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Alpha-2A adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A) is a receptor protein encoded for by the ADRA2A gene 1. ADRA2A regulates an unusually wide number of central nervous system signalling pathways and also metabolic functions, including regulation of circulating glucose 2, and potentially type 2 diabetes 3.

There are two SNPs located in ADRA2A which are associated with impaired health outcomes.

111282335T>G

Science Grade
B-
Gastrointestinal Health
rsID Number Major Allele Minor Allele Minor Allele Frequency (%)
rs10885122 g t 29

Risk Description

The ‘T’ allele of rs10885122 is associated with alterations in fasting blood glucose 2, through unknown mechanisms. Interestingly a later smaller study was not able to repeat this effect (which the authors attribute to their smaller sample size), but they did demonstrate a strong effect when the ‘T’ allele of rs10885122 was present along with the ‘A’ allele of  rs553668 3.

Nutritional Contraindications:*

Ingredient Active Ingredient Effect
High GI Foods

The ‘T’ allele of rs10885122 in the ADRA2A gene is associated with an elevated blood sugar level, which is linked with the development of type 2 diabetes (although in the case of this SNP, reports about T2D risk are conflicting 3,4).

GI is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate based food makes blood sugar levels rise after ingestion. There is significant evidence that eating low GI foods (55 and below) 4, especially those rich in fiber can prove beneficial to health 5.

Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.

7790A>T

Science Grade
B-
Gastrointestinal Health
rsID Number Major Allele Minor Allele Minor Allele Frequency (%)
rs553668 a t 23

Risk Description

The ‘A’ allele of rs553668 is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes through unknown mechanisms 2, but not with elevated blood sugar levels 3.

This effect was repeated in a later smaller study which also reported a strong effect strong effect when the ‘A’ allele of rs553668 was present along with the ‘T’ allele of  rs10885122 3.

Nutritional Contraindications:*

Ingredient Active Ingredient Effect
High GI Foods

The ‘A’ allele of rs553668 in the ADRA2A gene is associated with an elevated risk of developing of type 2 diabetes, although not changes in blood sugar levels 3,4.

GI is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate based food makes blood sugar levels rise after ingestion, dysregulation of which is a key marker of type 2 diabetes. There is significant evidence that eating low GI foods (55 and below) 4, especially those rich in fiber can prove beneficial to health in those suffering from, or at risk of developing T2D 5.

Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.

Dr. Aaron Gardner, BSc, MRes, PhD

Dr. Aaron Gardner, BSc, MRes, PhD is a life-scientist with a strong background in genetics and medical research, and the developing fields of personalized medicine and nutrition. Read his full bio here.
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