DNA LIFE®
Give your body exactly what it needs
where it needs it
Every cell in the human body contains genes that determine all our physical, emotional and intellectual traits, and in fact, greatly influence our health and physical fitness as well our predisposition to disease and response to medication. These genes are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), and are the template to make proteins in our body. We inherit our genes from our parents and pass them onto our children.
The interesting thing about human DNA is that 99% of its constituents are identical between individuals, and only the remaining 1% are unique. This unique one percent contains small variations known as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), and these little variations make each one of us the distinct person that we are.
INTRODUCING DNA LIFE
WHY DNA LIFE?
DNA Life is one of the specialised tests that study SNPs, therefore providing crucial insights into our genetic makeup and our body’s functioning. This, in turn, can help individuals make informed choices based upon which treatments, supplements, therapies, and regimes they would respond most positively to. It also helps to trace the roots of (and determine the genetic basis of) various physical, psychological, and behavioural conditions. Ultimately, all of this holds the key to providing an individualised plan to people in a manner that is specially tailored to them, from their diet to their medicine and even their exercise regimes. It’s fair to say that DNA Life holds the key to understanding an individual’s unique genetic makeup, and is a must for anyone undergoing vitamin nutrient therapy.
HOW DOES DNA LIFE WORK?
DNA Life is dedicated to providing an accurate interpretation of genetic test results. Our cutting edge genetic tests (DNA Diet, DNA Health, DNA Sport, DNA Oestrogen) provide valuable information to individuals from across their personal health spectrum; from information regarding weight management and risk of chronic diseases, to optimal training and recovery strategies.
Just as every person responds and reacts to different foods differently due to their genetic makeup, genetic testing and ‘nutrigenomics’ are the future of individualised healthcare. Although reliable genetic testing is readily available for clinical use, genetics is still a relatively new clinical frontier. Until recently, practitioners and clients have been left to educate themselves in this exciting area of clinical science, but the in-clinic genetic test is now a reality. It is for those reasons that Nordic Laboratories and DNAlysis Biotechnology created DNA Life.
WHY ARE SNPS IMPORTANT?
We know that a SNP is a variation in a single nucleotide that occurs at a specific position in the genome. Although SNPs alone will not cause disease, they can predict which diseases an individual is prone to have and change their level of responsiveness to environmental factors.
GENETIC TESTING AND WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT
Genetic testing is a type of medical test that involves the detection of specific alleles, mutations, genotypes or karyotypes that are associated with heritable traits, diseases or predispositions to disease for the individual or for their descendants. It identifies changes in chromosomes, genes and proteins by getting to the basis of a patient’s biochemistry. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition.
NUTRIGENOMIC TESTING AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
Nutrigenomics testing helps in identifying and evaluating certain genetic markers. DNA Life testing provides a comprehensive report along with recommendations to help a person in achieving the fitness level they desire, as well as determining a patient’s unique metabolic needs. It’s common to take supplements with the hope of improving our nutrition, but we lack the specific knowledge or a scientific basis for our nutritional needs, and usually end up wasting our money on supplements with little to no benefit. Personalised genetic testing solves this problem by providing clients with a targeted, concrete, evidence-based account of their specific nutritional needs. Nutrigenomic services are totally safe and completely non-invasive, requiring only a cheek swab or saliva for a functional sample.
DNA HEALTH AND THE VALUE OF
GENETIC TESTING
DNA Health tests investigate SNPs that provide information about genetic variations, which are frequently seen in the population (> 5%). SNPs can have a profound effect on the functioning of the genes in which they are found. This, in turn, affects the biological pathway in which the gene is active, affecting metabolic functions that are important for maintaining a positive state of health.
It is highly unlikely that this form of genetic DNA testing will lead to findings of serious genetic diseases, but the knowledge of a patient’s SNPs offers a powerful health advantage, enabling practitioners to prescribe precise vitamin nutrient therapies, and make lifestyle as well as nutritional recommendations (Nutrigenomics), all aimed at compensating for genetic variants.
TEST PROCEDURE
The laboratory analyses the client's DNA using a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which amplifies tiny quantities of DNA to detectable levels, before looking for specific genetic variations, or ‘SNPs’, in the DNA.
CLINICAL VALUE
- Highlights specific metabolic pathways that may require extra support
- Provides recommendations that involve optimising the quantities of certain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
- Suggests whether an individual is better able to reduce their cholesterol levels through diet, as opposed to through medication
- Provides an indication of the degree of susceptibility to the harmful effects of carcinogens ingested in the diet
DNA HEALTH TEST REPORT CONTENTS
- The report provides:
- The level of impact of any genetic variants identified
- An explanation of their impact on health
- Appropriate nutritional and lifestyle recommenda- tions
The results are divided in sections of key metabolic function, so that genetic weaknesses and strengths within a functional area can be easily identified.
TEST RESULTS
The results are presented in a report, which provides a list of all the genes tested and describes their impact on the relevant metabolic or biochemical process.
Some gene variations are advantageous, whilst others may contribute to increased health risks. Their level of influence is indicated in the test report using a gene impact scale.
The DNA Health test reports on genes involved in the following metabolic areas:
- Lipid metabolism
- Methylation
- Bone health
- Inflammation
The DNA Health test is designed to optimise clients' wellbeing and health by personalising their vitamin nutrient therapies and supplements in order to offset nutritional deficiencies based on specific gene variants. The DNA Health test establishes the optimal nutrition necessary for good health, longevity, and disease risk mitigation.
Diet is a key factor in determining genomic stability as it impacts on all relevant pathways: exposure to dietary carcinogens, biotransformation, DNA repair and synthesis, and apoptosis. Current recommended dietary allowances for vitamins and minerals are based largely on the prevention of diseases or deficiency.
However, because diseases of lifestyle are partly caused by damage to DNA, it stands to reason that attention should be paid towards defining optimal requirements of key minerals and vitamins for preventing genomic instability. Additional attention should be paid to individuals with genetic polymorphisms that alter the bioavailability of specific micronutrients, and the affinity of specific key enzymes for their micronutrient co-factors.
