Tag Archives: Ancestry

Methylation

alcohol, Ancestry, DNA, inflammation, l methyl folate, Life DNA, methylation, psychiatrist, Sam-e, , , , , , , , , , ,
Methylation risk variant results MTHFR, CBS, COMT, MTR and MTRR

I had a DNA test done through ancestry. I sent the results to Life DNA and got some information. They had an offer on methylation genes so I had that analyzed. Out of 10 genes, 7 had risk variants. The variants are not unusual.

Some of them lead to an increase in homocysteine which when increased can be a heart attack risk.  I  have started taking L Methyl folate to help. Another interferes with vitamin d.  I asked my Dr and she ordered homocysteine and vitamin d blood tests.  I take fish oil + vitamin d but it my not be enough.

Another variant causes reduced COMT enzyme activity.  This can cause psychiatric issues.  I am going to ask my psychiatrist about it.  They recommend Sam-e supplementation.

I watched a video on Hashimotos thyroiditis.  It was about inflammation but you have to pay to get more info.  I have hypothyroid. My Dr did no further testing, just TSH.  I take synthroid and now TSH is normal.

I am trying to find out about inflammation. I know alcohol is inflammatory so that is a good reason to cut that back or out. I think I am going to have an extended alcohol free period soon.

DNA testing

DNA, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

imageI have been interested in the different DNA tests available, like ancestry or 23andMe. (I am not endorsing any products).

At one time, I worked at a company that did DNA work.  I even met Francis Collins, one of the leaders of the human genome project, who was a consultant.

I was interested, but I was not sure if I wanted to have my dna results out there. What if they were used against me? That is not paranoia. Right now, there are laws against that. But, I think it is a legitimate fear.

Then I heard of Promethease. One of a number of websites that will analyze the raw data and compare it to scientific studies, mainly health related. I decided to give it a shot.

I ordered a kit from Ancestry.  I was not very interested in the heritage data, but I wanted the raw data results. You can get raw data from other dna kits, too. I have dry mouth from my medications, so it was not easy collecting the small saliva sample. Then I had to wait. It takes about 6 weeks. I found a distant relative, but for the most part the results were not too exciting.

Next, I downloaded the raw data from Ancestry and following the instructions, uploaded it on Promethease. It did not take long and I had MANY results.  They tell you what you are a risk for developing. It knew my eye color, diabetes, obesity ( I have what is called the fat gene). I have a number of genes associated with schizophrenia and one for bipolar and depression. It told me I am a risk for macular degeneration and breast cancer. I am sensitive to NSAIDS and caffeine. There are results about how you metabolize different medications.

23andMe has a health panel which gives similar results, but the Promethease analysis was free in Dec and is not expensive. I think it is regularly $10.

There are so many results, it is hard for me to read it all.

 

I was pleased enough with the results, I am having my dog dna tested, now. You can’t do anything with the raw data, but they give breed and health info.  You can share the results with your vet, too. (I don’t think my dr would want to look at my results). I am in the process of waiting until March.