Unlock your genetic potential or gift the power of personalized health. Browse our Supersaver Packs now.
Asparagusic acid is a non-toxic sulfur-containing compound found exclusively in asparagus.
This acid gives pee a stinky smell after eating asparagus.
When asparagus is digested, asparagusic acid is broken down into volatile (they vaporize easily) sulfur-containing by-products, which are released into pee.
When you pee, these volatile compounds evaporate instantly into the surrounding air, allowing your nose to smell them.
Common odor-causing by-products include methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl sulfone, and trimethyl trisulfide.
Methanethiol (methyl mercaptan) is the most common odourant found in the urine after eating asparagus.
Studies have stated that a stinky pee smell usually appears 15 to 30 minutes after eating asparagus and can last for several hours, sometimes up to 14 hours.
It is natural to wonder if something is wrong with you when your pee stinks due to asparagus. However, asparagus pee stink is normal.
There may be two reasons why asparagus may not make everyone’s pee stink.
People cannot detect the unpleasant asparagus metabolites in their pee and are also unable to diagnose it in the urine of other individuals.
Asparagus anosmia is the inability to smell the asparagus metabolites in the urine.
Genetic variations are said to influence the ability to smell asparagus in urine.
Researchers have found that the ability to detect this odor is stronger in people who carry the A allele of rs4481887 in the OR2M7 gene.
This gene produces an olfactory receptor that interacts with certain molecules in the nose to produce the perception of smell.
| Genotype | Interpretation |
| AA | Greater inability to detect asparagus pee odor |
| AG | Normal inability to detect asparagus pee odor |
| GG | Less likely to detect asparagus pee odor |
Several hypotheses are stated for why some people cannot detect the pee odor. These include
These individuals are said to lack a key enzyme that metabolizes asparagus acid to give stinky by-products.
So, they can either not produce the smell or produce it in small concentrations too low to be detected.
This is said to be due to genetic changes that alter one or more olfactory receptors that respond to the smell of asparagus, giving rise to asparagus anosmia.
Apart from these reasons, how an individual eats asparagus also influences their ability to detect the smell of sulfur compounds.
The inability to detect asparagus pee odor is also more common among women than men, but this may be due to their position while urinating.
Researchers have identified several genes associated with hypothyroidism.
In the sample report below, we've attempted to analyze some important genes that increase the risk of hypothyroidism.
You can identify your genetic risk of hypothyroidism by using your 23andMe DNA data and placing an order for the Gene Health Report.
The thyroid is an essential gland located in the neck region.
It is vital in ensuring your body functions normally, including metabolism, growth, and development.
The thyroid gland regulates the various organ systems in the body by producing hormones.
The two most common thyroid hormones are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).
When the thyroid produces too little to too much of these thyroid hormones, it gives rise to thyroid disease.
There are different types of thyroid diseases, including:
Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disease in which the thyroid gland produces too little hormones in the blood.
As a result, metabolism slows down.
Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid that may give rise to symptoms like:
There are several reasons why the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism. These include:
Two genes associated with congenital hypothyroidism are the PAX8 and TSHR.
Both these genes play a role in the growth and development of the thyroid gland.
Abnormal changes (mutations) in these genes affect the normal development of the gland, resulting in reduced or no production of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism that results from thyroid dyshormonogenesis (hormone production is affected) occurs due to mutations in a few genes, including DUOX2, SLC5A5, TG, and TPO.
Mutations in these genes disrupt the thyroid hormone formation process, leading to reduced levels.
A mutation in the TSHB gene affects the synthesis of thyroid hormone by affecting the stimulation process.
The MTHFR gene and Hypothyroidism
Another critical gene studied for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism is the MTHFR gene.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase or MTHFR gene gives instructions for producing an enzyme that breaks down amino acid homocysteine.
A mutation in the MTHFR gene causes several effects in the body and has been linked to over 60 chronic conditions.
A 2020 study stated that the C677T variant of the MTHFR gene was strongly associated with the development of hypothyroidism.
The risk of developing hypothyroidism increased in people having the T allele of the MTHFR gene.
Over 75% of people with a thyroid condition have a family member with the condition.
However, congenital hypothyroidism cases are sporadic and occur in people with no family history.
When congenital hypothyroidism is inherited, it follows an autosomal recessive inheritance.
This means an individual should have two copies of the mutated or abnormal gene from both parents to develop the condition.
The risk for hypothyroidism is highest in women over 50. Other factors that may increase the risk for hypothyroidism are:
Some children are born with an underdeveloped or dysfunctional thyroid.
When this condition is left untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disability and growth failure.
In around 80% to 85% of cases of congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is absent, smaller in size, or abnormally located. This is called thyroid dysgenesis.
In very few cases, the reduction or absence of thyroid hormone production is due to impaired stimulation from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Though congenital hypothyroidism can occur due to various factors, 15% to 20% are genetic.
The most common cause of congenital hypothyroidism is a deficiency of iodine in the mother’s diet.
If the doctor suspects an individual to have hypothyroidism, they may recommend a thyroid panel test.
These are blood tests that detect the levels of thyroid hormones.
A genetic test analyzes genes associated with hypothyroidism and checks if you have any variants (or gene changes) that could increase the risk for this condition.
Genetic testing for hypothyroidism can help in the following ways:
Plant stanols and sterols are natural substances found in certain plant-based foods.
These are, together, called phytosterols. Stanols are saturated forms of sterols.
Phytosterols imitate cholesterol compounds and may play a role in reducing cholesterol levels in the body naturally.
There are about 40 types of sterols identified. The most common ones are sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.
Stanols make up only 10% of total phytosterols. Sitostanol and campestanol are two common types.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 94 million adults in the United States have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL.
High cholesterol can lead to heart disease by blocking the arteries.
Besides dietary changes and regular exercise, consuming about 2-3 grams of plant stanols and sterols may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Phytosterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol.
When consumed with cholesterol-rich foods, they imitate cholesterol components and reduce the intestinal absorption of the same.
Let’s say your intestine absorbs 50% of all cholesterol compounds from foods you eat.
When you also consume phytosterols, they are assumed to be cholesterol and absorbed too.
Therefore, the total amount of cholesterol absorbed is a mix of actual cholesterol and phytosterols instead of just cholesterol.
As a result, more cholesterol gets flushed out of the system without getting absorbed, reducing serum cholesterol levels over time.
A meta-analysis of 41 studies shows that consuming up to 2g/day of plant stanols and sterols may reduce Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by up to 10%.
Eating food low in saturated fat and high in phytosterols can reduce LDL levels by up to 20%.
Image: Plant Sterols Lower Blood Cholesterol
The following are food sources rich in phytosterols.
| Food | Approx quantity | Phytosterols in mg |
| Soybeans | Half cup | 149 |
| Peas | Half cup | 133 |
| Sesame oil | 14 g (1 tablespoon) | 118 |
| Kidney beans | Half cup | 117 |
| Pistachio nuts | 1 ounce | 61 |
| Safflower oil | 14 g (1 tablespoon) | 60 |
| Lentils | Half cup | 54 |
| Cashew nuts | 1 ounce | 45 |
| Cottonseed oil | 14 g (1 tablespoon) | 44 |
| Orange | 1 medium-sized fruit | 34 |
| Macadamia nuts | 1 ounce | 33 |
| Almonds | 1 ounce | 32 |
| Olive Oil | 14 g (1 tablespoon) | 30 |
Other Food Sources Rich In Plant Stanols
Phytosterols are the most useful for people with high cholesterol levels or family members with high cholesterol levels.
Further, those taking statin (blood cholesterol-lowering medications) also benefit from phytosterols, as they boost the effectiveness of the drug.
Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering medications commonly prescribed for those with high total and LDL cholesterol levels.
These medications also bring down the risk of strokes and heart diseases.
Plant sterols are not a substitute for statins, as they cannot reduce cholesterol levels as effectively as prescribed medications.
After discussing with your medical practitioner, you could increase the consumption of plant stanols and sterols along with continuing statins.
Phytosterols are relatively safe for most individuals.
However, experts don’t recommend these for people with a genetic condition called sitosterolemia.
This condition leads to excess build-up of plant stanols and sterols in the body and may cause artery blockages.
Non–Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is liver inflammation and damage due to excess build-up of fat in the liver.
Studies found that a diet low in cholesterol helped bring down inflammation and prevented the worsening of NASH.
A 2014 study suggests that plant stanols and sterols can completely inhibit liver inflammation caused by a High-Fat Diet (HFD).
β-sitosterol supplements are available without prescription in the United States. These supplements work best when taken after a meal.
You may need to check the labels to know safe consumption limits. Start supplements only after discussing them with your doctor.
Some packaged food items like juice, milk, or cheese may be supplemented with plant stanols and sterols and are beneficial when consumed regularly.
Studies recommend limiting your intake of phytosterols (supplements + natural food sources) to 2-3 g/day.
Higher quantities are not proven to offer improved benefits.
Choline is an essential nutrient that is required for normal body function.
Though the liver makes small amounts of choline, it is insufficient to meet the body's needs. So, one must obtain choline through diet.
Chemically, choline is an organic, water-soluble compound that is neither a mineral nor a vitamin.
Despite this, choline is grouped under B vitamins due to its similarities.
Choline is essential for healthy brain and liver function and muscle movement and affects the nervous system and metabolism.
Choline is metabolized in the liver, and most of it is converted into phosphatidylcholine.
This phosphatidylcholine helps in building fat-carrying proteins and breaking down cholesterol.
Choline is also called the ‘food’ for beneficial gut bacteria.
Researchers have identified several genes associated with choline deficiency.
In the sample report below, we've attempted to analyze some important genes that increase the risk of choline deficiency.
You can identify your genetic risk of gout by using your 23andMe DNA data and placing an order for the Gene Nutrition Report.
Choline is required for several essential body functions and offers many health benefits, such as:
Choline is a vital nutrient required for brain health and development.
Two studies demonstrated this:
A 2018 study found that a higher dietary choline intake was linked to a lower risk for ischaemic stroke. The study had 4,000 African-American participants.
A study conducted in 2014 reported that choline plays a role in fat metabolization.
It was found that female athletes who took choline supplements had lower body mass indexes (BMI) and leptin than the control group.
Leptin is a hormone that controls the amount of body fat.
Choline is vital for healthy fetal development and may affect pregnancy outcomes.
A study conducted on women in their third trimester found that women who took higher doses of choline had reduced markers of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that may occur during pregnancy.
A 2018 study found that choline supplements improved lung function and reduced symptoms of fatty liver diseases in 10 adult males with cystic fibrosis.
While most people get their choline requirement from the diet each day, certain groups of people may need additional supplementation. They include:
It is essential to take choline supplements during pregnancy.
Choline supports fetal brain and spinal cord development.
Choline deficiency can cause congenital disabilities, such as cleft lip, cardiac defects, and hypospadias.
Research has shown that children whose birth parents took adequate amounts of choline have better attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Since prenatal vitamins contain very little choline, healthcare providers usually recommend an additional supplement.
Choline supplements are readily available following forms:
No research or study to date states that any of these forms is better than the other.
The amount of choline in each supplement varies, so it is important to read the label before choosing a supplement.
It is advisable to take choline supplements based on the recommendation of a healthcare professional.
According to research, Puritan’s Pride Concentrated Ultra Lecithin is a quality choice when it comes to choline supplements. It is affordable, offers a well-absorbed form of choline, and can be used safely throughout pregnancy.
Bestvite Cognizin is another quality choline supplement product that is great for pregnant women and is said to improve cognition in children, according to research.
NOW Supplements Choline and Inositol is one of the most affordable choline supplements recommended by Healthline.
Another effective choline supplement, which is also Healthline’s top pick is Jarrow Formulas Citicoline (CDP Choline).
This product is highly recommended because it is readily absorbed and proven more effective for memory, thinking and overall brain health.
**Xcode Life doesn’t recommend any particular brand/supplement. Kindly seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner before taking choline supplements.
People can get choline from various dietary sources.
Infants get their choline requirement from breast milk.
A few common dietary sources for children and adults include:
Some fortified foods may also contain choline in the form of lecithin.
Biotin is one of the water-soluble B-complex vitamins. It is also called vitamin B7, vitamin H, or coenzyme R.
It is naturally found in the body and synthesized by gut bacteria or microbiome (the bacterial population living in the intestines).
It also can be obtained from certain foods or readily available supplements.
All B vitamins are responsible for breaking down complex foods into simpler substances. This conversion of food into fuel produces energy to perform various metabolic functions in the body.
Biotin is involved in major metabolic pathways such as gluconeogenesis, amino acid catabolism, and fatty acid synthesis.
It plays a significant role in assisting certain enzymes called biotin-dependent carboxylases. These enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food.
Biotin is essential for gene stability as it is covalently attached to histones (proteins that to DNA and helps chromosomes to give that shape).
Biotin is also required to make keratin, a protein that forms skin, hair, and nails.
Biotin can have a good impact on your health with the following benefits:
The signs of a biotin deficiency develop gradually and may worsen over time.
Other symptoms include:
Biotin deficiency is quite uncommon. Your biotin levels in the body can be low due to the following reasons:
Your body cannot absorb vitamins properly if you take certain medications.
Antibiotics and seizure medicines are some of them.
The gut bacteria, which can naturally create biotin, are also eliminated by antibiotics.
You may become biotin deficient if you get your nutrition through an IV. Until you can eat a solid diet again, supplements may be required.
Your body may be unable to absorb nutrients from food if you have certain chronic gut disorders. Colitis and Crohn's disease are some of these conditions.
You might not be able to obtain a range of vitamins and minerals from your meal if you follow a strict diet. This can lead to a biotin deficiency in some cases.
Biotinidase is an enzyme that helps biotin unbind from proteins in food.
This leaves the vitamin in its unbound or free state.
Unbound biotin then works with certain enzymes to break down carbs, proteins, and fats.
With biotinidase deficiency, biotin remains in the bound state and cannot be used or recycled.
Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency, biotin transport deficiency, and phenylketonuria are a few additional genetic conditions that can lead to biotin deficiency.
Both holocarboxylase synthetase and biotin transport deficiencies are incredibly uncommon. Phenylketonuria is more widespread.
This disorder is checked in newborns because, if undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to serious brain issues.
The gene responsible for biotinidase deficiency is the BTD gene.
The BTD gene contains instructions for producing the biotinidase enzyme.
Biotinidase recycles biotin to make it available for the enzymes to use in metabolic pathways.
Variations or changes in the BTD gene cause this genetic condition.
Biotinidase activity is decreased completely by mutations in the BTD gene.
The inheritance pattern of biotin deficiency is autosomal recessive.
The mutant gene is present in both parents with biotinidase deficiency.
The child is at risk of developing the condition only if both copies of the mutated BTD gene are inherited.
Image: Autosomal recessive inheritance pattern
When there is a profound biotinidase deficiency, biotinidase activity falls to less than 10% of normal.
When partial biotinidase deficiency occurs, biotinidase activity falls to between 10% and 30% of normal.
Biotin can often be used by the body a few times before being excreted in waste.
Biotin cannot be recycled if the biotinidase enzyme is insufficiently present.
Due to the consequent deficiency in free biotin, biotin-dependent carboxylase activity is impaired. This causes a buildup of potentially harmful substances in the body.
As biotin is essential for maintaining both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, biotin deficiency can result in cutaneous candidiasis in newborns.
IgA insufficiency and low T lymphocyte percentages could exist.
Encephalopathies can result due to biotin deficiency.
Fetal abnormalities like cleft palate, micrognathia, and micromelia could occur.
The recommended daily intake of biotin:
For adults - 30 micrograms (mcg)
For children - 5 mcg
For pregnant mothers - 35 mcg.
It's simple to get this vitamin from the diet. Biotin is available in many foods.
These include
Researchers have identified several genes associated with type 2 diabetes.
In the sample report below, we've attempted to analyze some important genes that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
You can identify your genetic risk of type 2 diabetes by using your 23andMe DNA data and placing an order for the Gene Health Report.
Glucose, a type of sugar, is the primary energy source for the body.
However, excess glucose can be harmful.
A hormone called insulin regulates our blood glucose level.
Insulin is released from the pancreas into the blood when glucose levels are high, like after a meal.
However, when the pancreas does not release enough insulin, a person develops diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder caused due to the insufficient production of insulin in the body.
Environmental and lifestyle factors were typically thought to cause type 2 diabetes.
However, scientists have recently found that it also might also have a hereditary (genetic) component.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not apparent at first but slowly become noticeable.
Some common symptoms are
Additional symptoms include
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause other problems over time.
It can cause heart disease and kidney damage and affect your eyes and nerves.
Studies show that type 2 diabetes is more likely to be genetic than type 1.
It means that if one of your close relatives has type 2 diabetes, you are at an increased risk for it.
Race can also influence type 2 diabetes.
Some studies show that Asian, Latino, and black people are more prone to develop diabetes.
There is a high chance of developing diabetes if it runs in the family.
If only one parent has diabetes, a person has a 40% risk of developing it.
If both parents have diabetes, a person might be 70% more likely to develop it.
If a sibling or close relative has type 2 diabetes, a person is three times more likely to have it.
There is no clear pattern to explain from which parent diabetes is inherited.
However, a person is more likely to get type 2 diabetes if his mother has the condition.
Having a close family member with diabetes increases the risk of having the disease.
Having specific genes in your body increases your risk of type 2 diabetes.
A study published in 2013 has identified the genes that make you prone to type 2 diabetes:
This gene contains instructions for producing the enzyme that degrades protein in our body.
Mutations in this gene are associated with diabetes across many racial groups.
Mutations in this gene can slow down the release of insulin.
Glucokinase helps the body digest glucose.
The glucose transporter helps glucose to enter pancreatic beta cells.
If you carry gene changes associated with type 2 diabetes risk, you may be more prone to getting this condition.
Other lifestyle factors and habits can also influence type 2 diabetes risk.
For example, if you smoke or drink, you are at a greater risk of contracting diabetes.
Extreme and chronic stress can also cause diabetes.
Being obese and having a lack of physical activity puts you at a greater risk of having Type 2 diabetes.
Many chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes are polygenic - this means many genes influence the development of this condition.
However, in most cases, certain lifestyle and environmental factors can offest the genetic risk.
You might have a gene associated with diabetes, but you might never have the condition because you have a healthy lifestyle.
Through a balanced diet and active lifestyle, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes even if you are genetically at an increased risk for this condition.
Genetic testing is an effective tool for assessing your risk for numerous health conditions.
By analyzing your DNA, you can get information on whether you carry “risky genes” associated with numerous debilitating conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
With this information in hand, you can now take informed proactive measures to reduce the risk of these conditions and potentially prevent them.
Further, if you already have some of these conditions, your doctor can use the information in your report to recommend optimal management and treatment strategies.
The best way to prevent diabetes is to make dietary and lifestyle changes.
Your diet should include loads of protein and fiber.
You should also eat green leafy vegetables if you want to prevent diabetes.
Instead, eat food in small portions throughout the day.
Brisk walking, swimming, and cycling are considered suitable for the body.
All these things can collectively help you manage diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes has a link to a person’s genes.
If it runs in the family, a person is at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Genetic testing is an effective tool to learn your risk for many health conditions, including type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle and environmental factors also influence whether someone will have diabetes.
Having a healthy diet and stress-free life is vital to prevent diabetes.
