Module Thirteen:

Nutritional System

SNPs & Solutions

Ginny Bank

Director of Product Education & Technical Support

GeneWize Academy &

Affiliate Certification Program

Ginny Bank

Brief BioGinny Bank is the Director of Product Education and Technical Support for GeneWize

Life Sciences.

Ms. Bank has significant experience in the dietary supplement and functional food

industries and began her career as a natural products chemist with a research

company (Hauser, Inc.) which focused on developing natural product extracts and

purified plant compounds for the dietary supplement, pharmaceutical and food

industries.

She is considered an industry expert in antioxidant research and throughout her career

has been researching and developing plant-based functional ingredients for a variety

of nutritional supplement applications. Ms. Bank holds four U.S. patents pertaining to

antioxidants and their applications and is a contributing editor for Prepared Foods

/NutraSolutions Magazine. She received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a

Master’s Degree in Science Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

LifeMap Nutrition™ Formulas An Overview

• The LifeMap Nutrition™ System is a custom-formulated dietary supplement product based on plant-based ingredients, including whole foods, extracts and phytochemicals.

• Products are custom-created for each individual based on the results of their LifeMap Healthy Aging Assessment™.

– Base formula - Foundational blend of ingredients that are important for optimal nutrition for adults.

– SNPActives™ - Specific ingredients chosen to mitigate and/or compensate for the altered biochemical pathways related to each SNP.

What are the Ingredients?

• Fruits, vegetables and botanical products– “Whole foods”: air-dried (no heat or very

low temperature drying).– Concentrated “juices”

• Remove skin, seeds, fiber and other insolubles followed by spray-drying (increased temperature for short time amount of time).

– Extracts • Plant material extracted with water and/or ethanol to increase the

concentration of certain phytochemicals.

– Usually standardized to one or more phytochemicals.

• Pure Vitamins, Minerals and macronutrients/nutritional compounds– USP/NF-grade. (United States Pharmacopeia/National

Formulary)

Other Quality Topics

• There are no binders or fillers in any formula• Some formulas may contain small amounts of excipient used as a

carrier for the active ingredient to:– Allow for convenient and accurate dosage. – Improve stability– Improve solubility – Keep ingredients from “caking”

• The LifeMap Nutrition™ formulas do not contain any of the eight major food allergens. (milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat/gluten, and soybeans)

• Most vitamins/minerals are synthetically manufactured (5-10% of formula) – Significantly lower cost– USP standardized and tested– Higher purity (fewer contaminants).– Higher potency (can be delivered in smaller doses)

The Science – Base Formula

Base Formula contains ingredients important to everyone’s diets.

• Vitamins (A, E, all B’s, folate, biotin)• Natural Vitamin C from Acerola Cherry Extract• Zinc• Omega 3’s from flax seeds• Prebiotic Fiber (Fructooligosaccharides from chicory)• Digestive Enzymes

– Lipase– Protease– Cellulase– Amylase

The Science – Base Formula

• 10 Fruit and Vegetable juice powders

• High-potency superfruits

– Mangosteen Extract

– Gogi Berry Extract

– Acai Juice

• OxyPhyte® Ultra Blend - High ORAC Antioxidant Blend

• Cat’s Claw Extract

The Science - OxyPhyte® Ultra Blend

• Clinically-proven bioavailability dosage of 400 mg/day (average formula dosage)

• High purity blend of White tea, Apple, Rosemary extracts

• Rich in phytochemicals such as polyphenols, catechins, flavonoids and rosmarinic acid.

• High ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)

• Provides the bulk ORAC units for each formula.– Antioxidant equivalent of 3-8

servings of vegetables depending on individual formula.

Baseline 30 to 60

minutes

470 480

490

500

510

520

530

540

550

560

570

Plasma ORAC (moles TE/g)

Spiller, et al. Data presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting

of The American College on Nutrition. Oct 2002

SNPActives™

• Amount of SNPActive™ in each individual formula is dependent upon results of the Healthy Aging Assessment™

• Formulas designed to address the key biochemical pathways measured by our DNA assessments.– Mitigation - to lessen in force

– Compensation - to counterbalance

• Formulas developed and validated by our Scientific Advisory Board, based on independent third-party, peer-reviewed research (genetics, medicine, natural products chemistry, and nutritional sciences)

ADDED

SUPPORT

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MAXIMUM SUPPORT

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Optimal Genetic

Function

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Homozygous Disadvantaged:

Both chromosomes carries the SNP

Heterozygous Disadvantaged :

One chromosome carries the SNP

Homozygous Advantaged :

Neither chromosome carries the SNP

The Science – VDR SNPActive™

• Our bodies are constantly forming new bone cells, as well as breaking down bone (resorption).– Formation outpaces resorption until peak bone mass (maximum bone density

and strength) is reached around age 30 when resorption slowly begins to exceed bone formation.

– Factors which put one at risk for bone loss include:• Gender• Body size• Age• Genetic factors.

– An acute imbalance between bone loss and reformation can cause osteoporosis.

• The Vitamin D Receptor gene (VDR) accounts for 75% of the entire genetic influence on bone density.

• SNPs in the VDR gene are manifested as reduced bone mineral density and sub-optimal peak bone mass.

VDR SNPActive™ provides vitamins and minerals to: Maximize bone formation Increase bone mineral density and reduce fracture rate

The Science - VDR SNPActive™

• Calcium – Optimal dietary calcium intake is the most critical factor for maintaining bone

health. – Clinical studies have reported that calcium supplementation may significantly

increase bone mineral density in preadolescent girls with VDR polymorphisms.

• Vitamin D – Vitamin D is essential for maximizing calcium absorption in our bodies. – Vitamin D supplementation was specifically shown to increase bone mineral

density in elderly patients, post-menopausal women and men 41-70 years of age with polymorphisms on then VDR gene.

• Vitamin K – The Nurse’s Health Study, (a major epidemiological study that followed more

than 72,000 women for ten years) reported a significant correlation between high intakes of Vitamin K and reduced risk o fractures.

– Another epidemiological study of over 800 elderly men and women found that men and women with the highest dietary Vitamin K intakes had a 65% lower risk of hip fractures.

The Science – EPHX SNPActive™

• Human microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase (EPHX) is a phase-I xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme that detoxifies potentially toxic epoxides. Xenobiotics are foreign substances (e.g. pollutants, drugs).

• Majority of detoxification mechanisms takes place in the liver.• Epoxides are also highly reactive and mutagenic certain cancers• Poorly performing detoxification system leads to:

– Fatigue– Loss of appetite– Skin problems– Premature aging

EPHX SNPActive™ provides ingredients that:

Increase activity of the EPHX enzyme Support and enhance all of the natural mechanisms the liver uses to detoxify

The Science - EPHX SNPActive™

• Green Tea Extract (Polyphenols, Catechins)– Green tea consumption is correlated with fewer disorders

of the liver and certain cancers caused by environmental xenobiotics.

– in vitro studies have shown that green tea extract resulted in dramatic increase in the gene expression for EPHX.

• Thistle Family – Milk Thistle Extract (Silymarin)

• Strong liver antioxidant. • Increases synthesis of glutathione (an essential element for

detoxification and optimal immune function). • Animal studies have shown it provides good defense against

various toxic models of experimental liver diseases.

– Artichoke Extract (Phenolic compounds) • Exerts a major effect on bile flow and liver protection.

• Cruceriferous vegetables– Broccoli and Kale (Indole-3-carbinols, Sulphoraphane)

• Stimulate detoxification enzymes.• Sulphoraphane activates phase II detoxification enzymes in

the liver and has strong anti-cancer properties.

The Science – NQ01 SNPActive™

• The coenzyme Q10 reductase (NQO1) converts CoQ10 (ubiquinone) to its reduced form, ubiquinol, which scavenges free radicals in the mitochondria and lipid membranes.

• Individuals with a SNP in the NQO1 gene have reduced ability to make this conversionfrom ubiquinone to ubiquinol, resulting in very low blood levels of this key antioxidant.

• Consequently, people with this SNP are at high risk of free radical attack.

• Because NQO1 is also involved in the detoxification of compounds foreign to the body, a SNP in the NQO1 gene may cause aberrant cellular changes as well.

NQ01 SNPActive™ provides:

50 mg Ubiquinol (Red and Yellow) 50 mg Ubiquinone (Green)

The Science – SOD2 SNPActive™

• The Superoxide radical is one of the main free radicals found in the cell and is extremely biologically toxic to cellular DNA and cell machinery.– Premature aging– Breast cancer– Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)– Prostate cancer

• SOD2 gene encodes for Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), is an antioxidant enzyme which helps neutralize these radicals.

• SNPs on the SOD2 gene can lead to a damaging build-up of the superoxide radicals.

SOD2 SNPActive™ provides: Antioxidant ingredients with specific activity against the superoxide radical Ingredients that enhance SOD activity

The Science – SOD2 SNPActive™

• Green Tea and White Tea Extracts (Polyphenols, Catechins) – The potent antioxidant activity of these teas has been supported by epidemiological

studies, cellular research and animal studies. – Tea catechins have shown direct scavenging activity against superoxide radicals.– Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was shown to specifically augment the activity of

superoxide dismutase, as well as reduce oxidative stress in animal studies.– Enhancement of superoxide dismutase activity combined with reduction of

superoxide radical concentration was seen in heart tissue of animals supplemented with tea catechins.

• Bilberry Extract (Anthocyanins)– Anthocyanins found in bilberry have known superoxide scavenging activity.– Bilberry extracts have been indicated in the prevention of age-related macular

degeneration (AMD) and cataract formation in animal studies.

• Spirulina – Spirulina contains a relatively high level of superoxide dismutase.– Phycocyanin, the main plant pigment found in spirulina, has been shown to

significantly decrease cardiac production of the superoxide anion in animal studies.

• Niacin (Vitamin B3)– Nicotinamide, a derivative of niacin, is required by the body for the production of

certain coenzymes essential for proper functioning of superoxide dismutase.

The Science – GPX1 SNPActive™

• GPX1 is the most abundant antioxidant enzyme in the Glutathione Peroxidase family with specific activity against hydrogen peroxide. – Coverts dangerous hydrogen peroxide molecules into water.– Plays important roles in DNA synthesis and repair, metabolism of toxins, and

immune system enhancement. – Contains selenium in its protein structure and therefore how much GPX1 a

person produces is dependent on their selenium levels.

• A SNP on the GPX1 gene can reduce a person’s ability to utilize selenium.

GPX1 SNPActive™ provides Extra selenium Ingredients that protect the body against hydrogen peroxide

damage Ingredients that increase glutathione peroxidase activity

The Science – GPX1 SNPActive™

• Turmeric Extract (Curcumin)– Dietary curcumin was shown to enhance serum GPX activity and lower blood

lipid peroxide levels in animals.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid – Animal studies have shown that dietary alpha lipoic acid supplementation

increases GPX activity.

• Flavonoids – Citrus Bioflavonoids (Naringin, Hesperidin)

• Naringin has been shown to suppress DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. • Hesperidin has been shown to protect against the damaging effects of hydrogen

peroxide.

– Ginkgo leaf, Astragulus Root• Specific activity against hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation and cell death.

– Milk Thistle• Silymarin reduces oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide as well as increases

the antioxidant activity of various antioxidant enzymes including GPX1.

– Anthocyanins (from blueberries, black currants, and grapes)• Enormous amount of research confirming antioxidant activity of anthocyanins. These

include protection against cardiovascular disorders, advancing age-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and other degenerative diseases.

The Science – MMP-1 SNPActive™

• MMP-1 (collagenase) is an enzyme that degrades collagen – Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue (cartilage, joints, skin)

and the most abundant protein in our bodies.– Collagen is constantly synthesized and broken down in an ongoing

cycle to form new tissue. – Collagen decrease (age and free radical damage) imbalance

between collagen breakdown and its reformation.• Premature aging• Inflammation• Joint pain • Increased risk of skin photo-aging.

• SNPs in the MMP-1 gene causes increased rates of collagenase production

MMP-1 SNPActive™ provides ingredients that:

Strengthen collagen Protect collagen against free radical damage

The Science – MMP-1 SNPActive™

• Tomato Powder (Lycopene) – Lycopene quenches singlet-oxygen resulting from direct absorption of UV radiation. Singlet-

oxygen causes free radical damage to the collagen in the skin.– Research suggests that reduced lycopene concentrations in the skin higher risk for

sunlight-induced skin damage.– Clinical trial reported daily supplementation with lycopene-containing tomato paste for 10

weeks resulted in 40% less artificially-induced sunburn than the control group.

• Grape Seed Extract (Polyphenols/OPCs)– OPCs protect and stabilize collagen by increasing the cross-linkage of collagen fibril.– Polyphenols prevent excessive cross-linking which leads to stiff, brittle collagen tissue. – Studies have shown that multiple small exposures to UV leads to sustained elevations of

collagenase and OPCs inhibit the activity of collagenase.

• White Tea Extract (Polyphenols, Catechins)– Catechin- and EGCG-treated collagen exhibited significant resistance against collagenolytic

hydrolysis by collagenase and directly inhibits collagenase activity. – EGCG hampers UV-B-induced MMP-1 production and may be a potential agent for the

prevention and treatment of skin photo-aging.

• Synergy– Supplements containing a combination of extracts from white tea, grape seed and tomato

showed significant improvement in the condition, structure and firmness of the skin of post-menopausal women based on several measurable parameters of skin aging.

The Science – MTRR SNPActive™

• The enzyme Methionine Synthase Reductase (MTRR), transforms homocysteine back to either methionine or cysteine.

• SNPs in the MTRR gene hinder the ability to clear homocysteine from the blood.

• Excess homocysteine is also converted to glutathione (an antioxidant) to protect cells from damage.

MTRR SNPActive™ provides ingredients that: Lower homocysteine levels

Enhance glutathione activity

Support overall cardiovascular health

The Science - MTRR SNPActive™

• B Vitamins– Numerous studies have shown that Vitamins B6, folic acid and B12, work

synergistically to aid the body in processing homocysteine and this combination is recommended as a homocysteine-lowering therapy.

– Vitamin B6 is necessary for the conversion of homocysteine into glutathione. – Niacin (Vitamin B3) has been used for decades for overall cardioprotection

by lowering the plasma concentrations of cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides in humans,

• Trimethylglycine (Betaine) • Dong Quai Extract

– Dong Quai suppresses fast rhythms of the heart and lowers blood pressure by dilating the coronary vessels, increasing coronary flow and reducing respiratory rate.

– Dong Quai increases the activity of glutathione enzymes in the liver to reduce oxidative damage caused by elevated homocysteine levels.

• Zinc – Zinc is a cofactor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Zinc acts

in conjunction with vitamin B6 to promote this reaction.

The Science – MTHFR SNPActive™

• The MTHFR enzyme is responsible for creating the circulating form of folate. Folate is important in regulating our homocysteine levels.

• Elevated homocysteine levels are a significant risk factor for coronary artery and other vascular diseases – even more predictive than cholesterol levels.– Elevated levels of homocysteine have been identified in patients with

• Coronary artery disease• Cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease• Liver and kidney diseases• Thyroid conditions• Alzheimer’s• Depression

• SNPs in the MTHFR gene cause the manufacture of defective enzymes which can’t metabolize folic acid and therefore clear elevated homocysteine from the blood efficiently. There is a direct association between a SNP in the MTHFR gene and elevated levels of homocysteine.

MTHFR SNPActive™ contains: L-methylfolate – circulating form of folate Ingredients that help reduce homocysteine levels

The Science - MTHFR SNPActive™

• L-methylfolate– Circulating form of folate. Synthetic folic acid or folic acid from green vegetables must

be broken down in a series of metabolic steps in order to become L-methylfolate. Individuals with SNPs on MTHFR gene cannot metabolize folic acid into this circulating form.

• Trimethylglycine/TMG (Betaine) – In a clinical trials, TMG supplementation resulted in lowered plasma homocysteine

concentrations. – TMG also enhances the activity of the B Vitamins, which are important in balancing the

homocysteine-methionine cycle.

• Choline – Choline is oxidized in the body to form TMG. – Similar to TMG, it has a direct effect on homocysteine levels and has been linked to

decreased plasma homocysteine levels.

• Synergy between Choline and TMG– Decreased dietary choline and TMG intake was correlated with elevated homocysteine

levels in a study of 1400 healthy women.

The Science – TNF-α SNPActive™

• Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-α) is a chemical messenger which mobilizes white blood cells to fight infections and other invaders.

• Unbalanced immune response leads to TNF-α build up excessive and uncontrolled inflammation.– Atherosclerosis– Arthritis– Cancer– Heart Disease– Diabetes– Alzheimer’s Disease

• SNPs on the TNF-α gene may result in an over-reactive inflammatory response.

TNF-α SNPActive™ provides

antioxidants that specifically regulate TNF-α levels

The Science – TNFα SNPActive™

• Polyphenols from Green Tea, Grape Seed and Pomegranate Extracts – Green Tea polyphenols reduced the expression of TNF-α in both in vitro

studies and animal studies.– Polyphenols in pomegranate were shown to modulate inflammatory cell

signaling in colon cancer cells by suppressing TNF-α induction of various inflammatory proteins.

– Polyphenol compounds in grape seed extract (OPCs) have a potent inhibitory effect on the expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 gene, (VCAM-1) which is induced by TNF-α. VCAM-1 promotes the adhesion of immune response blood cells to endothelial cells, which in turns plays a critical role in the initiation and development of vascular inflammation.

• Milk Thistle Extract (Silymarin)– Silymarin has been shown to block TNF-α-induced activation of NF-KB, a

protein complex regulating the immune response. – Silymarin also suppressed TNF-α- induced production of reactive oxygen

species and lipid peroxidation. – Animal studies have also shown Silymarin inhibits of TNF-α gene

expression.

The Science – PON-1 SNPActive™

• The PON-1 gene produces Paraxonase 1, an enzyme which is transported on HDL in the plasma. – PON-1 attaches itself to HDL and protects both LDL and HDL from

oxidation and also inhibits formation of macrophage fatty streaks (the first sign of atherosclerosis).

• Low levels of PON-1 have been correlated with higher levels of oxidized LDL, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

PON-1 SNPActive™ provides ingredients that:Protect LDL oxidation

Increase PON-1 activity

The Science – PON1 SNPActive™

• Mushroom Extracts (Polysaccharides)– Polysaccharides in Reishi, Maitake and Shitake mushroom have

been shown to lower cholesterol.– Reishi and Maitake mushrooms also contain compounds that inhibit

cholesterol synthesis in vitro as well as decrease serum LDL, increase HDL and reduce lipid peroxidation in animals.

– Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to inhibit atherosclerotic development.

• Vitamin E– Numerous epidemiological studies, (e.g. Nurses’ Health Study) have

shown correlations between increased consumption of Vitamin E from diet and supplementation and reduced risk of heart disease.

– Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant in preventing the oxidation of LDL and reducing total plasma cholesterol and LDL.

– Vitamin E has been shown to increase plasma HDL and PON-1 activity.

– A recent human clinical study has also shown that Vitamin E, prevents exercise-induced reduction of serum PON-1.

The Science – CYP11B2 SNPActive™

• The CYP11B2 gene encodes an enzyme called Aldosterone Synthase, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure.

• A SNP on the CYP11B2 gene can decrease the ability of blood vessels to relax and constrict hypertension. – Atherosclerosis– Stroke– Chronic heart failure

CYP11B2 SNPActive™ provides ingredients to:

Help maintain blood pressure levels Strengthen the heart to help hypertension

The Science – CYP11B2 SNPActive™

• Hawthorn Berry Extract (Polyphenols, Flavonoids)– Two clinical investigations have shown reductions in

resting diastolic blood pressure after supplementation.

– A 2008 double-blind randomized clinical trial in patients with chronic heart failure reported that supplementation:

• Increased exercise tolerance

• Decreased cardiac oxygen consumption

• Reduced shortness of breath and fatigue

• Magnesium and Potassium– USDA recommends diets rich in potassium as they may

reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

– NIH also recommends increased dietary intake of magnesium and potassium based on results from DASH study (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

The Science – ApoB SNPActive™

• ApoB is an apolipoprotein (a lipid-binding protein) that is the major protein component of LDL (bad cholesterol). Without ApoB, LDL cannot form. – Increased ApoB levels are associated with coronary heart disease

(CHD).– ApoB levels are a better predictor of CHD than LDL level.

• SNPs on the ApoB gene produce higher ApoB levels increases in total cholesterol and LDL.

ApoB SNPActive™ provides dietary ingredients to:

Reduce ApoB productionPrevent LDL oxidationReduce LDL

The Science – ApoB SNPActive™

• Green Tea Extract (Polyphenols, Catechins)– Supplementation with 500 mg/day tea catechins decreased plasma

oxidized LDL levels in healthy adults. ApoB Active contains 500 mg of catechins from green tea.

– Green tea catechins have also been shown to be a potent inhibitor of ApoB secretion from liver cells.

– Epidemiological evidence also supports green tea’s positive effect on cholesterol.

• Grape Skin Extract (Polyphenols, Resveratrol)– Red wine polyphenols have been shown in vitro to directly reduce

the ApoB levels produced by human liver cells. The effect was similar to astorvastin, a cholesterol-lowering drug.

• Artichoke Extract (Chlorogenic acid, Caffeoylquinic acids)– Numerous clinical studies on patients with hyperlipidemia have

shown the artichoke extract decreases total cholesterol, LDL and LDL/HDL.

– Artichoke extract also has been shown to positively modulates endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction represents the first stage of atherosclerotic disease

– Common cholesterol-lowering therapy used in Europe.

Thank You!