How Your FUT2 Gene Affects Your Gut Health
The FUT2 gene encodes an enzyme called fucosyltransferase 2, which adds fucose to sugars on the surface of cells. Fucose is a type of sugar that is important for a variety of cellular functions, including cell signaling, adhesion, and migration.
About 20% of the population have a mutation in the FUT2 gene that means they do not produce fucosyltransferase 2 and thus have less fucose. These people are called non-secretors, while people who produce the enzyme are called secretors.
Studies have shown that non-secretors can have a less diverse gut microbiome than secretors. This means that they have fewer different types of bacteria living in their gut. A diverse gut microbiome is important for overall health, as it helps to keep the gut healthy and functioning properly.
Non-secretors may be more likely to experience fructose malabsorption, which is a condition in which the body is unable to digest fructose properly due to a lack of fucose. This can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea and it is important to avoid high fructose corn syrup, processed foods and high sugar fruit juice .
There is some evidence that non-secretors may have an increased risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.
The FUT2 gene is just one part of your gut, which in turn is tied to other body systems. For example, the gut microbiome plays an important role in the immune system. So, if you have a less diverse gut microbiome due to the FUT2 mutation, you may be more likely to develop certain autoimmune diseases, food allergies and intolerances.
Conversely certain FUT2 variations have been associated with increased vitamin B12 absorption which is an important vitamin in overall well being.
If you are a non-secretor, it is important to be aware of these potential health risks and take steps to protect your gut health. By eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking probiotics, you can help to keep your gut healthy and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
If you are concerned about your gut health, you should talk to your doctor. With the knowledge from TGC products your doctor can help you determine ways to improve your gut health.
The Gene Company (TGC) offers genetic testing that can help you determine if you have the mutation in the FUT2 gene. The test is a simple oral swab that can be done at home that will be sent to lab for processing with results uploaded to the Insights Platform.
The TGC Insights. product takes the results of testing over 600,000 specific genetic variations and groups the results into 20 functional categories. This enables you to not only see your FUT2 results, you can see over 200 genes group across 20 functional categories to get a full understanding of your genome.
If you would like to know more or discuss this, please get in touch
Guy Wilson
CEO, The Gene Company
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