Unlock your genetic potential or gift the power of personalized health. Browse our Supersaver Packs now.
Your DNA is the most personal, sensitive piece of information that is uniquely yours. When you entrust it to a company, you should be certain they will use it responsibly. Xcode has always stood out as a sincere, honest service that prioritizes user privacy above all else. Privacy is an integral part of our DNA, and we continue to strive to provide a secure platform for you, the user. Our privacy policy remains clear-cut and concise, reminding you that at Xcode Life, your privacy comes first.
DNA data privacy involves protecting a person's genetic information.
Storage and repurposing of a user’s DNA data must be done transparently.
Sharing DNA with third parties must require the user’s well-informed consent.
Federal laws, such as the Common Rule and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), aim to protect consumer privacy while encouraging scientific progress.
When you choose Xcode, your focus should be solely on learning more about your health.
You will remain in charge of your DNA data from the moment you upload it to our site.
Here’s how you can control your data through Xcode.
Your DNA data deserves nothing less than the best security measures.
We review and update our privacy measures regularly.
Your uploaded data is encrypted, anonymized, and stored safely within our secure databases.
Once you upload your data, it will stay on our secure server.
Your data isn’t shared with any third-party tools, even anonymously.
No insurance companies or employers will have access to your data.
We intend to empower you to take charge of your health and have no intention of selling your data for commercial gain.
Only a handpicked set of trained employees have access to your DNA data.
They have undergone training to handle your data securely.
They are bound by confidentiality protocols, meaning nobody else at Xcode can access your data.
We access your data for only two things:
If you do not wish for your data to remain on our server once you receive the report, you can delete it through your account by contacting us, as mentioned previously.
With Xcode Life, you can be confident that we handle your data in the most secure way possible.
You can focus on gaining actionable insights to build a healthier future.
We hope that we’ve addressed your privacy concerns in this post.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We will always do our best to provide you with the information you require.
5 Things You Should Know Before Buying Xcode Life
What Are RSIDs?
How Genes Influence Your Risk For Lactose Intolerance
Newborn babies can be prone to bleeding disorders, and one standard medical procedure to combat this involves administering a vitamin K shot at birth. Vitamin K is known to help promote clotting and blood health by nourishing the liver. However, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to opt for a vitamin K shot for your newborn. This article will explore the benefits and risks of administering a vitamin K shot at birth.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin found in two forms in your food.
It helps make the proteins needed for blood clotting
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to low levels of prothrombin in the blood.
Prothrombin is a blood clotting protein whose deficiency can lead to hemorrhage (internal bleeding) and blood loss.
Vitamin K deficiency is very rare in adults.
It occurs in individuals with malabsorption issues or those taking medications that interfere with vitamin K absorption.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), infants between 0 and 6 months need two micrograms of vitamin K daily to maintain adequate nutritional levels.
This is because every newborn child has low vitamin K levels in their blood.
Two main reasons for this are:
Low vitamin K levels in infants put them at a higher risk for developing a condition called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) in the first six months of their life.
This is why every infant needs a vitamin K shot at birth.
Since 1961, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a vitamin K shot at birth to prevent the risk of VKDB.
VKDB causes life-threatening internal bleeding, which can occur within 6 months of birth.
According to experts, one out of five babies with VKDB die because of the condition.
Two out of every five survivors end up with long-term neurological damage.
They may also have motor skill defects, cognitive issues, and organ failures.
VKDB may also lead to motor skill defects, cognitive issues, and organ failures in surviving children.
Early VKDB occurs within 24 hours of birth.
The baby could be born with an existing bleeding disorder, which may worsen due to low vitamin K levels.
The use of certain maternal medications also increases the risk of early VKDB.
Classic VKDB occurs between 24 hours and one week of birth.
It’s caused by a natural decrease in vitamin K levels, which breast milk cannot adequately replenish.
Late VKDB occurs between one and 24 weeks (6 months) of birth.
It could result from the baby's existing liver problems, which make the liver unable to produce clotting factors.
All three cases of VKDB cause bleeding in the gut or brain and can turn severe quickly.
Doctors usually administer Vitamin K as a single intramuscular shot or an oral dose right after birth.
The injection contains vitamin K and certain safe additives that maintain the vitamin's pH levels and improve its absorption rate.
A single shot of vitamin K within 6 hours of birth can greatly reduce the risk of VKDB.
The dose is generally 1mg, but babies weighing under 1500g at birth get a 0.5mg dose of vitamin K.
| Vitamin K Injection | Vitamin K Tablets |
| One-time procedure | Three doses over 8 weeks |
| Delivered intra-muscularly | Delivered orally |
| Absorbed quickly and efficiently | Absorbed slowly and partially |
| Recommended by the CDC | Not recommended by the CDC |
In 2019, a study surveyed parents who were against vitamin K shots and noted a few reasons:
A growing number of people oppose vitamin K shots at birth.
It’s essential to clearly explain the pros and cons to help them make an informed decision.
| Pros of Vitamin K Shot At Birth | Cons Of Vitamin K Shot At Birth |
| Prevents VKDB, a rare but severe blood clotting problem in infants | Rare instances of infection, bleeding, or bruising at the site of injection |
| Easy administration; intramuscular(recommended) or oral | Preservatives like benzyl alcohol can be toxic in large amounts for very premature babies |
| One of the safest substances to administer |
Some parents wanted to wait until their infant showed signs of vitamin K deficiency.
However, visible signs of VKDB appear only after significant internal bleeding since it starts affecting the liver right from birth.
If the condition grows severe, there is little that doctors can do.
In most countries, hospitals offer vitamin K shots at birth completely free of cost.
Yes, VKDB incidences in the USA are extremely low.
It’s only because nearly all newborns take the vitamin K shot.
VKDB is more common in regions where vitamin K shots aren’t readily available.
Yes. Vitamin K isn’t properly delivered to the fetus through the placenta and won’t be adequately delivered through breast milk.
Every newborn needs a vitamin K shot to prevent internal bleeding due to VKDB.
The Link Between Vitamin D And Raynaud Disease
How Long Do Vitamins Take To Work?
5 Things You Should Know Before Buying Xcode Life
With over 6 million people affected by GERD globally in 2019—an alarming 77.19% increase from 3.4 million in 1990—the prevalence of this troubling condition is rising rapidly. GERD, characterized by the reverse flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, is a widespread health concern with significant genetic influences. Research suggests that hereditary factors play a major role in an individual's risk of developing GERD. Knowing how genetics play a role is vital for managing and potentially avoiding this chronic disease. Keep reading to discover how your genetics might impact your risk of GERD and how this knowledge can inform your health choices.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
This occurs due to a problem in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle ring that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
Normally, this ring opens to allow food into the stomach and then closes to prevent the stomach's contents from flowing back up.
In GERD, the LES is either weak or relaxes when it shouldn't, allowing acid to move up into the esophagus.
Fundamental causes of GERD:
The most common cause of GERD is a weak or relaxed LES.
When the LES becomes weak or doesn't function properly, stomach acid is permitted to flow back into the esophagus, resulting in the symptoms associated with GERD.
Yes, GERD can be hereditary. Research reveals that genetic factors play a significant role, with a heritability rate of about 31%.
Certain genetic markers, like specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are linked to a greater risk of developing GERD.
Several genes are linked to GERD. Key genes include:
Genes like COX-2, IL-10, GSTP1, XRCC1, hMLH1, and A61G are also associated with increased GERD risk due to their roles in inflammation, DNA repair, and growth factors.
Yes, acid reflux, also known as GERD, can run in families. A twin study provides strong evidence for a genetic component in GERD.
The study examined 1960 twin pairs, including both identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins.
Identical twins, sharing the same set of genes, were more likely to have GERD than fraternal twins, who share only half their genes.
The study indicated that monozygotic twins had a GERD symptom rate of 42%, compared to 26% for dizygotic twins. This suggests a significant genetic influence on GERD.
The study’s heritability estimates indicate that around 43% of the variance in GERD risk is due to genetic factors.
This suggests that having family members with GERD increases your chance of getting it, pointing to a strong genetic influence.
Several conditions and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of GERD. Key contributors include:
Underlying conditions:
Lifestyle factors:
Yes, GERD is often a lifelong condition. It’s a chronic problem, which means that even if symptoms improve with treatment, they often come back when treatment stops.
People with severe GERD, like those with erosive esophagitis, usually need long-term treatment to keep the symptoms under control and prevent complications.
Studies have shown that after stopping treatment, up to 90% of people with healed erosive esophagitis see their symptoms return within 6 to 12 months.
This shows that GERD doesn’t go away easily and often requires ongoing management.
Lifestyle changes often serve as the first line of treatment for GERD. If these adjustments are insufficient, further medical intervention may be necessary.
Over-the-counter options:
Prescription treatments:
Surgical options:
For obesity-related GERD, weight-loss surgery may be recommended.
Note: Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication for GERD to ensure it's the right approach for your condition.
Dr. Yalini Vigneswaran, MD, MS, a gastrointestinal surgeon at the University of Chicago Medicine, offers expert advice on managing and preventing GERD, including:
Is Lupus Hereditary? An Overview of Genetic Factors
How It Works: Are Freckles Genetic?
Is Handedness Genetic? What Science Tells Us
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9122392
https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/reflux-disease-gerd-1
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6107529
https://gut.bmj.com/content/52/8/1085.full
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140167
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1936305
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959
There’s a reason doctors insist you take your vitamins. The tingling sensation that Raynaud’s disease causes in your fingers could lead to more than mild irritation. Raynaud's disease occurs when blood stops flowing to your hands and fingers in cold or stressful situations. The most mundane of tasks can become a challenge during a flare-up. While the exact cause of Raynaud's is still being pieced together, research suggests that Vitamin D plays a significant role in maintaining healthy blood circulation. This article will explore the intriguing connection between vitamin D and Raynaud disease.
Raynaud’s disease causes a reduction in blood flow to your extremities (hands and feet).
It affects women more often than men.
It is usually triggered by stress or cold temperatures.
Reduced blood flow to the extremities can make them look pale, blue, or red.
A tingling sensation accompanies these color changes.
In Raynaud's disease, blood vessels overreact to cold or stress and undergo vasoconstriction.
It is usually caused due to the deficiency of certain minerals (like magnesium) in the body.
Structural abnormalities in the blood vessels can also cause Raynaud's disease.
Raynaud's phenomenon can be of two types: primary and secondary.
| Primary Raynaud’s | Secondary Raynaud’s |
| Easier to manage | Harder to manage |
| More common | Less common |
| No permanent damage | Causes tissue damage, gangrene, and sometimes loss of fingers or toes |
Some research shows that having adequate vitamin D levels in the body might help with Raynaud's.
Smooth muscles line blood vessels.
Vitamin D relaxes these smooth muscles, thus preventing vasoconstriction.
Some studies show that vitamin D is an anticoagulant.
It has a blood-thinning effect.
Thus, vitamins could help manage Raynaud's.
In a study, 42 people with vitamin D deficiency were given oral supplements of vitamin D3.
The subjects reported that the severity of Raynaud's significantly decreased after 12 weeks.
However, more research is required to back this claim.
So far, studies say that Vitamin D might help ease Raynaud's symptoms.
However, more research is required to back this claim.
People suffering from Raynaud's disease should meet their vitamin D3 levels.
It can be by taking supplements after consulting with your doctor.
You could add fatty fish like salmon and fish liver oil to your diet for adequate vitamin D3.
Ideally, your vitamin D3 levels should be between 20 and 50 ng/ml.
It can be taken either as a supplement or through the diet as fish like salmon.
When exposed to the cold, Raynaud’s disease causes numbing in the hands and feet.
Primary Raynaud’s causes some numbness and is not long-lasting.
Secondary Raynaud’s can be more severe and might require medical intervention.
Raynaud’s can result from environmental changes or underlying diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma.
Vitamin D can potentially improve Raynaud’s symptoms by promoting circulation.
Ginkgo has been shown to dilate blood vessels and ease circulation, easing pain in patients with Raynaud’s.
Consult your doctor before taking supplementation for your condition.
Naturally, colder foods can cause a flare-up of Raynaud’s.
Caffeine causes your blood vessels to narrow, so it may be a trigger as well.
People have reported going months without a flare-up or severe symptoms.
In some cases, the condition has gone away altogether.
How Long Does It Take For Vitamins To Work?
Vitamin K Shot At Birth: Pros And Cons
Top 7 Vitamins and Nutrients For Clearing Brain Fog
Did you know that humans were never meant to digest lactose? A mutation that appeared thousands of years ago allowed humans to digest lactose and has been passed down ever since. Today, 70% of the world remains lactose intolerant, experiencing extreme digestive discomfort from dairy. This article will explore the genes behind lactose intolerance, explaining where the mutation came from, how it works, and what you can eat with a lactose-intolerant gut.
Lactose intolerance occurs when lactose is not digested well by our digestive system due to reduced or non-production of lactase enzymes.
Lactose is a healthy carbohydrate commonly found in milk and milk products.
It consists of two sugar units: glucose and galactose.
Lactose improves the absorption of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
Lactase is the enzyme in our body that breaks down lactose.
A deficiency or defect in this enzyme would prevent lactose from being digested, leading to primary lactose intolerance.
Secondary lactose intolerance is due to an illness or an injury that affects your small intestine.
Celiac disease and Crohn’s disease are common diseases affecting the intestine and impacting lactase secretion.
When lactose-intolerant people consume dairy products, they usually experience unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
Some of the symptoms that occur immediately include:
Yes, lactose intolerance is primarily influenced by genetics, which determines how much lactase, the enzyme responsible for digesting lactose, is produced in the body.
This condition can manifest in various forms, with primary lactose intolerance being the most common.
In this case, individuals typically produce sufficient lactase during infancy but experience a decline in lactase production as they age, leading to difficulties digesting dairy products.
Additionally, congenital lactose intolerance is a rare genetic disorder where infants are born without the ability to produce lactase at all.
Understanding these genetic factors helps explain the varying degrees of lactose intolerance across different populations and age groups.
The LCT gene produces the lactase enzyme, which degrades the lactose molecules.
Another gene on chromosome 2 called MCM6 controls the LCT gene.
One portion of this MCM6 gene, known as a regulatory element, helps control the amount of lactase the LCT gene can produce.
This RSID denotes a mutation in the MCM6 gene, which controls the amount of lactase produced.
The most common allele in this position is T.
It enables lactase production in proportion to the number of T alleles present.
A person with two T alleles (one from each parent) will produce more lactase than someone with one or no T alleles.
The lactose tolerance or persistence trait is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.
It means that if any of your parents are lactose tolerant, you will be too.
This dominant inheritance pattern helps explain how the trait spread far and wide over generations.
Lactose intolerance is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
This is why it’s prevalent within communities.
Animals can only digest milk in their infancy while their mothers nurse them.
As they grow, their bodies gradually stop producing lactase.
Thus, the entire animal kingdom, except humans, is naturally lactose intolerant.
Around 8,000 years ago in present-day Turkey, humans had just started to domesticate and milk cows, goats, and sheep.
The lactase gene LCT mutation appeared more frequently, imparting lactose tolerance to humans.
Initially, only a few humans had this mutation.
During times of famine, milk was the only nourishment readily available.
Those who could digest lactose survived and passed on the gene to their descendants.
Imagine a person who’s been following a vegan diet.
Since he doesn’t digest lactose, his body stops producing lactase.
The cells responsible for lactase production disappear temporarily due to disuse.
This explains why a genetic test could indicate intolerance despite no history of lactose intolerance.
If he consumes a dairy product, he will likely experience symptoms of lactose intolerance.
This is because the lactase-producing cells need to reactivate and proliferate.
Certain bacteria in our gut flourish in the presence of lactose and help break it down.
This is why many lactose-intolerant people can still have a cup of milk (12 grams of lactose) without experiencing any symptoms.
This could also explain why a person can consume dairy despite a genetic test indicating lactose intolerance.
The incidence of lactose intolerance varies among different population groups.
East Asians are the most lactose intolerant population, with 70-100% of people affected.
On the other hand, North Europeans have an incidence of 18-26%.
Their ancestors had a culture of dairy farms and consumed unfermented dairy products, passing on the gene type that produces lactase.
Ethnicity also influences the age of onset of lactose intolerance.
In Finland, 1 in 60,000 newborns are affected, the highest incidence in infants worldwide.
In African-American populations, most children develop intolerance by the age of two.
Caucasian children become intolerant after five years of age.
A lactose-free diet is the best way to combat lactose intolerance.
Before eliminating lactose from your diet, you should test the extent of your intolerance.
Research suggests that many people can have a cup of milk daily (12 grams of lactose) with barely any symptoms.
Lactose-digesting bacteria in your gut can sometimes substitute for lactase.
Some lactose intolerance therapies involve introducing new lactose-digesting bacteria into the gut.
Since dairy is rich in Vitamin D and calcium, it’s best to have a cup of milk if you can tolerate it.
But even if a hint of lactose in your diet puts you in trouble, you should eliminate dairy and all other sources of lactose.
Some healthy food groups that are also lactose-free include:
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for your bone health.
Getting adequate levels of these nutrients on a dairy-free diet can be challenging.
Some food sources are naturally high in calcium and vitamin D.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can keep your bones healthy:
Modify your diet only after consulting a doctor.
How It Works: Are Freckles Genetic?
Is Sleep Apnea Genetic? Risk Factors, Treatment, And More
Is Handedness Genetic? What Science Tells Us
https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/news/070401_lactose
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/mcm6
https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Rs4988235
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048992
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25625576?dopt=Abstract
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12602-018-9507-7
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/lactose-intolerance/#frequency
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22643754
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2986166/
While researchers suspect a combination of genes and environmental factors that trigger lupus, there's still no light on which one in particular sets the disease in motion. This article attempts to explore the genetic side of lupus and explains why even though lupus isn't a hereditary condition it is still seen running in families.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the body, primarily in connective tissues like cartilage and the lining of blood vessels.
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakes the healthy cells in your body as dangerous invaders and attacks them.
Lupus may affect other body systems, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs.
Though the exact cause of this disease is unknown, this autoimmune disease is believed to occur due to genetics and the environment.
It has been observed that some people with a genetic tendency for lupus develop the condition on exposure to something in the environment that triggers the disease.
Lupus is more common in women between ages 15 and 45.
It is difficult to diagnose lupus as its signs and symptoms are similar to other conditions.
No, lupus is not an inherited condition.
However, certain gene variants are associated with lupus risk.
People may inherit these gene variants, which may increase or decrease their risk for the condition.
It has been found that 20% of people with lupus have a parent or sibling with this condition.
Around 5% of children with a parent having lupus may develop the condition.
Though studies around the genetics of lupus are still underway, scientists have identified at least 60 genes that may increase an individual’s risk for systemic lupus erythematosus.
Studies have shown that a class of genes called the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is associated with lupus.
These genes perform various functions in the body, including:
Lupus is polygenic - multiple gene variations contribute to the disease.
However, some single gene variations are also responsible for lupus.
The most common single gene mutation that causes lupus is complement deficiency.
Another monogenic cause of lupus is a mutation or abnormal change in the PRKCD gene.
This mutation results in the formation of excessive T cells and stimulates B-cells to convey improper signals to the immune system, triggering lupus symptoms.
Lupus is often seen running in families as the gene changes that increase the risk of this condition can be inherited across generations.
A few potential triggers of lupus include:
Signs and symptoms of lupus vary in every individual. They may develop slowly or come suddenly, may be mild or severe.
People with mild lupus usually have shorter episodes of symptoms, and these are called flares.
The most common symptoms of lupus are:
Apart from these general symptoms of lupus, women of African-American or Hispanic origin may also experience kidney complications, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
While systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus, other types of this condition are:
This type of lupus affects the skin. Besides skin lesions and sensitivity to the sun, people with this type of lupus may also experience hair loss.
This type of lupus is caused by some medications and may resolve once the medication is stopped.
People with drug-induced lupus may have other symptoms similar to systemic lupus erythematosus.
This rare type of lupus is found in infants at birth.
Children born with this type of lupus receive antibodies from their mothers who had lupus at the time of birth or may develop the condition later in life.
Factors that may increase an individual’s risk for lupus include:
