Boone interprets 48 genes linked to nutrition in published research, using its own documented method. Here is every gene we read, what it does, and how it becomes a score in your report.
How we score
From raw DNA to one clear score
1
Read your raw data
Your saliva sample is turned into raw genetic data in the lab. Boone receives it and reads the 48 nutrition genes.
2
Combine genes into results
Each result draws on one or more genes. Their effects are combined into a single score from 0 to 5 for genetic influence.
3
Rate the science
Every result carries an evidence rating: strong, moderate or emerging, based on how large and consistent the research is.
4
Write advice for your diet
Results with strong influence get specific actions, written for a vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian or meat-eating diet.
The 48 genes
ADCY5 Helps signal insulin release from the pancreas. Linked to small differences in fasting blood sugar. Glucose ADD1 Involved in how the kidneys handle salt. Linked to blood pressure in population studies. Sodium ADIPOQ Makes adiponectin, a hormone from fat tissue that helps your body respond to insulin. Glucose ALDH2 Breaks down acetaldehyde, the by-product of alcohol that causes flushing. Alcohol APOA2 Linked in some studies to how the body responds to saturated fat. Saturated fat APOA5 Helps clear triglycerides, the main blood fats, after a meal. Saturated fat APOB Builds the particles that carry cholesterol and fats in your blood. Lipid handling BCO1 Converts beta-carotene from plants into vitamin A. Vitamin A BDNF Involved in brain signals for hunger and fullness. Snacking BHMT Uses betaine, made from choline, in an important recycling step in the liver. Choline CHDH Turns choline into betaine. Choline CUBN Absorbs vitamin B12 from your gut. B12 CYP1A1 A liver enzyme that helps break down caffeine and other compounds. Caffeine, sodium CYP1A2 The main enzyme that clears caffeine. Variants make people faster or slower clearers. Caffeine CYP2R1 Activates vitamin D in the liver. Variants are linked to lower blood vitamin D. Vitamin D, calcium CYP4F2 Breaks down vitamins E and K. Also used to guide doses of the blood thinner warfarin. Vitamins E and K ELOVL2 Lengthens omega-3 fats on the way to making DHA. Omega-3 FADS1 A key step in turning plant omega-3 (ALA) into EPA and DHA. Omega-3 FGF21 A hormone linked to food choice, including how much protein and sugar people prefer. Protein and fullness FTO The best-studied appetite gene. Linked to energy balance and how people respond to diet. Protein amount, saturated fat FUT2 Shapes your gut environment. Linked to B12 levels in the blood. B12 G6PC2 Helps set your fasting blood sugar level. Glucose GC Makes the protein that carries vitamin D in your blood. Vitamin D GCK Your body’s glucose sensor. Sets when insulin is released. Glucose GCKR Controls how the liver handles glucose, and affects blood fat levels. Glucose, lipid handling HFE Controls how much iron your gut absorbs. Iron IRS1 Passes insulin’s signal into your cells. Glucose LDLR Clears LDL cholesterol from your blood. Lipid handling LPA Sets your level of lipoprotein(a), a blood fat particle largely decided by genes. Lipid handling LPL Breaks down blood fats so your body can use or store them. Unsaturated fat MC4R A key appetite gene in the brain. Common variants have a small effect on hunger. Snacking MCM6 Controls whether the lactase enzyme stays switched on in adulthood. Lactose MTHFR Turns folate into its active form, with help from vitamin B2. Folate, B12 PEMT Lets your liver make some of its own choline. Choline PNPLA3 Involved in how the liver handles fat. Lipid handling PPARG Guides fat cell development and how tissues respond to insulin. Glucose, saturated fat RBP4 Carries vitamin A in your blood. Vitamin A SCARB1 Takes up fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamin E, into cells. Vitamin E SLC23A1 Absorbs vitamin C from your gut. Vitamin C TAS2R38 A bitter taste receptor that decides how bitter some vegetables taste to you. Bitter taste TCF7L2 The strongest common gene linked to blood sugar control and insulin release. Glucose TCN2 Carries vitamin B12 in your blood to your cells. B12 TF Makes transferrin, the protein that carries iron in your blood. Iron TFAP2B Linked to where the body stores fat and how people respond to different diets. Protein amount TMPRSS6 Helps set hepcidin, the hormone that controls iron absorption. Iron TRIB1 Linked to blood fat levels. Lipid handling TTR Helps carry vitamin A in your blood. Boone looks only at that role. Vitamin A VDR The vitamin D receptor, which helps you absorb calcium. Calcium
What we leave out
Some genes in raw DNA data are known mainly for links to medical conditions rather than nutrition. Boone doesn’t interpret them and doesn’t test for any condition. If a condition runs in your family, talk to your GP.
Tendencies, not destinies
Genetics is a developing science. Your results show how you’re likely to respond; food, sleep and movement still shape the outcome. Boone is not a medical or diagnostic test.
See it in a real report
Pages 13 and 14 of the sample report list every gene alongside the results it feeds into.
