My Colour is Blue

“Strong Bones, Sharp Signals, Balanced Iron — Build, Burn, and Balance for Lifelong Vitality.”

Bone Health

Our bones are not a fixed structure. Our cells work continuously to dissolve old bone and create new bone tissue. After the age of 30, both men and women start losing bone mass; the loss is particularly marked in women after menopause.  According to the latest research ,both nutrition and genetic factors play an important role in determining bone health.

Gene Name	Genetic Variation	Your Result	Gene Impact
VDR	Fok1 T>C	TC	low impacted
	Bsm1 G>A	GA	low impacted
	Taq1 C>T	TC	low impacted
COL1A1	1546 G>T	TG	moderately impacted

VDR

Peak bone mass is, to a great extent, genetically determined. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene accounts for around  70% of the entire genetic influence on bone density, playing an important role in calcium homeostasis, bone cell growth and differentiation, and intestinal calcium absorption. 

FOK1 T>C / TC – poorer calcium absorption

The FOK1 gene isn’t actually a gene by itself — it’s a name used to refer to a variation (or polymorphism) in a gene called VDR, which stands for Vitamin D Receptor.

Breaking it down:

• Your body uses vitamin D for many important things, like helping bones stay strong, supporting the immune system, and controlling inflammation.
  
• The VDR gene gives instructions for making the vitamin D receptor, a protein that helps your cells use vitamin D properly.
  
• FOK1 is the name of a specific change in the VDR gene, like a tiny spelling change in your DNA.
  

This change can affect how well your vitamin D receptor works. Some people have a version of this gene that may make the receptor more or less active, which can influence:

• How your body responds to vitamin D
  
• Bone health
  
• Immune system function
  
• Risk for certain diseases
  

Bsm1 G>A / GA – Low Impact

The T (A) allele is associated with reduced BMD in a dose-dependent manner and predisposes to osteoporosis, especially when calcium intake is low.

Just like Fok1, Bsm1 is not a gene itself. It refers to a specific variation (or genetic marker) in the VDR gene, which stands for Vitamin D Receptor.

Let’s break it down in easy terms:

• Your body uses vitamin D to help with things like bone strength, immunity, and overall health.
  
• The VDR gene is the instruction manual for making the vitamin D receptor, a special protein in your cells that helps your body respond to vitamin D.
  
• Bsm1 is the name scientists give to a tiny difference in the DNA sequence of the VDR gene. Think of it like a small typo or variation in the instruction manual.
  

This variation doesn’t change the protein itself, but it may influence how much of the receptor your body makes, kind of like changing how loud or quiet a speaker is, rather than changing the music itself.

Why does it matter?

Depending on which version of the Bsm1 variation a person has, their body might:

• Use vitamin D more or less efficiently,
  
• Have different risks for conditions like osteoporosis or immune system issues.
  

So, Bsm1 is just a helpful marker for researchers and doctors to understand how someone’s body might handle vitamin D, based on their genes.

Taq1 C>T / TC – The variation does not lead to an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Taq1 is the name of a specific variation (or marker) in a gene called VDR — short for Vitamin D Receptor.

Here’s how it works:

• Your body uses vitamin D to support healthy bones, a strong immune system, and overall wellness.
  
• The VDR gene gives instructions for making the vitamin D receptor, which helps your cells “recognise” and use vitamin D properly.
  
• Taq1 refers to a tiny change in the DNA of the VDR gene, like a small tweak in a recipe.
  

This variation is named after a lab technique (using an enzyme called TaqI) used to detect it, not because it’s a special gene.

What does it mean for your health?

Depending on which version of the Taq1 variation someone has, their vitamin D receptor might:

• Work slightly differently,
  
• Affects how well the body responds to vitamin D,
  
• Influence things like bone health, immune response, or disease risk.
  

So in short, Taq1 is a genetic variation in the vitamin D receptor gene that may affect how your body uses vitamin D, but it’s just one small piece of the puzzle when it comes to health.

COL1A1 1546 G>T / TG

Type 1 collagen is the main building protein in your bones, kind of like the strong fibres in concrete that help hold everything together.

To make type 1 collagen, your body combines three pieces:

• Two collagen alpha-1 chains (think of them like two identical ropes),
  
• And one collagen alpha-2 chain (a slightly different rope).
  

These three chains twist together to form a strong, triple-helix structure, which gives your bones strength and flexibility, like tightly braided cables.

So in everyday terms, Your bones are made strong by a protein called type 1 collagen, which is built from two of one kind of chain and one of another kind, all twisted together like a sturdy rope.

There is a gene in your body called COL1A1 that helps control how your body makes type 1 collagen — the main protein that gives your bones strength.

What’s the “T allele”?

Think of the “T allele” as a specific version of this gene, like a setting on a machine. If someone has this version, it can change how collagen is made in the bones.

What happens with this version?

• It throws off the balance of collagen parts being made.
  
• This can cause bones not to harden (mineralise) properly, making them weaker.
  
• As a result, bones become more fragile and break more easily, especially if calcium levels are low.

What should people with the T allele do?

• Since they’re at greater risk of fractures and bone loss, especially with low calcium, it’s important they get enough calcium through food or supplements. 

Doctor’s recommendation: 

• Follow up with Vitamin D – bloodspot test and Bone resorption assessment
• Ensure adequate Vit D and calcium intake, as well as other nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, boron, Vit K, Zinc and manganese.
• Also include load-bearing exercises to help maintain adequate bone mineral density.

So, What about Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin,” and it’s essential for both your body and your brain to function well. Here’s a simple breakdown of why it matters:

🌞 In the Body:

1. Bone Health
   • Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
     
   • Without enough vitamin D, bones can become brittle, weak, or soft (leading to conditions like rickets in children or osteoporosis in adults).
     
2. Immune System Support
   
   • It helps your immune system fight off viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of infections.
     
3. Muscle Function
   
   • It supports muscle strength and function, which helps with balance and reduces the risk of falls (especially in older adults).
     
4. Inflammation Control
   
   • Vitamin D helps reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to many diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
     

🧠 In the Brain:

1. Mood and Mental Health
   
   • Low vitamin D levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
     
   • Vitamin D plays a role in making and regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, important for feeling calm and happy.
     
2. Brain Protection
   
   • It may help protect brain cells from damage and support healthy brain ageing.
     
   • Research suggests it could lower the risk of cognitive decline and possibly conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
     
3. Development and Function
   
   • In children and teens, vitamin D is important for brain development.
     
   • In adults, it helps keep thinking, memory, and focus sharp.
     

Vitamin D	CYP2R1	A>G	GG	severely impacted
	GC	T>G	GT	moderately impacted
		1296 G>T	TG	moderately impacted

CYP2R1 A>G / GG

Your body can’t use vitamin D right away — it has to be changed into its active form through two steps, like preparing a raw ingredient into something your body can actually use.

What does CYP2R1 do?

• CYP2R1 is a gene that works in your liver.
  
• It gives instructions for making an enzyme (a kind of helper protein) called 25-hydroxylase.
  
• This enzyme does the first important step: it converts vitamin D into a form called 25(OH)D, also known as calcidiol.
  

Think of it like this:

Vitamin D activation is a two-step process. First, the enzyme CYP2R1 (25-hydroxylase) in the liver converts vitamin D to calcidiol (25(OH)D). Then, the kidneys further convert calcidiol to the active form, calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D)

Why does this matter?

• Calcidiol (25(OH)D) is the form that doctors measure in blood tests to check your vitamin D levels.
  
• Without CYP2R1 doing its job in the liver, your body can’t properly start the process of activating vitamin D, which can lead to weak bones, low energy, or immune problems.
  

CYP2R1 is a gene in the liver that helps start the process of turning vitamin D into its usable form. It’s like the first step in “unlocking” vitamin D so your body can actually use it for bone health, immunity, and more.

GC T>G / GT

The GC gene (short for group-specific component) plays an important role in how vitamin D travels through your body.

What does it do?

• The GC gene gives instructions to make a special protein called vitamin D binding protein (DBP).
  
• This protein acts like a taxi for vitamin D — it picks it up in your blood and carries it to the parts of your body that need it, like your bones, muscles, or immune system.
  

Why is this important?

• Even if you have enough vitamin D, your body needs DBP to move it around.
  
• Without this transport system, vitamin D can’t get to where it’s needed, which can affect your health.
  

In short: The GC gene helps make a protein that works like a delivery service for vitamin D — picking it up in your blood and making sure it reaches the right places in your body.

Some people have a version of a gene called the GT genotype that affects how their body handles vitamin D.

What does this mean?

• People with the GT version often have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood (specifically, lower 25(OH)D, which is the form measured in tests).
  
• Even if they take vitamin D supplements, their levels might not go up as much as in people without this version of the gene.
  

What should they do?

If you have the GT genotype, it’s extra important to:

• Get enough vitamin D from food (like fortified foods, egg yolks, or mushrooms),
  
• Spend safe time in the sun, which helps your body make vitamin D naturally.
  
• Take vitamin D supplements when needed — and possibly have your levels monitored to make sure you’re getting enough.
  

In short: If you have the GT gene type, your body may not raise vitamin D levels as easily, even with supplements, so it’s important to stay on top of getting enough through food, sunlight, and extra support if needed.

GC 1296 G>T / TG

Some people have a version of a gene called the TG genotype, which affects how their body handles vitamin D.

What does this mean?

• People with the TG version tend to have:
  
  • Lower levels of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) — the protein that carries vitamin D through the blood to where it’s needed.
    
  • As a result, they also often have lower overall vitamin D levels in their body.
    
• The T version (or T allele) of this gene may also raise the risk of developing certain health problems, especially when vitamin D is too low:
  
  • Metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and belly fat),
    
  • COPD (a chronic lung disease),
    
  • And some types of cancer.
    

What should people with the TG genotype do?

To reduce the risk of health issues, it’s especially important to:

• Get enough vitamin D from food (like fortified products, egg yolks, and mushrooms),
  
• Spend safe time in the sun to help the body make vitamin D,
  
• Take vitamin D supplements if needed to keep levels in a healthy range.
  

In short: If you have the TG version of this gene, your body may not carry or store vitamin D as well, which can lead to low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of certain health issues. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about getting enough vitamin D through diet, sunlight, or supplements.

Insulin Sensitivity:

Insulin is a hormone that stimulates the uptake of glucose from the diet into the cells. Those with lowered sensitivity to insulin have a limited ability to respond to the hormone’s action. The scientific literature suggests that insulin insensitivity or resistance may play an important role in some of the most common disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and disrupted fat metabolism. 

Gene Name	Genetic Variation	Your Result	Gene Impact
PPARG	Pro12Ala or C>G	CG	beneficial
TCF7L2	rs7903146 C>T	CT	low impact
SLC2A2	Thr110Ile	CC	no impact
FTO	rs9939609 T>A	AT	low impact

PPARG

There’s a special protein in the body called PPAR-gamma (short for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma), and it plays an important role in fat and sugar balance.

What does it do?

1. Helps form fat cells
   
   • PPAR-gamma helps turn immature cells into fat cells (called adipocytes).
     
   • This process is called adipocyte differentiation — think of it as guiding young cells to become fully developed fat-storing cells.
     
2. Activated by fatty acids
   
   • It gets “switched on” by certain fats in the body.
     
   • Once active, it acts like a master switch that turns on many other genes involved in fat storage and energy use.
     
3. Controls blood sugar and fat levels
   
   • It helps regulate how your body uses sugar (glucose) and fats (lipids).
     
   • This makes it very important for metabolism and energy balance.
     
4. Target for diabetes drugs
   
   • Some diabetes medications, like thiazolidinediones, work by activating PPAR-gamma.
     
   • This helps the body respond better to insulin and keep blood sugar levels under control.
     

In short: PPAR-gamma is a key controller in your body that helps turn cells into fat cells, manage fat and sugar levels, and keep metabolism balanced. It’s also a target for some diabetes drugs because of its role in improving insulin sensitivity

Pro12Ala or C>G / CG

Some people have a version of a gene called the G allele, and it affects how the body handles fat storage and insulin.

What does this mean?

• The G allele slows down the activity of a gene involved in turning immature cells into fat cells.
  
• Because of this, the body makes fewer new fat cells — a process called reduced adipocyte differentiation.
  
• It also lowers the gene’s overall activity (reduced promoter activation and transcriptional activity — meaning the gene is less “switched on”).
  

What’s the result?

People with the G allele tend to have:

• Lower levels of insulin when fasting,
  
• Better insulin sensitivity (their body responds to insulin more effectively),
  
• A lower risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
  

In short: If you have the G allele, your body is less likely to form new fat cells and handles insulin better, which can reduce your risk of diabetes and help keep blood sugar levels healthy.

TCF7L2 

There’s a gene in your body called TCF7L2 (short for Transcription Factor 7-Like 2), and it plays an important role in controlling your blood sugar levels.

What does it do?

• It gives instructions to make a transcription factor — a special protein that helps turn certain genes on or off.
  
• This protein helps regulate how much insulin your body makes and how well your body responds to insulin.
  
• Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells for energy.
  

What happens with changes in this gene?

• A specific version (or variation) in this gene, called an SNP, can affect how well it works.
  
• This can lead to:
  
  • Lower insulin production, or
    
  • Weaker response to insulin (called insulin resistance).
    

Why does this matter?

• People with this gene variation may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially if they don’t manage their diet, weight, or activity levels.
  

In short: The TCF7L2 gene helps manage your blood sugar by affecting how your body produces and uses insulin. A certain version of this gene can increase your risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

rs7903146 C>T / CT

Some people have a version of a gene called the T allele, and it affects how their body handles insulin, blood sugar, and weight.

What does this mean?

• People with the T allele are more likely to have insulin resistance — meaning their body doesn’t respond to insulin as well.
  
• This can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially if:
  
  • They are overweight or obese, or
    
  • They have low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind of cholesterol).
    

How does it affect weight loss?

• People with the T allele may:
  
  • Have a harder time losing weight from diet and exercise, especially if they eat a lot of fat.
    
  • Respond better to specific diet and lifestyle changes that focus on improving how their body handles insulin.
    

What about the CT genotype?

• People who carry one C and one T version of the gene (CT genotype) are also affected.
  
• They especially need to focus on diet and lifestyle habits that improve insulin sensitivity, like:
  
  • Eating fewer processed carbs and unhealthy fats,
    
  • Exercising regularly,
    
  • And maintaining a healthy weight.
    

In short: If you have the T version of this gene, you’re at higher risk for insulin resistance and diabetes, especially if you’re overweight or have low good cholesterol. You might also find it harder to lose weight, especially on a high-fat diet, so smart food choices and regular exercise are especially important.

Alex’s Result: SLC2A2 Thr110Ile / CC – no impact

There’s a gene in your body called SLC2A2, and it makes a protein called GLUT2 — this protein helps your body manage blood sugar after you eat.

What does GLUT2 do?

• GLUT2 acts like a gate that lets glucose (sugar) enter certain cells, especially the beta cells in your pancreas.
  
• These beta cells are the ones that produce insulin, the hormone that helps lower blood sugar.
  
• GLUT2 helps kick off the process: when sugar enters through this gate, the pancreas knows it’s time to release insulin.
  

Why is it special?

• GLUT2 has a low affinity for glucose, which means it only lets sugar in when blood sugar levels are high, like after a meal.
  
• That’s why GLUT2 is thought of as a “glucose sensor” — it helps your body detect when sugar is high and respond with insulin.
  

What else does it affect?

• GLUT2 also plays a role in how much you eat and how your body regulates energy after eating (the post-meal state).
  

In short: GLUT2 is like a sugar gate in your pancreas that helps your body sense when blood sugar is high and triggers insulin release. It’s an important part of managing your blood sugar, especially after meals, and also plays a role in how much food you eat and how your body uses that energy.

Alex’s Result: FTO 

The FTO gene (short for Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated gene) is a gene that affects how your body handles food, hunger, and energy.

Where is it found?

• It’s active in many parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, and fat tissue.
  
• But it’s most active in the brain, especially in a part called the hypothalamus, which helps control:
  
  • Hunger and fullness
    
  • Sleep and alertness
    
  • Body temperature
    
  • Hormone levels and other automatic functions
    

What does it do?

• The FTO gene plays a role in how your body regulates appetite — how hungry or full you feel.
  
• It also affects how much energy you burn (energy expenditure) and how much food you eat (energy intake).
  
• Some versions of the FTO gene are linked to:
  
  • Feeling less full after eating (diminished satiety),
    
  • Eating more than needed,
    
  • And having a higher risk of weight gain or obesity.
    

In short: The FTO gene helps control how your brain manages hunger, fullness, and energy use. Some people have versions of this gene that make them feel less full, eat more, and gain weight more easily.

Alex’s Result: rs9939609 T>A / AT

Some people have a version of a gene called the A allele, and it can make them more likely to gain weight and store body fat, especially if they don’t exercise much.

What does this mean?

• People with the A allele often have:
  
  • A higher BMI (a measure of body weight),
    
  • More body fat, especially around the waist,
    
  • A higher risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, especially if they eat a high-fat diet and are not active.
    

What should you do if you have the A allele?

To stay healthy and reduce the risks, it’s important to:

✅ Be active regularly – even walking daily can help.

✅ Watch your fat intake:

• Avoid too much saturated fat (found in fried foods, butter, fatty meats).
  
• Include more healthy fats like monounsaturated fats (MUFA) from foods like olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
  

✅ Balance your carbs – eat a moderate amount (not too low or too high), especially from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

In short: If you have the A allele, you may gain weight more easily and be at higher risk for diabetes, especially if you’re inactive and eat too much unhealthy fat. Staying active and eating the right types of fat and balanced carbs can make a big difference for your health.

Iron overload:

 

For the Body:

1. Carries Oxygen

• Iron is a key part of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
• Without enough iron, your cells don’t get the oxygen they need, and you can feel tired, weak, or short of breath.

2. Supports Energy Levels

• Iron helps your body convert food into energy. That’s why iron deficiency often causes fatigue and low stamina.

3. Supports Immune Function

• Iron plays a role in a healthy immune system, helping your body fight off infections.

🧠 For the Brain:
1. Supports Brain Development and Function

• Iron is critical for brain growth and function, especially in children and teenagers.
• It helps brain cells communicate and supports memory, focus, and learning.

2. Helps Make Neurotransmitters

• Iron helps produce neurotransmitters — the chemicals that brain cells use to talk to each other (like dopamine and serotonin, which affect mood).

What happens when you don’t get enough?

• Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, causing:
  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Dizziness
  • Poor concentration
  • Low mood or depression
• In children, it can cause learning difficulties and slowed development.

In short: Iron is essential for carrying oxygen, producing energy, fighting illness, and keeping your brain sharp and focused. Without enough iron, both your body and mind can slow down and struggle to function well.

Iron overload

HFE

C282Y & H63D

282CC & 63DD

moderately impacted

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic condition that causes the body to store too much iron.

What happens in this condition?

• Normally, your body absorbs just the right amount of iron from food to stay healthy.
• But in people with this condition, the body absorbs too much iron, more than it needs.
• The problem is, the body can’t easily get rid of the extra iron, so it builds up over time in places like the liver, heart, joints, and pancreas.

Who is affected?

• People with certain genes passed down from their parents are more likely to develop this condition.
• Some people who carry the genes may never have symptoms, but others can develop serious health problems if it’s not caught early.

What can too much iron cause?

Over time, too much iron can lead to:

• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Joint pain
• Liver damage (cirrhosis)
• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Sexual health issues
• Darkening of the skin (a bronze or greyish colour)

Is it treatable?

Yes — if caught early, it can be effectively managed, often by regularly removing blood (like donating blood), which helps lower iron levels.

In short: Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic condition where your body absorbs too much iron, and this extra iron builds up, possibly causing serious health issues over time. But if found early, it can be treated, and serious problems can be prevented.

Alex’s Result: HFE C282Y & H63D/  282CC & 63DD 

Some people have a gene type called 63DD, which can cause a mild problem with how their body handles iron.

What does this mean?

• If you have this 63DD gene type, your body might absorb and store a bit more iron than it needs.
• But the issue is often not severe enough to be diagnosed as full hemochromatosis (a condition where iron overload becomes harmful).

How is it checked?

• Doctors can easily check for iron overload using a blood test called an iron panel.
• If they find your iron levels are too high, they can treat it before it causes damage.

How is it treated?
If iron levels are too high, treatment is simple:

• Phlebotomy — regularly removing a small amount of blood, like donating blood. This lowers the iron in your body.
• Eating less iron — following a low-iron diet can help prevent too much iron from building up.

What to avoid:
If you have this gene or condition:

• Avoid iron supplements (you likely don’t need them).
• Be cautious with vitamin C (in large amounts, it can increase iron absorption).
• Limit alcohol, as it can worsen iron problems and harm the liver.

In short: If you have the 63DD gene, you may store extra iron but not always enough to cause serious illness. It’s easy to check with a blood test and treat if needed. Regular blood donation, a low-iron diet, and avoiding iron supplements, high vitamin C, and alcohol can help you stay healthy.

PLEASE NOTE: ANY VIEWS REGARDING THE RESULTS ARE MY UNDERSTANDING AND DO NOT SERVE AS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. THE TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION IS STRICTLY RELATED TO ALEX’S RESULTS AND NOT MEANT FOR SELF-TREATMENT. ALWAYS SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY TREATMENTS.