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BioprocessesDiscover where your body needs extra support.
Do you have symptoms you can’t find an explanation for? In that case, it can help to look at your bioprocesses: the processes your body uses to make energy, clear away waste products and process hormones, among other things. Your DNA shows how these processes are set up in your body.
That insight can help you understand symptoms, prevent them and take a targeted approach to treating them. With the Bioprocesses add-on you see how 7 important processes work in your body, such as methylation and detoxification.
On top of your predisposition: insight into how your body works.
DNA shows how processes such as methylation and detoxification are set up. The task of each process in the body is known: making energy, clearing away waste products or processing hormones. So this analysis complements the predisposition from Conditions & lifestyle with insight into how the body works. That in turn leads to extra, targeted advice.
This insight is particularly valuable for symptoms whose cause is hard to find. The results show which process deserves extra attention and how it can be supported in a targeted way, for example with a specific supplement or targeted nutrients.
iGene is leading the way with this analysis and makes it available to doctors and therapists. More and more professionals are adding this DNA analysis to the blood and urine tests they were already doing. This helps them sharpen treatment plans and see more precisely where the body needs support. Clients and practitioners are very positive about it.
In iGene HealthConditions & lifestyle
Add-onBioprocesses
+
Looks at
Conditions & lifestyle: Your predisposition: the risk of a condition over the course of your life.
Bioprocesses: How it works: how 7 important processes are set up in your body.
Based on
Conditions & lifestyle: Scientific research in large groups of people.
Bioprocesses: The known task of each process in your body.
You get
Conditions & lifestyle: Your personal predisposition and the lifestyle advice with the greatest health gains.
Bioprocesses: Specific advice to support your body in a targeted way, tailored to your symptoms.
TogetherYou know where your predisposition lies and how your body works.
The 7 processes
7 processes that keep your body running.
Process 1 of 7
Methylation
Methylation is a biochemical process that is essential for many bodily functions. It takes place in all the cells of your body, all day long.
Among other things, your body needs methylation to make energy, to produce and repair DNA, and to remove harmful substances. Your immune system, your hormones and the substances in your brain (neurotransmitters) also depend on it, as does the repair of cells and tissues.
What do we analyse?
Folate cycle (including MTHFR, MTR)
Methionine cycle (including MTRR, BHMT, PEMT)
Transsulfuration pathway (including CBS, SUOX)
What does your DNA say?
Small differences in your DNA can affect how well methylation works for you. The best-known example is the MTHFR gene: a variation in this gene can make this enzyme work less well.
If several steps work more slowly, too much homocysteine can build up in your blood, or there may be too little SAM, a substance your body needs for methylation. These are risk factors that can contribute to various health problems.
Because methylation is involved in so many processes, problems can cause all kinds of symptoms. The most common are tiredness, irritability, psychological symptoms, disrupted stress hormones and a greater susceptibility to conditions and autoimmune reactions.
What can you do with your result?
You know how well the enzymes that regulate your methylation work, such as MTHFR, and whether you’re at increased risk of less effective methylation. This helps you understand where unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness or mood problems, may come from.
So you can take a targeted approach to your diet, for example with the B vitamins your methylation needs, such as folic acid and B12, and possibly use supplements in consultation with a healthcare professional.
The process illustrated
If you want the details: this is how this process works, step by step. You don’t need the diagram to understand your results.
This is the methylation cycle, which includes the folate cycle. The diagram shows which enzymes and B vitamins are involved in each step.
More about this diagram
The diagram shows how the genes, enzymes and transport proteins involved in this process are connected. In the app you see the same diagram with your results in it. For each step, a colour shows whether it works normally for you, or a little more slowly or quickly. You also see which nutrients and other factors play a role.
It’s an especially handy tool for healthcare professionals: it shows them specifically where your body may need support. Here we show the diagram for illustration. It shows how deep our analysis goes, but you don’t need it to use or understand your results.
Process 2 of 7
Detoxification
Detoxification is the way your body neutralises and removes harmful substances. This happens mainly in your liver, but also in your kidneys and lungs. This prevents harmful substances from building up in your body.
Among other things, your liver processes medicines, alcohol and pesticides, but also metals, hormones, vitamins and minerals.
What do we analyse?
The effectiveness of detoxification enzymes and transport proteins
Divided into phase 0, phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3
What does your DNA say?
Many different enzymes work together in detoxification. Small differences in your DNA can affect how well these enzymes do their job.
For example, your DNA affects how quickly you break down caffeine, and how well your body gets rid of heavy metals and other toxic substances.
Such differences are common: more than 95% of people have one or more of them. We analyse more than 35 genes that affect your detoxification.
What can you do with your result?
You know how well the two phases of your detoxification work together, in which your liver neutralises harmful substances and removes them; more than 35 genes are analysed for this. This shows you where your detoxification may come under extra strain, for example from alcohol, medicines or pesticides.
So you can make targeted choices: less exposure to harmful substances, a diet with the vitamins and minerals your detoxification needs, and possibly supplements in consultation with a healthcare professional.
The process illustrated
If you want the details: this is how this process works, step by step. You don’t need the diagram to understand your results.
These are the four phases of detoxification, from uptake to elimination. The diagram shows which enzymes are involved in each phase.
More about this diagram
The diagram shows how the genes, enzymes and transport proteins involved in this process are connected. In the app you see the same diagram with your results in it. For each step, a colour shows whether it works normally for you, or a little more slowly or quickly. You also see which nutrients and other factors play a role.
It’s an especially handy tool for healthcare professionals: it shows them specifically where your body may need support. Here we show the diagram for illustration. It shows how deep our analysis goes, but you don’t need it to use or understand your results.
Process 3 of 7
Oxidative stress
Many processes in your body release small harmful particles (ROS). Antioxidants catch them. If this balance is disrupted, cells, tissues and organs get damaged. This is called oxidative stress.
Such particles are also produced during detoxification. If detoxification doesn’t work well, this causes extra oxidative stress. Toxic substances themselves also cause oxidative stress and inflammation.
What do we analyse?
Information about the enzymes that process ROS
Genes involved: including SOD, CAT and GPX
What does your DNA say?
Various genes and enzymes are involved in clearing these harmful particles. Small differences in your DNA can therefore increase the risk of a disrupted balance. So how well a person’s body protects itself against this varies greatly from person to person.
What can you do with your result?
You know how well the enzymes that neutralise harmful oxygen radicals in your body work, such as SOD, CAT and GPx. This shows you where your weak links are, and that can help you understand unexplained symptoms.
So you can give them targeted support: with a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy gut flora, less stress and enough exercise, you can partly compensate for genetic weaknesses.
The process illustrated
If you want the details: this is how this process works, step by step. You don’t need the diagram to understand your results.
This diagram shows how harmful oxygen particles (ROS) are formed, and which enzymes neutralise them.
More about this diagram
The diagram shows how the genes, enzymes and transport proteins involved in this process are connected. In the app you see the same diagram with your results in it. For each step, a colour shows whether it works normally for you, or a little more slowly or quickly. You also see which nutrients and other factors play a role.
It’s an especially handy tool for healthcare professionals: it shows them specifically where your body may need support. Here we show the diagram for illustration. It shows how deep our analysis goes, but you don’t need it to use or understand your results.
Process 4 of 7
Oestrogens
Hormones, such as oestrogens, are important substances in your body. If your hormone balance is disrupted, this can cause physical, psychological and emotional symptoms.
People inherit differences in how they produce oestrogens. If oestrogens and progesterone aren’t in balance, there’s too much of the strong-acting oestrogens. This is called oestrogen dominance. It can lead to stubborn fat on the buttocks, thighs, abdomen and breasts.
What do we analyse?
Enzymes involved in the production (synthesis), conversion (metabolism) and elimination of oestrogens
Genes involved: including CYP17A1, CYP1B1, COMT and GSTs
What does your DNA say?
Various genes regulate how your body produces, processes and breaks down hormones. Your predisposition can therefore play a major role in your hormone balance.
You see how susceptible you are to oestrogen dominance: how the production of oestrogens relates to their breakdown and elimination. Testosterone and other conversion products are also covered.
What can you do with your result?
You know how quickly your body produces and breaks down oestrogens, and whether you have a predisposition to oestrogen dominance. This helps you understand where symptoms such as PMS, mood swings or stubborn fat deposits may come from.
So a practitioner can choose a more targeted, suitable approach and, for example, also support you in losing weight.
The process illustrated
If you want the details: this is how this process works, step by step. You don’t need the diagram to understand your results.
This is the oestrogen pathway: how your body produces, breaks down and eliminates oestrogens.
More about this diagram
The diagram shows how the genes, enzymes and transport proteins involved in this process are connected. In the app you see the same diagram with your results in it. For each step, a colour shows whether it works normally for you, or a little more slowly or quickly. You also see which nutrients and other factors play a role.
It’s an especially handy tool for healthcare professionals: it shows them specifically where your body may need support. Here we show the diagram for illustration. It shows how deep our analysis goes, but you don’t need it to use or understand your results.
Process 5 of 7
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are substances that pass on signals between nerve cells. Serotonin, for example, works in your brain, among other places, and affects your memory, mood, sleep and appetite.
What do we analyse?
The processing and production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, adrenaline and histamine
Genes involved: including COMT, MAO, DAO, DRD4 and BDNF
What does your DNA say?
Various genes regulate how your body produces, converts and breaks down substances such as dopamine, adrenaline, serotonin and histamine. Abnormalities in these can lead to sleep problems and anxiety attacks, for example.
If methylation doesn’t work well, or certain enzymes work less well, these substances aren’t broken down sufficiently.
What can you do with your result?
You know how your body produces and breaks down neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline and histamine, and how sensitive your receptors are to them. This helps you understand where symptoms such as restlessness, poor sleep, reduced focus or histamine-related symptoms may come from.
So a practitioner can look more specifically at what supports you, for example in your diet if you break down histamine less well.
The process illustrated
If you want the details: this is how this process works, step by step. You don’t need the diagram to understand your results.
This diagram shows how your body produces and breaks down dopamine, (nor)adrenaline and serotonin.
This diagram shows how your body produces and breaks down histamine.
More about this diagram
The diagram shows how the genes, enzymes and transport proteins involved in this process are connected. In the app you see the same diagram with your results in it. For each step, a colour shows whether it works normally for you, or a little more slowly or quickly. You also see which nutrients and other factors play a role.
It’s an especially handy tool for healthcare professionals: it shows them specifically where your body may need support. Here we show the diagram for illustration. It shows how deep our analysis goes, but you don’t need it to use or understand your results.
Process 6 of 7
Vitamins and minerals
Your body can’t make most vitamins itself. That’s why it’s so important to get them from your diet.
What do we analyse?
Processing and conversion of vitamins and minerals (including vitamins B6, B9, B12, D and magnesium)
What does your DNA say?
Small differences in your DNA affect how your body converts and excretes vitamins. As a result, some people naturally have a higher risk of a vitamin deficiency.
What can you do with your result?
You know how your body absorbs vitamins, transports them, converts them into their active form and excretes them. This shows you whether your vitamin requirements may differ from the average.
So you can adjust your diet accordingly, and decide together with a healthcare professional whether supplementation makes sense.
Diagram: not yet available in the image library, to be added.
Process 7 of 7
Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of your body. It’s how your body protects itself against pathogens, harmful substances and damaged cells. During inflammation, immune cells, blood cells and inflammatory substances (cytokines) work together.
Many genes are involved in inflammation. Fatty tissue also produces inflammatory substances. Mild, long-lasting inflammation (low-grade inflammation) can cause excess weight.
What do we analyse?
Cytokines, receptors, receptor antagonists and binding proteins involved in inflammatory mechanisms
Cytokines involved: including IL1, IL6, TNF and IL10
What does your DNA say?
Your immune system should react neither too strongly nor too weakly: both can cause health problems. This balance is easily disrupted, partly because of small differences in your DNA. We analyse twelve genes involved in this.
An immune system that reacts too strongly can, for example, make losing weight more difficult.
What can you do with your result?
You know how susceptible your body is to inflammatory responses; twelve genes involved are analysed for this. This helps you understand whether you have a predisposition to smouldering inflammation (low-grade inflammation), which has been linked to tiredness, excess weight and cardiovascular disease, among other things.
So, together with a healthcare professional, you can take a targeted approach to what influences inflammation, such as your diet, your gut flora and stress.
The process illustrated
If you want the details: this is how this process works, step by step. You don’t need the diagram to understand your results.
This overview shows the signalling substances that drive inflammation or, conversely, slow it down.
More about this diagram
The diagram shows how the genes, enzymes and transport proteins involved in this process are connected. In the app you see the same diagram with your results in it. For each step, a colour shows whether it works normally for you, or a little more slowly or quickly. You also see which nutrients and other factors play a role.
It’s an especially handy tool for healthcare professionals: it shows them specifically where your body may need support. Here we show the diagram for illustration. It shows how deep our analysis goes, but you don’t need it to use or understand your results.
How to use your results
On your own, or together with a professional.
You get points of attention and possible advice, based on how your bioprocesses work. View them yourself in the app, or have a professional tailor them to your situation.
“The process of collecting saliva, and the registration and shipping, was very easy. The results in the app are super clear. The consultation with the expert was also a good addition. I can definitely recommend Igene to everyone. Especially if you have unexplained symptoms, it can give you something to go on.”
ICIneke C.Trustpilot · translated from Dutch
“Very interesting and good to discover where the ‘weak link’ is, so that you can do something about it in a targeted way.”
VVVera VerhoevenTrustpilot · translated from Dutch
“Super interesting to look at your own DNA in such detail and to see what works well and what works less well. And of course the professional’s advice on what you can do to influence your biochemistry positively and prevent symptoms. Good service too!”
Want to know which DNA test is right for you?
Answer 9 short questions online and get advice straight away.
More and more doctors, therapists and dietitians use the iGene DNA test. Here’s how three of them use it:
MBMariette BorgIntegrative medicine physician · translated from Dutch
Uses the DNA test because it gives insight into the underlying causes of symptoms. She finds the test particularly valuable for chronic symptoms, with information about detoxification and bioprocesses.
SBSaskia de BruinElderly care physician, orthomolecular therapist · translated from Dutch
Works mainly with women with hormonal symptoms.
“The DNA test gives the therapy a lot of direction.”
ESErik SchutClinical psycho-neuro-immunologist · translated from Dutch
Sees the value of DNA tests in identifying weak spots and treating chronic symptoms in a targeted way. It also motivates clients to take action themselves.
Curious what your DNA says about you?
One saliva sample, lifelong insight. Want to know which DNA test is right for you? Take the questionnaire first.
