Trait #77:
Vitamin C level
Do you have an increased genetic requirement for Vitamin C?
Do you have an increased genetic requirement for Vitamin C?
As well as assisting in the production of energy, Vitamin C supports a number of other functions; including maintaining healthy skin and bones, the burning of body fat, and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin as we are unable to produce it ourselves and instead must obtain it from our diet.
When the body detects that Vitamin C levels are low, we are able to call on reserves that are stored in the kidneys.
Vitamin C is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream to be transported around the the body by the specialised transporter protein SVCT1.
There are, however, variants of the gene that produce and regulate SVCT1 that can impair the function of the protein, resulting in significantly reduced levels of available Vitamin C.
With a reduction in available Vitamin C, carriers of these genetic variants are at increased risk of Vitamin C deficiency, which can also heighten their risk of oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease.
By analysing the presence or absence of these genetic variants, all FitnessGenes members are placed into one of three possible trait classifications:
Average vitamin C levels
Mildly reduced vitamin C levels
Reduced vitamin C levels
All trait classifications receive a collection of personalised lifestyle, nutrition and exercise-related traits to help our members increase their Vitamin C availability and minimise the risks associated with reduced levels.
The most popular action followed by our members is to ensure that they are adequately hydrated.
As Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, insufficient water levels can also reduce the amount of Vitamin C that we have available to us.
Download an example Vitamin C level trait report to preview the insights and actions that you may receive.
*Not personalised - DNA analysis or DNA upload required.
For a full understanding of the function of Vitamin C, the SVCT1 protein, and the health risks associated with reduced Vitamin C levels, read through the accompanying science blog.
This is just one of 100+ traits that you can unlock with the FitnessGenes DNA analysis.
From a single saliva sample, you can also discover your personal traits relating to:
If already have a DNA file from 23andMe, Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA or Living DNA.
Simply upload your file to unlock 100+ health and fitness related traits.