BMD), the role of genetics,...

Unlocking Weight Balance: Vitamins, Minerals, and Your Genes

Emerging research reveals that genetic variations, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), can affect how our bodies metabolize key micronutrients like vitamin D, zinc, folate, and iron. These nutrients play crucial roles in metabolism, energy regulation, and fat storage, impacting overall weight and metabolic health. Variants in genes such as VDR, SLC30A8, MTHFR, and TMPRSS6 can alter nutrient absorption...

Addiction, Food Cravings, and Medication: The Impact of DRD2 Gene Variants

The dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) gene is critical in regulating the brain’s reward system, impacting dopamine signaling and influencing addictive behaviors, food cravings, and medication responses. Understanding the effects of DRD2 gene variants, such as Taq1A (rs1800497) and rs6277 (C957T), is essential for healthcare professionals treating patients with addiction, emotional eating, or those undergoing psychotropic treatments.

DRD2: An...

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Elevate COPD Management Through Nutrigenomics: A Comprehensive Approach for Healthcare Professionals

Did you know that according to the World Health Organization chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide? It’s a progressive disease with symptoms that make it more and more difficult for people to go about their normal daily activities without breathing difficulty. In order to improve patient outcomes, it’s critical to start...