Sulfur + Gene Food Diet Type

Through an enzymatic process, the CBS gene breaks down sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine, taurine, cysteine, and homocysteine. Because the transsulfuration pathway creates glutathione, the body’s “master antioxidant,” a properly functioning CBS gene is important for the body's ability to detoxify substances, including heavy metals and environmental toxins.

CBS gene function can also affect how well someone handles “sulfur donor” supplements, such as NAC, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, MSM, and others.

Further, the health and wellness community is more aware of the dangers of elevated homocysteine, and consumers are more interested than ever in understanding their genetic risk for disruptions in the methylation pathway. Down-regulation, or diminished CBS activity, results in poor sulfur metabolism, the pooling of sulfur groups, and potentially high homocysteine. Low CBS activity is associated with diseases like homocystinuria.

Yes, the transsulfuration pathway impacts DNA methylation, and our methylation panel includes several CBS SNPs are part of our methylation scoring panel. Homocysteine does not just form part of the transsulfuration pathway; it also occupies a key location in the methionine and one carbon (sometimes called folate) cycles, sometimes called the DNA methylation cycle. Methionine synthase uses 5-MTHF as a methyl donor to convert homocysteine into methionine, resulting in the reformation of THF. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the enzyme that forms 5-MTHF, and the rs1801133 (C677T) and rs1801131 (A1298C) SNPs in MTHFR are thought to lead to reduced MTHFR activity and an accumulation of homocysteine. For this reason, MTHFR SNPs and CBS SNPs are often discussed together.

Most CBS gene mutations are quite common, and standing alone cannot be said to cause symptoms. However, regardless of which pathway homocysteine is processed through, it is considered harmful when present at high levels in the blood. Excessive homocysteine can damage endothelial cells that line the circulatory system and heart, leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. There are numerous SNPs within CBS. Some are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, while there are several associated with gastrointestinal issues arising from issues in removing dietary sulfur. Interestingly, these SNPs divide into those that increase or decrease CBS activity, highlighting its important role in many of the body's systems.

Up-regulation of the CBS genes results in rapid sulfur metabolism corresponding with low homocysteine.

When the CBS gene is highly active, the body cycles through homocysteine at a very rapid pace. Since the body makes ammonia as a byproduct of metabolizing sulfur, some have theorized that increased CBS activity results in higher ammonia levels, which can cause several health issues.

This report is included with the Basic Gene Food DNA test, alongside your diet type and core nutrition reports. Current kit pricing is shown above.

Like all our tests, the Sulfur Metabolism & CBS Gene Report is a simple cheek swab test. The test kit includes a self-addressed return envelope and detailed instructions for taking it. The swab sample is sent to our CLIA-certified laboratory in Houston, where the sequencing occurs.