Genetic Nutrient Core Requirements Test

Defects in nutrient requirements are wide and varied and have been associated with many clinical conditions including, but not limited to:

Obesity

Poor immunity

Poor night vision

Cardiovascular disease

Neurological conditions

Premature ageing

Osteoporosis

Neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s Disease

The genetic Nutrient Requirement Test assesses genes associated with the below:

HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1

These two genes belong to the Human Leukocyte Antigen family, which plays a central role in helping the immune system tell the difference between the body’s own proteins and those from foreign sources such as bacteria or viruses. Specific variants in HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 produce the DQ2 and DQ8 genotypes, which are the strongest known genetic risk factors for coeliac disease — an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Carrying either variant increases susceptibility to the condition but is not in itself diagnostic; many people carry the risk genotype without ever developing coeliac disease. These variants also carry broader autoimmune associations including type 1 diabetes.

LCT — Lactase

LCT encodes the lactase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar naturally present in milk and dairy products. In much of the world’s population, lactase production declines after childhood. Variants in the LCT gene determine whether this enzyme activity is maintained into adulthood (lactase persistence) or not. Those without persistence are more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms when consuming dairy, including bloating, wind, and loose stools.

Caffeine — CYP1A2, ADORA2A

CYP1A2 — Caffeine Metabolism

CYP1A2 encodes a liver enzyme that is primarily responsible for metabolising caffeine. Variants in this gene determine whether an individual breaks down caffeine quickly (fast metaboliser) or slowly (slow metaboliser). Slow metabolisers retain caffeine in circulation for longer, which has been associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular effects and greater sensitivity to caffeine’s stimulant and sleep-disrupting properties.

ADORA2A — Adenosine Receptor

ADORA2A encodes the adenosine A2A receptor, which caffeine targets by blocking adenosine signalling in the brain — the mechanism through which caffeine produces its stimulant effect. Variants in this gene influence individual sensitivity to caffeine, particularly its tendency to provoke anxiety or disrupt sleep. Some individuals with certain ADORA2A variants report significant anxiousness or sleep difficulties even at relatively low caffeine intakes.

Microbiome — FUT2

FUT2 — Secretor Status and Microbiome Diversity

The FUT2 gene determines secretor status — whether certain carbohydrate structures are expressed on the gut lining and in bodily fluids. This has a direct effect on the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome, particularly levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium species. Non-secretors, who carry inactivating variants, tend to have a less diverse gut microbiome, which can have implications for both digestive and immune health. FUT2 variants are also associated with reduced absorption of vitamin B12 and lower circulating levels of this nutrient, which is why this gene also appears in the vitamins panel.

Vitamins — BCO1, MTHFR, FUT2, TCN2, SLC23A1, COL1A1, GC, VDR, VKORC1

BCO1 — Vitamin A

BCO1 encodes the enzyme that converts beta-carotene from plant foods into retinol, the active form of vitamin A that the body can use. Variants in this gene reduce the efficiency of this conversion, meaning those affected may not be able to rely on plant-based sources such as carrots, pumpkins, and leafy greens to meet their vitamin A needs. Instead, they may benefit from obtaining retinol directly from animal sources including liver, eggs, and fish oils, or from a retinol-form supplement.

MTHFR — Folate (Vitamin B9)

MTHFR encodes methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, the enzyme that converts dietary folate into its active methylated form — methylfolate — which the body uses in the methylation cycle. This process underpins DNA synthesis, cell division, homocysteine regulation, and neurotransmitter production. Common MTHFR variants reduce enzyme activity, increasing the need for dietary folate or supplementation with the pre-activated methylfolate form rather than folic acid. This gene is also central to the Lifecode Gx® Methylation Report.

TCN2 — Vitamin B12 Transport

TCN2 encodes transcobalamin II, the primary transport protein that carries vitamin B12 from the gut into the bloodstream and into cells. Variants in this gene can impair intracellular delivery of B12, meaning that an individual may have apparently normal serum B12 levels but still have reduced functional availability at a cellular level. Together with FUT2, this gene is an important consideration when assessing B12 status.

SLC23A1 — Vitamin C

SLC23A1 encodes a transporter protein involved in the intestinal absorption of vitamin C. Variants can reduce uptake efficiency, potentially leading to lower circulating vitamin C levels even with adequate dietary intake. As vitamin C is essential for immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defence, variants in this gene may indicate higher dietary requirements.

COL1A1 — Collagen and Vitamin C

COL1A1 encodes a structural component of type I collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, found in bone, skin, tendons, and connective tissue. Variants can affect collagen quality and integrity, with potential implications for bone mineral density, skin health, and joint resilience. This gene is relevant in the context of vitamin C, which is an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis.

GC — Vitamin D Binding Protein

The GC gene encodes the vitamin D binding protein, which transports vitamin D through the bloodstream to target tissues. Variants affect how much vitamin D is carried and made available to cells, meaning that standard serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurements may not fully capture functional vitamin D status at a tissue level. This can have implications for interpretation of test results and for supplementation decisions.

VDR — Vitamin D Receptor

VDR encodes the vitamin D receptor, through which vitamin D exerts its effects on gene expression across a wide range of tissues, including those involved in immune regulation, bone metabolism, and inflammation. Variants can reduce receptor sensitivity, meaning that even adequate serum vitamin D levels may produce a blunted biological response. This gene is also assessed in the Lifecode Gx® Thyroid Balance report.

VKORC1 — Vitamin K

VKORC1 encodes the enzyme that recycles vitamin K into its active form. Vitamin K is essential for activating clotting factors and proteins involved in bone mineralisation, including osteocalcin. Variants in this gene affect how efficiently vitamin K is regenerated and are also clinically significant in relation to warfarin sensitivity, as this gene is a primary determinant of individual dosing requirements for the anticoagulant.

Blood Pressure — ACE, AGT

ACE — Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme

ACE encodes the angiotensin-converting enzyme, a central component of the renin-angiotensin system that controls blood pressure and fluid balance by converting angiotensin I into the vasoconstricting hormone angiotensin II. Variants are associated with altered enzyme activity and varying degrees of salt sensitivity, cardiovascular risk, and blood pressure regulation. This gene is also relevant to how individuals may respond to ACE inhibitor medications.

AGT — Angiotensinogen

AGT encodes angiotensinogen, the precursor protein that feeds into the renin-angiotensin system upstream of ACE. Variants are associated with elevated blood pressure, particularly in the context of high sodium intake. Assessed alongside ACE, AGT helps build a picture of an individual’s genetic predisposition to salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiovascular risk.

Detoxification — GSTM1
GSTM1 — Glutathione and Detoxification

GSTM1 encodes glutathione S-transferase mu 1, a phase II detoxification enzyme that conjugates glutathione to toxins, carcinogens, oxidative by-products, and certain drugs to facilitate their elimination from the body. Some individuals carry a complete deletion of the GSTM1 gene, resulting in entirely absent enzyme activity. This null variant is associated with a reduced capacity to manage oxidative stress and environmental toxic load, and may indicate a greater need for dietary and lifestyle strategies to support antioxidant defence.

Metabolism — FADS1/2, FTO, TCF7L2, PGC1A, LEPR

FADS1 and FADS2 — Fatty Acid Desaturases

FADS1 and FADS2 encode the desaturase enzymes responsible for elongating and desaturating short-chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids obtained from food into the longer-chain forms — such as EPA, DHA, and arachidonic acid — that the body uses in cell membranes, brain tissue, and inflammatory signalling. Variants reduce this conversion efficiency, affecting the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory fatty acids and potentially influencing cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic health.

FTO — Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein

FTO is often referred to as the ‘fat gene’ because of its well-established link to appetite and body composition. According to Lifecode Gx®, it is highly expressed in the hypothalamus and other tissues including the heart, kidneys, and fat cells. Variants are associated with lower leptin levels, higher ghrelin levels, and a stronger drive toward calorie-dense foods. A SNP on this gene has been consistently linked in research to higher BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage — on average approximately 3kg heavier in carriers. Lifecode Gx® notes that rhubarb and green tea have inhibitory effects on FTO activity.

TCF7L2 — Blood Sugar and Insulin

TCF7L2 is involved in regulating blood glucose by influencing insulin production in the pancreatic beta cells. According to Lifecode Gx®, variants in this gene lead to its over-expression, which is associated with reduced first-phase insulin release and a heightened risk of hyperglycaemia. Over time this can contribute to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and increased gestational diabetes risk. Lifecode Gx® identifies flavonoids, curcumin, green tea, resveratrol, and lupeol (found in olives, mangoes, and strawberries) as natural modulators of TCF7L2 activity.

PGC1A — Energy Metabolism and Mitochondria

PGC1A (PPAR-gamma coactivator 1-alpha) acts as a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism. Lifecode Gx® describes it as a transcription factor that activates genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, glucose utilisation, heat production, and the conversion of muscle fibre type toward slow-twitch (endurance) fibres. Variants are associated with lower PGC1A activity and a greater susceptibility to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Lifecode Gx® notes that exercise, fasting, caloric restriction, ketogenic diet, cold exposure, and heat therapy can all upregulate PGC1A activity, as can SIRT1 activation.

LEPR — Leptin Receptor

LEPR encodes the leptin receptor in the brain, through which the satiety hormone leptin communicates the body’s energy status. Lifecode Gx® explains that because fat cells produce leptin in proportion to fat mass, individuals with greater adiposity have higher circulating leptin. This can lead to leptin resistance — a progressive loss of receptor sensitivity — in which the brain no longer registers the satiety signal effectively, perpetuating hunger. Variants on the LEPR gene can produce the same receptor insensitivity even independently of fat mass. Lifecode Gx® notes that omega-3 fatty acids, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help improve leptin sensitivity.

Inflammation — TNF, IFNG

TNF — Tumour Necrosis Factor

TNF encodes tumour necrosis factor, a cytokine that plays a central role in initiating and coordinating the acute inflammatory response. It is important in mounting an immune response against infection, but when dysregulated or chronically elevated, TNF can drive systemic inflammation associated with autoimmune conditions and metabolic dysfunction. Variants in this gene are assessed in the Nutrient Core report for their contribution to inflammatory profile. Lifecode Gx® also includes TNF in its Metabolics report under the mitochondria and inflammation pathway.

IFNG — Interferon Gamma

IFNG encodes interferon gamma, a cytokine central to both the innate and adaptive immune response, particularly in defending against intracellular pathogens and in regulating inflammatory activity. Variants can influence an individual’s immune reactivity and inflammatory tendency. Assessed alongside TNF, IFNG provides insight into genetic predisposition to both specific infection response and systemic inflammation.

Circadian Rhythm — CLOCK, PER1

CLOCK — Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput

CLOCK is one of the core transcription factors driving the body’s internal 24-hour biological clock, coordinating the timing of sleep and wakefulness, hormone release, metabolic processes, and cellular repair. Variants in this gene contribute to an individual’s natural chronotype — whether they are predisposed to being an early riser or a night owl. Misalignment between genetic chronotype and actual sleep-wake behaviour, such as in shift workers or those with irregular routines, is associated with adverse metabolic and health outcomes. Lifecode Gx® also assesses CLOCK in the context of appetite and circadian control of feeding behaviour.

PER1 — Period Circadian Regulator 1

PER1 encodes a protein that forms part of the negative feedback loop controlling the timing of the circadian cycle. It works in concert with CLOCK to fine-tune the rhythm of biological processes across the body. Variants affect sleep timing, sleep quality, and the degree to which an individual’s internal clock can adapt to external time cues. Chronic misalignment between genetic circadian timing and lifestyle has been associated with increased risk of metabolic and immune dysregulation.

Buccal cheek swab.

Collecting your samples for the genetic Nutrient Requirement test is simple, it is a non invasive cheek swab and is suitable for all ages as long as a cheek swab can be collected.

You need to have a break from eating and drinking at least one hour before doing the genetic nutrient requirement test.

As the test is looking at genetic code, which is fixed, the test is not impacted by illness, infections, medication, the food you eat, or supplements you take. To avoid contamination of the sample, please abstain from eating/drinking for at least 1 hour before testing.

The genetic nutrient requirement test is available for anyone, including children, with the consent of a parent or guardian. When testing a child under 18, parental consent is required.

UK Orders

Non UK Orders

The turnaround time for genetic testing varies between 2.5 and 3.5 week. Most results are back in 2.5 weeks. However the laboratory runs samples in batches which occasionally means results take up to 3.5 weeks.

Your genetic nutrient requirement test results will be emailed to you.

We are here to offer ongoing support as you progress through your health journey, regardless of your test results. Should you have any inquiries or require additional assistance we are happy to help you.

Your next steps

If you feel you need additional support in addressing your health concerns, we suggest considering collaboration with the Functional Medicine and Nutrition Consultations Clinic. (website coming soon)

More information about the team of qualified functional medicine and registered Nutritional therapy practitioners that are ready to help you.

How much will it cost.

£150 an hour but you will also receive a £20 off your first appointment discount code with the results.

How many sessions will I need to understand my Genetic Nutrient Requirement test result

Many people book a 1 hour session to go over and understand their results.And lots of people want further ongoing support as they want to address their health concerns in more details.

Which lab do you use to process the genetic nutrient requirement test results?

We use lifecodeGX for our genetic nutrient requirement test.

Is the laboratory processing my genetic nutrient requirement results accredited and reputable?

Each test is processed in an ISO certified UK laboratory and all samples are completely destroyed after 3 months. All client genotyping data is marked for destruction after 5 months and completely destroyed by 6 months.

Please see the ISO Certifications below:

• Certification to ISO 9001 for business processes;
• Certification to ISO 13485 for the manufacturing of substances that support health care processes and systems;
• Accreditation to ISO 17025, for laboratory testing and calibration services;
• Compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) for pharmaceutical studies and pharmaceutical related processes;
• Accreditation to ISO 17043 for the operation and management of proficiency testing schemes;
• Accreditation to ISO 17034 for reference material production facilities.

Does the laboratory provide the raw data file?

LifeCodeGX does not provide the raw data. It is only used as a means to produce the report and therefore not produced in the report.

Shipping times

• U.K. orders placed by 3pm are shipped the same day, by first class Royal Mail, and usually arrive next day.
• If you need a test kit to be delivered by next day, we can usually offer an upgrade to Special Delivery ‘guaranteed’ by 1pm. The price is £10, and we ask that you email us to request this as early as possible (ideally before midday).
• Overseas orders placed by midday are shipped the same day. The delivery date is dependent on location.
• when sending test kits to UK customers, we include a pre-paid (first class postage) envelope for them to return their sample back to us.

Is it possible to run more tests from 1 sample?

If you did your genetic test within 3 months we can upgrade it without you needing a new DNA kit.

23&Me data 

We don’t use data from any third parties like 23&Me. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include many of the important SNPs that are needed to perform our analysis and produce our detailed reports. We also prefer to use our own testing and data for confidentiality reasons. All of our packages include a Lifecode Gx DNA test to ensure completeness and accuracy.