Vitamin D Genetic Resistance

Do you know that genetics play an important role in your Vitamin D Wellness? Vitamin D deficiency is rampant around the globe. Despite efforts to get enough vitamin D, some people are born with a genetic predisposition that may adversely affect the production of vitamin D in our cells! This hereditary condition is called vitamin D genetic resistance.

We inherit thousands of genes – both “good” and “bad” – from our biological parents. The great news is we do not need to acquiesce being stuck with “bad” vitamin D-related genes. In fact, we can — at least in some cases — influence the behavior of “bad” genes so that they become “good” genes. So, by identifying and treating our vitamin D-related gene variants, we can reverse our genetic inheritance to enjoy improved health.

Genetic vitamin D resistance is easy to identify from DNA testing and quite doable to overcome. In fact, I inherited two vitamin D-related genetic variants. So, I explored what this means to me and what significance my findings may have for you.

Why is Vitamin D Important?

Adequate vitamin D is essential to our health and quality of life. Do you know that every cell in our body contains a vitamin D receptor (VDR)? When a VDR is activated by a sufficient intake of vitamin D, a number of good things happen including anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action.

Due to our modern lifestyles and conventional medical practices, we tend to get little vitamin D from its natural source, the ultraviolet B rays of the sun. From living, commuting, and working indoors to slapping sunscreen all over our skin, we appear intent on denying ourselves this essential nutrient. As most diets are severely lacking in vitamin D, the practical way of getting optimal vitamin D is by following my Vitamin D Wellness Protocol, i.e., taking DAILY an oral D3 supplement along with vitamin K2 and magnesium.

Common Vitamin D Genetic Variants

Vitamin D-related gene variants include VDR taq, VDR bsm, and VDR fok (see footnotes 1-3). More than one-fourth of the world’s population have inherited at least one of these common gene variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) that are related to vitamin D metabolism. The VDR taq, VDR bsm, and VDR fok polymorphisms may adversely influence DNA expression during the methylation cycle (footnote 4).

When I received the results of my genetic tests, I discovered that I inherited the VDR taq (+/-) from one parent, and VDR bsm (+/-) (footnote 5) SNPs from the other parent. So, I knew that I needed to optimize my vitamin D3 intake. Furthermore, anyone who has inherited homozygous (+/+) VDR gene polymorphisms from BOTH biological parents may experience not only a vitamin D deficiency but medical conditions associated with low vitamin D.

As someone who is impassioned with the health benefits of vitamin D, my vitamin D level has been optimal for years, despite my inherited VDR SNPs. What this means is anyone who has a VDR gene mutation can overcome this condition by raising one’s levels to at least 100 ng/mL (250 nmol/L). By following my three-nutrient Protocol, you most likely will conquer any vitamin D-related genetic disposition, possibly within months.

Genetic Testing May Be Easier Than You Think

Genetic testing is readily accessible and affordable. In fact, you may already have access to some of your key genetic mutations including vitamin D, and it won’t cost you a penny to find out!

If you are a member of Ancestry.com, you may have already taken its saliva test to ascertain your ethnic heritage. If so, you can run the raw Ancestry.com data through an online database called GeneticGenie.org that is free of charge. If you have not done the DNA test, you can order one for US$99 or less. Another popular saliva genetic test is called 23andme. Both companies provide raw data on vitamin D-related gene variants.

What is Your Vitamin D Level?

If you think your vitamin D level is sufficient without the need for a simple blood test, please think again. It is rare to see individuals with an optimal vitamin D level of 100 ng/mL (250 nmol/L) or more.

The vitamin D test of your blood serum is called 25 (OH) vitamin D. You can get this test at your healthcare practitioner’s office or by ordering an at-home test kit from vitamin D organizations including GrassrootsHealth.

Once you know your vitamin D level, you may want to raise your level to optimal, assuming it is less than 100 ng/ml (250 nmol/L). The three-nutrient Vitamin D Wellness Protocol may help you raise and maintain your vitamin D level to enjoy improved health.

The Bottom Line

The time to acquiesce to genetic predispositions at the risk of your health and well-being is over. We have a capability to understand our bodies’ vitamin D genetic composition, as well as the knowledge of how to overcome VDR gene mutations to enjoy Vitamin D Wellness.

Footnotes

(1): taq = thermus aquaticus; rs731236.

(2): bsm = bacillus stearothermophilus; rs1544410.

(3): fok = flavo bacterium okeanokites; rs2228570.

(4): Methylation is a vital biochemical process that facilitates both physical and mental health.

(5): Nomenclature for a heterozygous SNP is +/- (inherited from one biological parent); homozygous SNP is +/+ (inherited from both biological parents). If the test states -/-, you have not inherited a particular gene variant.

Author’s Note: Find out more about vitamin D by reading any of the popular Defend Your Life books to discover how you can “Defend Your Life” against a vast array of medical conditions.

Medical Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. The author of this article is not a medical practitioner. Please see Terms and Conditions.