Vitamins and minerals

Why does a balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements not always guarantee the absence of deficiencies?

Vitamins and minerals come with food or supplements. But nutrient metabolism is a long journey between intake and assimilation: absorption, transport, conversion to an active form and delivery to cells. At each of these stages there is a place for hereditary features of the body's work.

For example, two people having the same level of vitamin D in their blood does not mean that they will each experience the same effect. How well the body responds to the vitamin may be related to genetic variants of certain receptors. Another example is folate: genetic variants reduce the ability to convert it to methylfolate — and a standard blood test does not show this.

This DNA nutrition test assesses inherited metabolic characteristics of 23 nutrients. These data are stable throughout life and complement blood test results — rooted in nutrigenetics, this is the value of a nutrigenomics test.

What indicators does the test evaluate?

Water-soluble vitamins: group B and vitamin C

Genetically determined features of the absorption and metabolism of B vitamins and vitamin C are analyzed.

• B1, B3, B5 are necessary for mitochondrial energy production:

• B1 is involved in the conversion of carbohydrates,

• B3 is a precursor to NAD+,

• B5 is a precursor to the key component of coenzyme A.

• B6 is involved in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Hereditary features of the conversion of B6 to its active form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, are being evaluated.

• B9 (folic acid) must be converted to methylfolate. The efficiency of this conversion may be influenced by genetics. Variants associated with methylation and homocysteine levels are being analyzed — especially relevant for women of reproductive age.

• B12 is necessary for myelination of nerve fibers and hematopoiesis. Its deficiency develops slowly and imperceptibly. Genetic factors of absorption and transport are determined.

• Vitamin C is an antioxidant and cofactor for collagen synthesis and iron absorption. Genetic features that influence individual vitamin C requirements are being analyzed.

Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, K

• vitamin A from beta-carotene, but its conversion to the active form depends on the enzyme BCMO1. In some people, this process is genetically slowed down. Hereditary features of the conversion and absorption of vitamin A are being evaluated.

• Vitamin D is one of the most studied nutrients in the context of genetics. Genetic variants can affect how effectively the body uses this vitamin. Hereditary features of vitamin D receptor sensitivity and metabolism are being analyzed.

• Vitamins E and K provide antioxidant protection and regulate blood clotting and bone mineralization. Genetic features of the transport, absorption, and distribution of these vitamins are being determined.

Minerals and electrolytes

• Calcium and phosphorus work synergistically to maintain bone density. Genetic characteristics of transport proteins are associated with the bioavailability of calcium — how much can actually be absorbed. Hereditary characteristics of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone mineralization are analyzed.

• Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions. Genetic variants in transport proteins can affect how much magnesium actually stays in the body. Hereditary features of magnesium transport and utilization are being evaluated.

• Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Genetic features that influence the efficiency of iron absorption from food are analyzed.

• Sodium and potassium are electrolytes that regulate water balance, blood pressure, and neuromuscular conduction. Genetic variants may explain sodium sensitivity—in particular, how much salt intake affects blood pressure—and potassium metabolism, which affects muscle and heart function.

• Iodine is a nutrient necessary for the functioning of the thyroid gland, and is also critically important for brain function, immunity, thermoregulation, and general metabolism. Ukraine is an endemic area of iodine deficiency. Genetic features are associated with vulnerability to its consequences. Hereditary features associated with the need for iodine are analyzed.

Micronutrients

This DNA micronutrient test evaluates hereditary factors of metabolism for each trace element:

• Zinc is responsible for immune function, tissue healing, and reproductive health. Genetic variants in transport proteins affect the efficiency of zinc absorption.

• Selenium is an antioxidant and cofactor for thyroid enzymes. Genetically determined requirements vary between individuals.

• Copper is involved in iron metabolism and nerve cell protection.

• Molybdenum is a cofactor of detoxification enzymes, in particular sulfite oxidase.

• Cobalt is a structural component of vitamin B12.

Hereditary factors of micronutrient absorption and metabolism are determined for each trace element.

Who is this test relevant to?

• People with chronic fatigue and reduced concentration: a genetic nutrition test assesses characteristics of nutrient absorption related to energy metabolism.

• For vegetarians, vegans, and people with dietary restrictions: genetic predisposition affects how B12, iron, zinc, calcium, and iodine are absorbed — these nutrients are already at risk in a plant-based diet, and genetic characteristics further affect their functional availability.

• For women and men 30+ who want to act preventively: a DNA nutrition test provides knowledge about individual characteristics of nutrient metabolism to form an effective strategy together with a doctor before deficiencies appear.

• For those who take supplements: a vitamin and mineral DNA test helps rely on individual genetic characteristics to make informed dietary changes and choose effective forms and dosages with a doctor.

Genetic testing for vitamins and minerals is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for a doctor's consultation. The Apixmed Prism report provides genetic context — data that complements blood test and examination results and helps you make decisions about nutrition and supplements together with your doctor.