Preventative health

Low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, micro-nutrient deficiencies, metabolic and hormonal imbalances can negatively impact health and personal well-being. Early detection through testing, helps to motivate diet, sleep, exercise and lifestyle changes.

For the following tests and profiles, please speak to your own nutritionist or GP about ordering the test from their Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics laboratory provider.

Inflammation status

Compounds called eicosanoids and prostaglandins are made from fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids make compounds that dampen inflammation/ balance omega 6 and saturated fats. We offer 3 choices of tests. We recommend re-testing in 4 to 6 months to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle changes.

Omega-3 basic test

Test Code: OMG3B 

% of omega 3 in red blood cells

 

Omega-3 complete extra

Test code: OMG3E

% omega-3 in red blood cells trans-fats
ratio of omega-6:omega-3 complete fatty acid report
arachidonic acid: eicosapentaenoic acid (AA:EPA)  

 

Advanced Inflammatory Profile

Test code: 42BC

high sensitive CRP ratio omega-6: omega 3
Ferritin AA:EPA
% omega-3  

 

Results: Within 9 days

Predisposition to inflammation (genetic test)

Test code: NN09

This test analyses the genetic variants in genes that code for the cytokines involved in inflammation. Variants in these genes can make inflammation last for longer, giving rise to chronic inflammation. Scientific evidence suggests that diet plays a central role in regulating chronic inflammation and personalised nutrition can help in the avoidance of diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune conditions and some cancers. 

The report will state the genotype and if the client’s genetic profile is linked or is not linked to an increased risk of developing chronic inflammation.

Genes involved
TNF-ɑ
IL-10
IL-6

Results within 4 weeks

Bone health

Test code: BONE

During menopause, women may experience a decrease in bone density due to changes in sex hormone levels. Thyroid dysfunction is also common at menopause. Our bone test profile monitors the risk of developing conditions such as osteoporosis.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) controls the amount of calcium in your blood and the thyroid hormone affects the rate of bone replacement. Abnormal levels of ALP in blood may indicate certain bone disorders and beta-crosslaps measures the speed of bone breakdown. We test to ensure there is adequate protein and minerals to make new bone.

Total protein Calcium, magnesium, phosphate
Albumin, Globulin, corrected calcium beta-crosslaps
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) Free T3
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)   

Results within 3 weeks

Predisposition to bone disease (genetic test)

Test code: NN08

This test identifies specific genetic variants associated with bone health and density, that can predispose individuals to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Young people who have suffered fractures, especially if they occurred relatively easily or without obvious causes, may benefit from this test and women over 40 who want to prevent the effects of menopause on bone.

If there is a family history of osteoporosis, test results can allow the person to take preventative measures, such as lifestyle management and medical intervention. People who carry these variants should pay special attention to diet and lifestyle, avoiding increasing weight and body fat percentage.

The report will state if your genetic profile is linked or is not linked to developing osteoarthritis  or osteoporosis.

Genes involved  
 GDF5 Predisposition to osteoarthritis 
VDR, LPR5,  VDR + COL1A1,  ESR1 Osteoporosis risk

Results within 3 weeks

Oxidative stress status

This test measures and monitors current levels of oxidative stress (OS) to monitor the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the body. 

High levels of OS can deplete nutrients, increase cholesterol levels and increase cellular damage. This test provides a snapshot and empowers healthcare professionals to advise on lifestyle and dietary changes to protect the body.

Glutathione Peroxidase hs-CRP
Testosterone & Oestrogen Zinc-Selenium-Copper-Manganese
Prolactin Uric Acid
Cholesterol LDL & HDL Bilirubin
HbA1c  

Results within 4 weeks

Predisposition to oxidative stress (genetic test)

Test Code: NN22

Oxidative stress has been linked to ageing and age-related diseases.  Free radicals are unstable molecules created by normal day-to-day living, metabolism, and environmental factors like pollution. The body has a built-in antioxidant system including 4 major antioxidant enzymes, DNA repair enzymes with dietary nutrients playing a key role. 

This test looks for genetic variations in genes that code for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide synthase and will report if the person has a low, medium or high risk of being susceptible to oxidative stress.  

This test may interest people exposed to high levels of mental, physical or environmental stress & those interested in longevity and cellular ageing. 

Genes involved
GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1,
SOD2, NOS3, CAT

Results within 20 days

The three most popular sensitivity tests are caffeine, alcohol and histamine.

Histamine 

Test code: NN24

Histamine is a chemical compound produced naturally in the body. This test looks for genetic variations in the 2 key enzymes that metabolise histamine; histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT) and diamine oxidase (DAO). Symptoms of histamine overload include headaches or migraines, nasal congestion, fatigue, hives and digestive issues.

If results confirm a genetic predisposition you can consider dietary changes, avoiding high-intake of histamine-rich foods. Talk to you doctor or nutritionist about supplements that may help. 

DNA sample: Buccal (oral) swab
Kit provided for at-home test
Age 18 years+

Results within 20 days

Alcohol 

Test code: NN01

What you ever wondered why your hangovers are worse than your peers? 

Alcohol is metabolised by the liver, converting ethanol to acetaldehyde (ADH) and acetaldehyde to acetate (ALDH2). The primary gene involved in metabolising alcohol is alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Variations in the ADH gene determine individual reactions to alcohol and susceptibility to dependency or alcohol-related illnesses and can cause significantly faster conversion of ethanol into toxic acetaldehyde, resulting in unpleasant side effects such as flushing, nausea, tachycardia, and occasionally an increased risk of cancer.

DNA Sample: Buccal (oral) swab
Kit provided for at-home test
Age 18 years+

Results within 20 days

Caffeine 

Test code: NN04

This genetic test will tell you if you are a slow or fast metaboliser of caffeine. A slow metaboliser of caffeine may experience anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations, whereas a fast metaboliser experiences short-lived, stimulating effects.

A caffeine sensitivity test identifies variants on the gene that codes for the cytochrome P450 1A2, a liver enzyme involved in the metabolism of caffeine. 

DNA sample: Buccal (oral) swab
Kit provided for an At-Home test
Ages: 18yrs+

Results within 20 days

Vitamins & Minerals

Test code: HS9

Vitamins & Minerals are essential for the growth, equilibrium and health of the body, both physically and mentally. They are transported in the blood by transporters such as albumin and transferrin. Deficiencies can lead to various disorders, sometimes without obvious symptoms. The profile below identifies potential deficiencies.

Iron Binding Capacity Profile: (Iron, Latent Capacity (UIBC), Total Iron Binding Capacity, Transferrin Saturation)
Albumin Iron
Calcium Folate
Magnesium B12 
Vitamin D Zinc in serum

Results within 10 days

Trace Metals

There are 2 types of trace metals: nutritionally essential and nonessential. These metals act as catalysts in enzyme systems and participate in oxidation-reduction reactions in energy metabolism.  Deficiencies may be caused by insufficient intake or excessive loss by excretion and can result in significant metabolic disturbances. We analyse the most important trace elements below, along with those such as lead and cadmium that are toxic to humans. visit our trace metal testing page for individually requirements

Zinc Copper
Selenium Iodine
Magnesium Iron

Results within 2 weeks

The Sport test was designed for people who practice sports on a competitive or amateur level, to assess for variants in genes that affect their performance and help to prevent injuries.

Improve performance 

Test code: NN29

This genetic test will inform an athlete on their genetic predisposition in terms of the type of sports they play (endurance, power, speed) so that they can make the most of their “natural talents” and help them take advantage of performance enhancers such as caffeine.

Muscle power is the ability to express high levels of strength in a short time and depends on the % of rapidly contracting (white) fibres. For example, ACTN3 codes for a protein found almost exclusively in fast-twitch muscle fibers, a common variant (R577X) can turn the gene inactive.

A fast metaboliser of caffeine experiences short-lived, stimulating effects. COMT regulates dopamine and stress hormone breakdown in the brain affecting stress & pain tolerance, fatigue and endurance. The ACE gene variants can code for  better endurance (like distance running or triathlons) or better power and strength (like sprinting or swimming).

The report will state if your genetic profile will or will not affect power, performance etc.

Traits analysed
Power ACE, ACTN3, AGT, PPARGC1A, IL-6, IGF2
Performance CYP1A2, COMT, BDNF
Endurance ACE, ACTN3, AGT, PPARGC1A, AL-6, IFG2
Stress COMT, BDNF

Results within 20 days

 

Prevent injury

Test code: NN29

This genetic test will inform an athlete on their susceptibility to injury.

The report will state if your genetic profile is linked or is not linked to a risk of injury.

For example, COL5A1 affects type V collagen with variants linked to a higher risk of Achilles tendinopathy.  COL1A1 codes type I collagen, linked with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture risk. 

ACTN3 codes for alpha-actinin-3 in fast-twitch muscle fibres; variants affect force absorption and micro-injury risk

Traits analysed
Muscle damage ACE, ACTN3, IL-6
Injury (tendinopathies/ osteopathies IL-6, TNF-ɑ, COL1A1, COL5A1, IGF2

Results within 20 days

 

Find a local laboratory

Three Rock Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin,D18 A4C0, Ireland