A New Chapter in Understanding Your Body
Since our inception, our mission at Tolerance has been simple: to create an end-to-end platform for people managing histamine intolerance or DAO deficiency. We started with histamine intolerance because we saw a need for support in an often misunderstood and confusing area.
Today, we take another step towards a being true end-to-end platform with our partnership with Lifecode Gx, the UK’s leading specialists in nutrigenomics, to offer at-home genetic testing. This partnership allows us to provide you with a new layer of personalised insight, helping you to understand the unique genetic blueprint that influences how your body works.
What is Genetic Testing and How Can It Help?
Your DNA contains the instructions for building and operating your entire body. While we all share the vast majority of our DNA, tiny variations make each of us unique. Genetic testing looks at some of these specific variations to offer insights into your body’s tendencies. For us at Tolerance, we are specifically interested in the genes that influence histamine breakdown, and being able to test whether or not variations in these genes might indicate a higher propensity towards histamine intolerance or DAO deficiency.
A key focus of these tests is on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, or SNPs (pronounced ‘snips’). A SNP is a very common and normal type of variation in our DNA sequence, like a single-letter difference in a long sentence. These small differences can influence how efficiently certain enzymes work or how your body responds to specific nutrients or environmental factors.
It is crucial to understand the difference between your genotype and your phenotype. Your genotype is your unique genetic code, the specific set of SNPs you have. Your phenotype, however, is the observable expression of those genes, your actual physical traits and health. Your phenotype is influenced not just by your genes, but by your diet, environment, sleep, stress, and lifestyle. Your genes are the blueprint, not the finished building. They show predispositions, not diagnoses. This is what makes the information so powerful; it can highlight areas where personalised support may be most effective.
Our Partnership with Lifecode Gx
To bring you the highest quality genetic testing, we've partnered with Lifecode Gx. They are a UK-based company specialising in nutrigenomics, which is the study of how our genes interact with nutrition and lifestyle. We chose to work with them because of their deep expertise, their commitment to evidence-based reporting, and their focus on providing actionable, easy-to-understand information. Together, we aim to make these powerful insights accessible to you.
What Tests We're Offering
In the initial stage of our partnership, we're offering customers two report options:
- Histamine Only: Test the seven core genes that influence histamine processing, to give you insights that an elimination diet can't see
- Core Nutrient Report: Test 27 genes across nutrition, food response, methylation and detoxification. Understand how your body tolerates histamine plus the interconnected systems that manage your responses to certain foods, vitamins and detoxing pathways
Because your genes don't change, each of these reports can be delivered from a single swab. For that reason, we're offering customers a 'Bundle' option, where you will receive both of these reports, for a saving of £220.
Histamine Genetic Report
Given our origins, helping people understand their personal relationship with histamine is very important to us. The Histamine Intolerance genetic test analyses genes involved in histamine production and degradation, such as DAO and HNMT. Variants in these genes are associated with differences in enzyme activity, which may affect how well your body processes histamine from food and its own cells. This information can be a valuable piece of the puzzle, alongside dietary and lifestyle strategies. It is important to remember that having no genetic variants in this area does not rule out histamine intolerance, as the condition can also be acquired through other means, such as gut health issues or medication use.
Core Genetic Report
Your body is an interconnected system. The reports also provide insights into fundamental processes that affect your overall wellbeing. You can learn about your genetic tendencies related to:
- Methylation: This is a vital biochemical process that happens billions of times per second in your cells. It is essential for DNA repair, detoxification, managing inflammation, and producing neurotransmitters. Understanding your methylation-related genetics can offer clues for supporting your energy and mood
- Detoxification: Learn about the genes that code for the enzymes your body uses to process and eliminate toxins, hormones, and metabolites
- Nutrient Metabolism: Discover your genetic predispositions related to processing key vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamin D, and more
How the Process Works
We wanted to ensure the entire process is as simple and straightforward as possible. It can all be done from the comfort of your own home.
- Order your kit: Choose the test that aligns with your health questions and order it through our website
- Collect your sample: Once your kit arrives, you will find a simple cheek swab inside. You just need to rub the sterile swab on the inside of your cheek for a minute to collect a sample of cells. It is completely painless
- Post it back: Place your sample in the pre-paid envelope provided and post it back to the laboratory
- Receive your report: Once the lab has analysed your sample, you will receive a detailed, personalised report explaining your results in a clear and useful way, alongside a 30 minute call with a trained expert who can help you interpret your results for you
Our Responsible Approach to Your Genetics
We believe that knowledge is empowering, but it must be handled with care. Your genetic information is deeply personal, and we are committed to a responsible and ethical approach.
Firstly, these tests are not for diagnosing, treating, or curing any disease. They are an informational tool to help you and your healthcare practitioner make more informed decisions. The results should always be interpreted in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Secondly, we cannot say this enough: your genes are not your destiny. A genetic finding is a predisposition, not a diagnosis. Many people with a particular SNP will never experience any related health issues. The information is there to help you understand your body so you can support it intelligently.
Finally, your privacy is paramount. Your genetic data is sensitive, special-category data under UK GDPR. We and our partners at Lifecode Gx treat it with the highest standards of security and confidentiality.
Getting Started on Your Journey
If you are curious about your body and ready to explore your health from a new perspective, we invite you to learn more about our new genetic tests. This is more than just data; it is a new way to listen to your body and a powerful tool for building a more personalised approach to your wellbeing. We are so excited to be on this journey with you.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before undertaking any new health regimen.