Functional Nutrition & Genetic Analysis
in Topeka, KS
Are you taking the right supplements for your body—and do you know why you're taking them? Whether it's a B-complex vitamin, magnesium, or another nutrient, understanding how your body processes and uses these nutrients is just as important as choosing the supplements themselves. At Prairie Wellness Center in Topeka, KS, I take an individualized approach to functional nutrition, exploring your health history, nutritional needs, and genetic differences to help you make more informed decisions about your health.
Whether your goals involve managing your weight, improving energy, addressing digestive discomfort, supporting recovery, or simply feeling your best, nutrition isn't always one-size-fits-all. Your genetics, nutritional status, health history, and lifestyle can all influence how your body responds to different foods and nutrients. My approach to functional nutrition focuses on understanding these individual differences so we can develop practical dietary and wellness strategies that make sense for you.
At Prairie Wellness Center, my goal is to take the guesswork out of nutrition and supplementation. My training in Functional Genomic Analysis (FGA) informs my approach to understanding how genetic variations may influence nutrient metabolism, enzyme activity, and biochemical pathways. Depending on your needs, I may incorporate comprehensive genetic analysis through FGA or targeted genetic testing through Fagron Genomics. I consider genetic findings alongside your health history, laboratory results, nutritional status, and individual goals to develop personalized dietary and supplementation recommendations.
Genetic testing, considered alongside your health history and relevant laboratory results, can offer additional insight into variations that may influence how your body processes nutrients and carries out important biochemical functions. This information can help guide individualized nutrition and supplementation recommendations based on your needs.
Your genes provide instructions for making proteins, including enzymes involved in many essential processes throughout the body. Below are examples of genes included in genetic analyses and the biological pathways they help us explore.
Genetic Pathways We Explore
Folate, Methylation & Homocysteine Metabolism
MTHFR: This gene provides instructions for making methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, an enzyme involved in folate metabolism and one-carbon metabolism. The enzyme helps convert 5,10-methylene-THF into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), a form of folate used in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Genetic variants can influence enzyme activity and may affect folate status and homocysteine metabolism. Interpreting these findings alongside relevant laboratory results and individual nutritional needs can help inform personalized nutrition recommendations.
DHFR: This gene encodes dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme that converts dihydrofolate (DHF) into tetrahydrofolate (THF), a form of folate used in several essential biochemical pathways. DHFR also plays a role in the reduction of synthetic folic acid before it enters the reduced-folate pool. Genetic differences and other factors affecting this pathway may be relevant when considering folate metabolism and individual nutritional needs.
CBS: This gene provides instructions for making cystathionine beta-synthase, an enzyme involved in sulfur amino acid metabolism and the transsulfuration pathway. CBS helps convert homocysteine into cystathionine, linking methionine metabolism with the production of other important compounds. Genetic variants can influence enzyme function, although their effects depend on the specific variant and clinical context. Understanding this pathway can provide useful context when evaluating individual nutritional needs and relevant laboratory findings.
MTHFD1: This gene encodes a multifunctional enzyme involved in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism. It helps interconvert different forms of tetrahydrofolate that carry one-carbon units needed for DNA synthesis and other essential cellular processes. Certain genetic variants may influence enzyme function and folate metabolism, although their significance depends on the specific variant, nutritional status, and individual circumstances. Understanding this pathway provides additional insight into how folate supports cellular function.
BHMT: This gene encodes betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase, an enzyme that helps convert homocysteine back into methionine using betaine (trimethylglycine) as a methyl donor. This pathway operates primarily in the liver and kidneys and provides an alternative to the folate- and vitamin B12-dependent remethylation pathway. Genetic variations may influence BHMT enzyme activity, although their significance depends on the specific variant and individual metabolic context. Understanding this pathway highlights the interconnected roles of choline, betaine, folate, and methylation in nutritional biochemistry.
Neurotransmitter & Histamine Metabolism
GAD1 and GAD2: These genes encode glutamate decarboxylase enzymes, which convert glutamate into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Genetic variation may influence aspects of this pathway, but the effects depend on the specific variant and clinical context. GABA signaling is involved in regulating neuronal activity and plays an important role in normal nervous system function.
HNMT and ABP1 (AOC1): These genes are involved in histamine metabolism through different pathways. HNMT encodes histamine N-methyltransferase, which helps break down histamine inside cells. ABP1, also known as AOC1, encodes diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme that helps metabolize histamine, particularly in the digestive tract. Genetic variations may influence enzyme activity, although their effects depend on the specific variant and individual context. Understanding these pathways can provide useful context when exploring histamine-related concerns and individual nutritional needs.
COMT: This gene encodes catechol-O-methyltransferase, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of catecholamines, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. COMT uses S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor, connecting neurotransmitter metabolism with the body's methylation pathways. Certain genetic variants can influence COMT enzyme activity, although their effects on mood, stress responses, and other individual characteristics are complex and cannot be predicted from a single variant alone. Understanding this pathway can provide additional context when exploring the relationship between methylation and neurotransmitter metabolism.
MAOA and MAOB: These genes encode monoamine oxidase A and B, enzymes involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters and other monoamines. MAO-A helps metabolize serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, while MAO-B contributes to the metabolism of dopamine and certain other amines. Both enzymes are located on the outer mitochondrial membrane and participate in regulating monoamine metabolism. Genetic variations may influence enzyme activity, but their effects depend on the specific variant and other biological and environmental factors. Understanding these pathways provides additional insight into neurotransmitter regulation and its relationship to overall neurological function.
Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Defense & Detoxification Pathways
PON1: This gene provides instructions for making paraoxonase 1, an enzyme involved in lipid metabolism and the body's response to certain compounds. Genetic variations in PON1 can influence enzyme activity and have been studied in relation to the metabolism of some pesticides and other chemicals. The effects depend on the specific variant and exposure, so genetic findings are one piece of the larger picture when considering environmental and nutritional factors.
SOD, CAT, and glutathione-related genes: These genes are involved in the body's antioxidant defense systems. SOD enzymes help convert superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide; catalase (CAT) helps break down hydrogen peroxide; and glutathione-related enzymes support antioxidant defense and cellular redox balance. Genetic variations in these pathways may influence aspects of antioxidant activity, depending on the specific gene and variant. These pathways are relevant to understanding oxidative stress and the body's systems for maintaining cellular balance.
SUOX: This gene encodes sulfite oxidase, a mitochondrial enzyme that converts sulfite into sulfate during sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism. This process helps the body metabolize sulfite produced internally and encountered through certain foods and beverages. Rare pathogenic SUOX variants can severely impair enzyme function, while the significance of common genetic variations is less established. Understanding this pathway provides additional context when exploring sulfur metabolism and individual biochemical differences.
CYP (cytochrome P450) genes: This gene family encodes enzymes involved in the metabolism of many medications, environmental chemicals, and naturally occurring compounds. Certain CYP enzymes also contribute to caffeine metabolism. Genetic variants in specific CYP genes can influence enzyme activity and may affect how quickly some medications or other compounds are metabolized. The relevance depends on the particular gene, variant, and substance involved, making this information useful when interpreted in the appropriate clinical context.
G6PD: This gene encodes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that helps initiate the pentose phosphate pathway. This pathway produces NADPH, which supports antioxidant defense by helping maintain glutathione in its reduced form. G6PD activity is especially important in red blood cells, which rely on this system to protect against oxidative damage. Certain genetic variants can cause G6PD deficiency, an inherited condition that may increase susceptibility to red blood cell breakdown under specific oxidative stresses.
ALDH2: This gene encodes aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, a mitochondrial enzyme involved in converting acetaldehyde into acetate. Acetaldehyde can be produced during alcohol metabolism and through other metabolic processes. Certain ALDH2 variants reduce enzyme activity, potentially increasing acetaldehyde accumulation and influencing individual responses to alcohol and other aldehyde exposures. This pathway illustrates the importance of mitochondrial enzymes in processing reactive metabolic compounds and maintaining cellular health.
Digestive Health, Gut Microbiome & Immune Function
FUT2 and HLA: These genes play different roles in digestive and immune function. FUT2 influences the expression of certain sugars on mucosal surfaces, which can affect interactions between the body and its gut microbiome. HLA genes help regulate immune recognition, and particular variants may influence immune responses and susceptibility to certain conditions. Understanding these genetic differences can provide additional context when exploring digestive health and individual nutritional needs.
Vitamin D Signaling, Nitric Oxide & Cardiovascular Regulation
VDR: This gene encodes the vitamin D receptor, a nuclear receptor that binds the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D). Once activated, the receptor helps regulate the expression of genes involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, immune function, cellular differentiation, and other biological processes. Certain VDR variants have been studied for their potential influence on vitamin D signaling and individual health characteristics, although their effects depend on the specific variant and broader biological context. Understanding this pathway provides additional insight into how vitamin D contributes to cellular regulation beyond bone health.
NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3: These genes encode nitric oxide synthase enzymes, which produce nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine. NOS1 is involved in neuronal signaling, NOS2 plays an important role in immune and inflammatory responses, and NOS3 helps regulate vascular tone and blood vessel function. Nitric oxide synthase enzymes require several cofactors, including tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), FAD, FMN, and heme, with NADPH supplying electrons. Certain genetic variants may influence enzyme activity or nitric oxide signaling, although their effects depend on the specific variant and biological context. Understanding these pathways provides insight into the relationships among vascular function, immune regulation, and cellular signaling.
ACE: This gene encodes angiotensin-converting enzyme, which plays an important role in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a signaling molecule involved in blood vessel constriction, blood pressure regulation, and fluid balance. ACE also breaks down bradykinin, a peptide that promotes vasodilation. Certain ACE genetic variants have been associated with differences in circulating ACE activity, although their effects on cardiovascular health depend on multiple genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. Understanding this pathway provides additional context for exploring vascular regulation and individual biological differences.
Cellular Energy, DNA Repair & Autophagy
ATM: This gene provides instructions for making a protein involved in detecting DNA damage and coordinating cellular responses, including the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. ATM also helps regulate cell-cycle checkpoints and other processes that maintain genomic stability. Certain variants can impair these functions, although their effects depend on the specific genetic change. This pathway is important for understanding how cells respond to DNA damage and maintain genomic integrity.
MTOR: This gene encodes mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein kinase that functions within two major signaling complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. These complexes help coordinate cellular responses to nutrients, growth factors, and energy availability. mTORC1 promotes processes such as protein synthesis and cellular growth while generally suppressing autophagy when nutrients are plentiful. When nutrient availability is limited, reduced mTORC1 signaling can help permit autophagy, allowing cells to recycle damaged or unnecessary components. Genetic variations may affect aspects of mTOR signaling, although their significance depends on the specific variant and biological context. Understanding this pathway provides insight into the balance between cellular growth, maintenance, and recycling.
ULK1, BECN1, and ATG5: These genes encode proteins involved in autophagy, a cellular process that helps break down and recycle damaged proteins, organelles, and other cellular components. ULK1 participates in initiating autophagy and responds to signals from nutrient- and energy-sensing pathways, including mTOR and AMPK. BECN1 (beclin 1) helps regulate the formation of membranes involved in autophagosome development, while ATG5 contributes to autophagosome membrane expansion. Together, these pathways support cellular maintenance and adaptation to changing conditions. Genetic variants may influence autophagy-related functions, although their significance depends on the specific variant and available evidence. Understanding these processes provides insight into how cells maintain internal balance and respond to metabolic stress.
Calcium Signaling & Neuronal Excitability
CACNA1C: This gene encodes a component of the CaV1.2 voltage-gated calcium channel, which plays an important role in calcium signaling and neuronal excitability. Certain variants can influence channel function and have been associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. The significance of a particular variant depends on the specific genetic change and available evidence. Genetic findings may provide insight into biological pathways, but they do not independently establish sensitivity to electronic devices or predict an individual's neurological symptoms.
Genetic analysis can provide insight into a wide range of biological pathways, including digestive function, nutrient metabolism, neurotransmitter activity, antioxidant defenses, and cellular regulation. For example, certain genetic variations may influence lactose digestion, immune responses to specific foods, or interactions between the digestive tract and gut microbiome. These findings are most useful when considered alongside your symptoms, health history, dietary patterns, and relevant laboratory results. Together, this information can help us explore why your nutritional needs and responses to foods may differ from someone else's.
Functional nutrition explores how food, nutrients, and individual biological differences influence the body's biochemical processes. By considering your nutritional status, genetic variations, lifestyle, and health history, we can better understand factors that may affect nutrient metabolism, energy production, digestive function, and overall wellness. This individualized approach helps guide practical dietary and supplementation strategies designed around your unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
Magnesium is one example of a nutrient that plays an important role in numerous biochemical processes. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency and how magnesium supports your health.
Ready to take a more personalized approach to your nutrition and wellness? At Prairie Wellness Center in Topeka, KS, I offer individualized functional nutrition consultations and genetic analysis to help you better understand your body's unique biochemical needs. Whether you're interested in reviewing your current supplements, exploring genetic pathways, or developing practical nutrition strategies, we'll start with your health history and goals.
Text Prairie Wellness Center at 785-272-3878 to schedule your consultation, or book an appointment online.