Support Your Genes & Protect Your DNA With These Science-Backed Supplements*

How do we plan on celebrating National DNA Day at mindbodygreen, you ask? By supporting the health of our DNA (what makes us unique!) and longevity, of course! 

What's National DNA Day? On April 25, 1953, DNA's double helix structure was discovered by brilliant scientists James D. Watson, Francis H.C. Crick, Maurice H.F. Wilkins, Rosalind D. Franklin, and colleagues. Back to celebrating.

When we think about DNA, we often think of reproduction and the features we inherit from our parents—such as hair color, skin tone, and face shape—and how susceptible we are to certain health concerns. But the truth is, the health and integrity of our DNA affects far more than just health proclivities or whether a baby looks more like one side of the family.

DNA contains the complex set of instructions that tell genes to make proteins that keep each intricate physiological system running as it should. It's crucial for your DNA to remain healthy and robust not just for reproductive purposes but also for accurate biological instructions, healthy gene function, and much more.

Many of the stressors (e.g., free radicals, environmental toxins and pollutants, heavy metals, and chemicals like BPA) that we encounter every day threaten the integrity of our DNA. Luckily, there are a number of actions you can take on a daily basis to protect and support your DNA—such as taking high-quality supplements that bolster the health of your genes.*

Methylation is a biochemical process in the body that affects pretty much every physiological system in the body—including genetics. DNA methylation is responsible for gene expression and repression (i.e., turning certain genes "on" or "off" to affect the proteins they create). The fancy term is "epigenetics."

mbg's methylation support+ supplement was created for individuals who are more prone to suboptimal methylation, thanks to their less-than-efficient MTHFR genes. Our formula includes potent methyl donors, including bioactive B vitamins (e.g., methylated folate, or 5-MTHF, which those with MTHFR gene variants have a more challenging time converting endogenously) and betaine, to promote healthy methylation, including DNA methylation.*

Almost all cells in the human body contain vitamin D receptors (VDR), which means that pretty much all cells, tissues, and organs are affected by this essential fat-soluble micronutrient and the body's vitamin D status.

As it turns out, there are a number of unique genetic polymorphisms1 (i.e., variations within a gene) that affect our body's ability to transport, metabolize, convert, and use vitamin D.

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency affect 41% and 29% of the U.S. adult population2, respectively, but research on how genetic makeup affects that statistic is ongoing. Whether genetic polymorphisms are at play in an individual or not, supplementation is absolutely essential to achieve sufficient vitamin D levels, considering food and sunshine don't provide adequate vitamin D on their own.* 

We're all about health span and longevity here at mbg, and DNA integrity is a big part of that equation. After all, feeling your best requires taking care of yourself—down deep to the cellular level.