What do your genes say about how much vitamin D you need?
Some people have inherited genes that decreased their ability to metabolize and utilize vitamin D. Having a low level of vitamin D, or even a vitamin D level on the lower end of normal, can be particularly dangerous for someone that has inherited the genes that hinder their ability to utilize vitamin D. Anyone that has inherited the genetic variant for the vitamin D genes needs to closely monitor their vitamin D through blood work, and consider increasing vitamin D so that their vitamin D levels are on the higher end of the acceptable range.
What health problems might be associated with inherited genes that hinder the ability to utilize vitamin D?
Health problems related to having inherited genes that hinder your ability to utilize vitamin D are far-reaching because vitamin D influences nearly 3,000 of your 20,000 genes. Some of the health problems that are related to having inherited the genes that hinder your ability utilize vitamin D include, but are not limited to:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Cancer, especially colon and breast cancer
- Bone loss, osteoporosis, osteopenia, impaired calcium absorption, and lower bone mineral density
- Decreased ability to detoxify
- Immune problems, autoimmune diseases, chronic infections
- Type II vitamin D-resistant rickets
- Neurological problems
- Increased risk of insulin resistance—A high vitamin D level can lead to lower rates of insulin resistance, which ultimately leads to lower blood sugar levels.
How do I find out if I have genes that hinder my ability to utilize vitamin D?
If you want to know if you have inherited one or more of the genes that hinder your ability to utilize vitamin D, then you can do genetic testing through “23andMe” and then run a genetic report through http://GeneticDetoxification.com. The GeneticDetoxification report will give you your specific genetic type for the vitamin D genes, and many more genes that are essential for promoting and maintaining health. Once you have completed the GeneticDetoxification report to find out if you are hindered in your ability to utilize vitamin D, then you can order the book by Dr. Christy Sutton Genetic Testing: Defining Your Path to a Personalized Health Plan to learn more about what your genetic type means for you health, and what you can consider doing to prevent health developing problems related to the genes you inherited from your parents.
What you need to know before you start taking vitamin D:
Vitamin D-3 and vitamin K-2 work better together
The best form of vitamin D to take is vitamin D-3. Some of the better vitamin D-3 supplements are combinations of both vitamin D-3 and vitamin K-2. I have found this combination to be the most effective for bone and cardiovascular health. Vitamin K-2 promotes calcium being deposited into the skeletal bones rather than in areas where it shouldn’t be deposited, such as the organs, arteries and joint space. Good bacteria in the intestines will make vitamin K-2. Some people are naturally low in vitamin K-2, and some people are genetically hindered in their ability to make vitamin K-2. Having the genetic variant for the ApoE 4 gene can hindered one’s ability to make vitamin K-2. You can learn more about the ApoE 4 gene, and if you have inherited this risk allele from doing the genetic test “23andMe”, and then ordering a personalized GeneticDetoxification report to go along with the book Genetic Testing: Defining Your Path to a Personalized Health Plan.
These Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This is intended for information purposes only.
“23andMe” is a registered trademark of 23andMe®, Inc. Christy Sutton D.C. and DC&K, PLLC are not affiliated with 23andMe®.
