100 | id == 100
100 | category_id == 14
100 | category_order == 12
100 | category_name == Nutrition
100 | category_color == #C47AC0
100 | slug == FUT2-VitaminB12
100 | title == Can This Gene Affect Vitamin B12 Levels? (FUT2)
100 | meta_description == The FUT2 gene creates an enzyme that affects blood type. Genetic variants may also alter vitamin absorption. Learn more here!
100 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The FUT2 gene is responsible for creating an enzyme that affects blood type. Research suggests that certain variants of FUT2 can alter vitamin B12 levels as well. Read on to find out how your genes may affect how your body absorbs nutrients.</strong></p>
100 | overall_score_text == Your Vitamin B12 Score (Based On FUT2 Gene)
100 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/FUT2--Vitamin-B12.jpg
100 | author_id == 8
100 | author_name == Mathew Eng
100 | author_title == PharmD
100 | author_order == 40
100 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/Mathew.jpg
100 | author_intro == <p><strong>Mathew received his PharmD from the University of Hawaii and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Washington.</strong></p>    <p>Mathew is a licensed pharmacist with clinical experience in oncology, infectious disease, and diabetes management. He has a passion for personalized patient care and believes that education is essential to living a healthy life. His goal is to motivate individuals to find ways to manage their chronic conditions.</p>
100 | reviewer == None
100 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
100 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
100 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
100 | publish_date == 2020
100 | publish_date == 2
100 | publish_date == 11
100 | avg_rating == 5.0
100 | tags_id == 262
100 | tags_name == cobalamin
100 | tags_id == 259
100 | tags_name == FUT2 gene
100 | tags_id == 261
100 | tags_name == nutrition
100 | tags_id == 260
100 | tags_name == vitamin B12
100 | permissions_favorite == False
100 | permissions_rate == False
100 | content_article == <table style="width: 90%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" border="1" cellpadding="10"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 100%;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Note:</strong> The </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene is mentioned in the </span><a href="https://get.selfdecode.com/gene-reports/vitamins/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin DNA Wellness Report</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, along with many other genes. If you're looking for a comprehensive report on how your genes may influence how your body uses vitamins, check it out!</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Is The </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Gene?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="../../gene/fut2/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> helps create an enzyme called galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase 2 [</span><a href="https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/FUT2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This enzyme is involved in several chemical reactions in the body, including the production of the H antigen [</span><a href="https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/FUT2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The H antigen acts as a precursor to the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ABO blood group antigens</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which determine a person&rsquo;s blood type [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2268/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research suggests that certain genetic variations in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may influence health, such as increasing the risk for infections and altering how the </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/nutrient-deficiencies/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">body absorbs vitamins</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, especially vitamin B12 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30345375"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673801/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene helps create an enzyme that plays a key role in determining blood type. Variations in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have been linked to health disorders and altered vitamin absorption.</span></span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overview Of Vitamin B12</span></h2> <p><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/vitamin-b12/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (also called </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/vitamin-b12/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cobalamin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) is an essential nutrient that the body needs in order to function properly [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This vitamin plays an important role in many biological processes, some of which include [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Production of DNA</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Development of </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/increase-decrease-red-blood-cells/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">red blood cells</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Development of the nervous system</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cell metabolism</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12 primarily works by acting as a </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">coenzyme</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a substance that interacts with enzymes to facilitate chemical reactions [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most people get most of the vitamin B12 they need from their diet. We&rsquo;ll talk more about the sources of vitamin B12 later on in the article.</span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12 Deficiency</span></h3> <p><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/vitamin-b12-test/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12 deficiency</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> occurs when the body does not get enough of the vitamin. If you suspect you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, speak with your doctor.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/people-get-tired-even-enough-sleep/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tiredness</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Weakness</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Constipation</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Loss of appetite</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/a-comprehensive-list-of-effective-ways-to-lose-weight/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Weight loss</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Numbness/tingling in the hands and feet</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some groups may be more at risk for deficiency, such as [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Older adults (due to reduced stomach acid production)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">People with gastrointestinal disorders</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">People who have had gastrointestinal surgery</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vegetarians (plant-based foods typically do not contain vitamin B12)</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, certain medications may reduce vitamin B12 levels, including [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">H2 receptor antagonists, such as famotidine (Pepcid) and </span><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/ranitidine/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ranitidine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Zantac)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proton pump inhibitors, such as </span><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/omeprazole/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">omeprazole</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/uses-benefits-metformin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Metformin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a common diabetes medication</span></li> </ul> <h2><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> And Vitamin B12</span></h2> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12 Absorption</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before we discuss how </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may affect vitamin B12 levels, we first have to talk about how the body absorbs this vitamin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The absorption process of vitamin B12 is fairly complex. The following outlines the general steps [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25824066"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stomach acid separates vitamin B12 that is attached to food proteins</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Intrinsic factor (IF), a protein secreted by stomach cells, attaches to vitamin B12</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This IF/vitamin B12 complex is transported and absorbed through the gut</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Any condition that disrupts this process can impair the absorption of vitamin B12.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, stomach acid production naturally decreases with age, which can reduce the body&rsquo;s ability to separate vitamin B12 from food [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is why older adults are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Variants Affect Vitamin B12 Levels</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s not entirely clear how variants of the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene lead to low vitamin B12 levels. According to research, it is likely due to impaired absorption.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One theory is that </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> variants called </span><strong>secretors</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may increase the risk of </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/h-pylori-part-1/"><strong><em>H. pylori</em></strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> infection, which in turn impairs vitamin B12 absorption [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673801/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let&rsquo;s break this down. Certain variants in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are called secretors because they produce active enzymes that secrete antigens into bodily fluids [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6171556/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers have found that people with this secretor variant are more susceptible to certain infections, including </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">H. pylori </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">(a type of bacteria that commonly infects the stomach) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673801/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6171556/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">H. pylori </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">infection can reduce stomach acid production and lower levels of intrinsic factor, which can impair the absorption of vitamin B12 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673801/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The evidence is not clear-cut, however. Some studies suggest that </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">H. pylori </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">infection status has no effect on the association between </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and vitamin B12 levels [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22237057"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Certain </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> variants are associated with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">H. pylori </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">infection. This infection can impair the absorption of vitamin B12, which may explain why certain </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> variants are associated with low vitamin B12 levels.</span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who Is At Risk?</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Studies show that certain genetic variants of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> called &lsquo;secretors&rsquo; are linked to </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">lower</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> vitamin B12 levels.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, variants that lead to less active enzymes (called non-secretors) are associated with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">higher</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> vitamin B12 levels.</span></p> <h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rs602662 SNP</span></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One example of a secretor variant is the &lsquo;GG&rsquo; genotype in </span><a href="../../snp/rs602662/"><strong>rs602662</strong></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23201895"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A study of 1,100 people from an Indian population found that the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;GG&rsquo; genotype in </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">rs602662 was associated with significantly </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">lower</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> vitamin B12 levels compared to other genotypes [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23201895"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another genome-wide study looking at populations from Italy and the U.S. (Baltimore area) shows the same link between the &lsquo;GG&rsquo; genotype and low vitamin B12 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2667971/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the same studies, those with the heterozygous &lsquo;GA&rsquo; genotype had intermediate levels of vitamin B12 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23201895"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &lsquo;GG&rsquo; genotype in rs602662 is associated with low vitamin B12 levels in Italian, American, and Indian populations.</span></p> <h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rs492602 SNP</span></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One genome-wide study examined the </span><a href="../../snp/rs492602/"><strong>rs492602</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> SNP in over 2,700 women [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673801/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The researchers found that the &lsquo;GG&rsquo; genotype (a non-secretor variant) was linked to </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">higher</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> vitamin B12 levels in women compared to the &lsquo;</span><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/arachidonic-acid/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">AA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">&rsquo; secretor genotype [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673801/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Individuals with the heterozygous &lsquo;AG&rsquo; genotype appear to have intermediate vitamin B12 levels [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673801/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &lsquo;GG&rsquo; genotype in rs492602 is linked to higher vitamin B12 levels in women.</span></p> <h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rs601338 SNP</span></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A study looked at the </span><a href="../../snp/rs601338/"><strong>rs601338</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> SNP of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in over 1,200 people from Europe and West Africa [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22237057"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the study, those with the &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype (the non-secretor variant) have significantly higher vitamin B12 levels compared to those with other genotypes [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22237057"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similar to the other SNPs, those with the heterozygous genotype had intermediate levels of vitamin B12 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22237057"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">People with the &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype in rs601338 may have higher vitamin B12 levels, according to research of European and West African populations.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">FUT2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Results for Vitamin B12 Levels</span></h2> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can see your genotypes for FUT2 in the table below. However, keep in mind that these associations are based on studies from certain ethnic populations &mdash; so you should interpret your results with caution if you are not descended from one of these specific groups!</span></em></p> <p><strong>*4180109258442124*</strong></p> <p><strong>Primary SNPs:&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>FUT2 </strong><a href="../../snp/rs602662/"><strong>rs602662</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;GG&rsquo; (secretor variant) = Associated with lower vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;GA&rsquo; = Associated with intermediate vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;AA&rsquo; (non-secretor variant) = Associated with higher vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This association has only been found in Italian, American, and Indian populations</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>FUT2 </strong><a href="../../snp/rs492602/"><strong>rs492602</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;AA&rsquo; (secretor variant) = Associated with lower vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;AG&rsquo; = Associated with intermediate vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;GG&rsquo; (non-secretor variant) = Associated with higher vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This association has only been found in women</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>FUT2 </strong><a href="../../snp/rs601338/"><strong>rs601338</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;GG&rsquo; (secretor variant) = Associated with lower vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;GA&rsquo; = Associated with intermediate vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;AA&rsquo; (non-secretor variant) = Associated with higher vitamin B12 levels</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This association has only been found in European and West African populations</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">*7891121602644084*</span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Population Frequencies</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These three SNPs (rs602662, rs492602, rs601338) are often inherited together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, if an individual has a non-secretor variant in rs602662, they likely also have the non-secretor variant in rs492602 and rs601338.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means if a person has one variant associated with high vitamin B12 levels, their other variants are also likely linked to higher vitamin B12.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Generally speaking, the secretor alleles are more common than the non-secretor alleles.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In European populations, roughly 30% of people have the homozygous secretor genotype and about 20% have the non-secretor genotype.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In East Asian populations, about 99% of people have the homozygous secretor genotype while less than 1% have the non-secretor genotype.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recommendations to Improve Vitamin B12 Levels</span></h2> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you believe your vitamin B12 levels may be low, speak with your doctor first about your options. Severe deficiencies may require medical treatment.</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also keep in mind that none of these recommendations should ever be used to replace any of the treatments or medications that your doctor gives you.</span></em></p> <p><strong>*5422862661440188*</strong></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Diet</span></h3> <h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food Sources of Vitamin B12</span></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most people get the </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/vitamin-b12/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">vitamin B12</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> they need from their diet. For those with low levels, Incorporating more vitamin B12 rich foods into the diet may help [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products. Some of the best natural sources include [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beef liver</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clams</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fish and other seafood</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dairy products</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some other food products, such as breakfast cereals, are often fortified with vitamin B12 [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plant-based foods generally do not contain vitamin B12. Vegans are typically advised to take supplements or eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 to avoid any deficiencies [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Supplements</span></h3> <h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12 Supplements</span></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dietary supplements of vitamin B12 are available over-the-counter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Supplements may contain slightly different forms of vitamin B12, such as cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. These different forms generally have the same effectiveness [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin B12 is available by itself or as a common component of multivitamins.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The body typically absorbs only a small percentage of the vitamin B12 from supplements. This is why supplements contain large doses of vitamin B12, usually ranging from 500 mcg to 2,500 mcg.</span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Much Vitamin B12 Do You Need?</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The recommended amount of daily vitamin B12 varies with age.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For adults and teens aged 14-18, the recommended intake of vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) each day [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The recommended amount is lower in children and infants while pregnant women have higher requirements [</span><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you think you&rsquo;re not getting enough vitamin B12 levels, talk to your doctor about checking your levels.</span></em></p>
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100 | content_learn_more_7891121602644084_text == Based on the variants we looked at, your FUT2 genotype is associated with intermediate vitamin B12 levels. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect your overall nutrition  — just one gene related to it. Diet changes and supplements may still help. Keep scrolling to find out more.
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rsStatus = rs601338,FUT2,chr19,48703417,G,A,,,24,9,HET
