What is a FUT2 gene?
A FUT2 gene is a gene that gives instructions for making a protein called glycosylation, which is involved in the creation of the histo blood group antigen precursor. But it is also involved in the creation of the precursor of the H antigen which is crucial in maintaining good gut health. As well as producing important enzymes. However which are also needed to produce a healthy environment, for the production of healthy gut flora.
Problem FUT2 genes
FUT2: The 3 major FUT2 genes that seem to cause major problems for people are FUT2 A12190G, FUT2 G12447A, and FUT2 G12758A. The below example shows three SNPs that are homozygous, often these people cannot make H antigen and are at risk of serious disease.
It is also not uncommon for people that have heterozygous mutations in FUT2 to also have an increased risk of gut-related health problems.
If you see any of these 3 FUT2 homozygous mutations you could be in serious trouble:
Do you have FUT2 symptoms?
FUT2 is an extremely important gene. Moreover having a mutation in these genes can lead to literally thousands of health problems. Here are just some of the major symptoms to look out for:
Any Autoimmune disease
Bloating
Leaky Gut
Intestinal permeability
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Eczema or dermatitis
Problems with IgG immunity
Problems with IgA immunity
Autism
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Pernicious anemia
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
Neurodegenerative disorders
Gut flora imbalances
Mouth oversensitive to heat or cold
Irritability
Anxiety and or tension
Lack of energy
Constipation
Tender or sore muscles
Pale skin
Tooth decay
SIBO
Why is H antigen important?
The specificity of the H antigen is determined by the sequence of oligosaccharides. Almost everyone to date who has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are homozygous for FUT2 mutations. Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, is often triggered by genetic factors such as specific SNP alleles (e.g., rs602662 and rs504963) associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. This combination of genes also plays a large role in Autism. FUT2 gene mutations are linked to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, influencing genetic susceptibility factors. These mutations can cause dysfunctional vitamin B12 absorption (Vitamin b12 plasma level quantitative trait locus 1).
FUT2 is involved in protein glycosylation. It means you can lose your ability to properly hold good bacteria in the gut leading to microbiome dysbiosis which can lead to serious diseases both physically and or mentally.
FUT2 Secretors VS Non-Secretors
FUT2 secretors and non-secretors exhibit distinct differences in their ability to express histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) on their mucosal surfaces. Secretors possess a functional FUT2 gene, enabling them to express HBGAs on surfaces such as the gut, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts. This expression plays a crucial role in the adhesion and colonization of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, which can significantly impact the risk of various diseases.
Conversely, non-secretors have a non-functional FUT2 gene, preventing them from expressing HBGAs on their mucosal surfaces. This lack of HBGA expression can alter the adhesion and colonization of microorganisms, leading to an increased susceptibility to certain diseases. Understanding whether you are a secretor or non-secretor can provide valuable insights into your health and potential disease risks.
Problem FUT2 genes
If you are lacking the ability to produce H antigen in the human intestine, your probiotics (good bacteria) will not have anything to stick to in the gut. This leads to serious gut health problems and often increases the risk factor for leaky gut and autoimmune disease.
One of the biggest problems with these gene mutations is overall nutritional disorders. This is a factor most often overlooked by many health practitioners.
Another thing that we see quite often in these homozygous FUT2’s is hyperoxaluria, which can result in a lowered ability to defend against some cancers. One of the first problems found with active FUT2 mutations is inflammation of the gut, which is almost impossible to resolve without restoring H antigen production.
Since poor producers of H antigen already have poor gut health due to poor gut bacteria and/or microbiome dysbiosis, this makes these people more susceptible to the destruction of the intestinal lining or mucosa, especially the shikimate pathway of our gut microbiome. Because of their lack of prebiotic production, it is obvious that GMO’d Roundup ready glyphosate foods increase their risk of disease by loss of intestinal mucosa (leaky gut).
FUT2 Secretors VS Non-Secretors: Secretor Status
Some of us belong to the human secretor blood group, which means having the ability to secrete our blood type antigen in secretions. Some of us have a non-secretor status, which means lacking the ability to transfer our blood type antigen in our secretions. Actually, that means as a non-secretor your FUT2 mutations can be more problematic. Due to the fact that your good bacteria can’t thrive. On the other hand, those who are secretors are still at risk, but carry the likelihood of having better protection in terms of their gut immunity or good bacterial production.
People that are considered as non-secretors have a higher susceptibility to any of the following:
Norovirus
HIV infection
Colorectal carcinomas
Staphylococcus aureus
FUT2 gene mutations & Leaky Gut (Intestinal permeability) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
One of the unfortunate side effects of having mutations in the FUT2 genes, which are a putative susceptibility determinant for leaky gut, is a lack of defenses (immunity). When gut immunity is low, this can cause the lining of the gut to become thin and weak, this is known as leaky gut or intestinal permeability (Which is considered one of the highest reasons for morbity). Mutations in the FUT2 gene are linked to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, which can exacerbate leaky gut and other gut-related health issues. The biggest problem with having a leaky gut is that nutrition is absorbed incorrectly. Poor immunity allows for pathogens, bacteria, and viruses to make their way into the bloodstream much more easily.
Once you have this type of situation. The immune system has to deal with many foreign objects entering the body, these foreign object then finding their way to places such as your organs. The immune system then attempts to deal with foreign objects which can lead to an overreaction of the immune system leading to autoimmune disease. Your immune system then attacks the foreign objects which can cause damage to you body including your organs, this is called an autoimmune disease.
FUT2 gene mutations and Autoimmune disease: Impact on the Immune System
Right now there are around 100 known autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease means that your body’s immune cells become confused and start attacking your own body. It is important to understand that autoimmune disease is preventable. We know that to get an autoimmune disease you need to have several factors such as:
Leaky Gut
Any number of other gene mutations
An environmental trigger
An underlying infection
Understanding your hbga secretor status can help prevent autoimmune diseases. As you can see, having FUT2 gene mutations are very likely to cause a leaky gut, unless it is properly treated. But most of the other factors such as other gene mutations (which most people have), an environmental trigger (which are all around us), and getting an underlying infection (which is inevitable if you have leaky gut and/or poor immunity). These people cannot afford to risk getting an autoimmune disease.
FUT2 Gene and Nutrition
The FUT2 gene is pivotal in the synthesis of fucosyltransferase 2, an enzyme essential for producing histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). These carbohydrate molecules serve as receptors for various microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. The presence of HBGAs on mucosal surfaces influences the adhesion and colonization of these microorganisms, impacting the risk of numerous diseases.
Research indicates that the FUT2 gene significantly affects the gut microbiome composition. Secretors typically have a more diverse and complex gut microbiome compared to non-secretors. This variation in gut microbiome composition can influence nutrient metabolism and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are vital for gut health. Consequently, differences in the FUT2 gene can affect the risk of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and coronary artery disease.
FUT2 Gene and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The FUT2 gene plays a crucial role in the synthesis of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) in the gut, which are essential for the absorption of vitamin B12. Individuals with FUT2 gene mutations, particularly those with non-secretor status, often face challenges in absorbing this vital nutrient. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among these individuals and can lead to a range of health issues.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and maintaining neurological health. A deficiency can result in pernicious anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Neurological problems such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and even mood disturbances can also arise from insufficient vitamin B12 levels.
For those with FUT2 gene mutations, it is crucial to monitor vitamin B12 levels and consider supplements or dietary changes to ensure adequate intake. Foods rich in vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals, can help maintain healthy levels. Consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is also recommended.
FUT2 Gene and Red Blood Cells
The FUT2 gene is integral to the synthesis of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), which are vital for the proper functioning of red blood cells. These antigens help maintain the structure and function of red blood cells, ensuring they can effectively transport oxygen throughout the body. However, mutations in the FUT2 gene can disrupt this process, leading to various health issues.
Individuals with FUT2 gene mutations may experience anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Additionally, FUT2 gene mutations can affect the expression of ABO blood group antigens on red blood cells, which has significant implications for transfusion medicine.
Understanding the relationship between the FUT2 gene and red blood cells is essential for developing effective treatments for related health issues. This knowledge can help healthcare providers better manage conditions like anemia and ensure safe blood transfusions for individuals with FUT2 gene mutations.
FUT2 Gene Testing and Diagnosis
FUT2 gene testing is a valuable tool for determining an individual’s secretor status, providing crucial information about their susceptibility to certain diseases. This test involves analyzing the FUT2 gene for mutations that affect the expression of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) on mucosal surfaces.
Molecular genetic analysis is employed to detect mutations in the FUT2 gene, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and deletions. This analysis reveals an individual’s secretor status and their risk of various diseases. Additionally, other diagnostic tests, such as the Lewis blood group test and the ABH blood group test, can determine HBGA expression on mucosal surfaces, further informing disease susceptibility.
Overall, FUT2 gene testing and diagnosis offer valuable insights into an individual’s secretor status and their risk of diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, coronary artery disease, and other conditions. Understanding your FUT2 gene status can guide personalized health strategies and preventive measures.
Treating FUT2 gene mutations
If you have FUT2 gene mutations regardless of them being homozygous or heterozygous, it is extremely important that you treat any active mutations to prevent serious health problems. Understanding the ABO blood group system can aid in treating FUT2 gene mutations, as it helps in identifying the genetic variants linked to various diseases. The good news is that these mutations are treatable. But it is important to do it right using experienced health practitioners. Those who understand the complicated nature of treating FUT2 gene mutations.
Get a consultation about your FUT2 mutations from the following link FUT2 Help.
FUT2’s catalytic activity is GDP-beta-L-fucose + beta-D-galactosyl-(1->3)-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl-(1->3)-beta-D-galactosyl-(1->4)-beta-D-glucosyl-(1< ->1)-ceramide = GDP + alpha-L-fucosyl-(1->2)-beta-D-galactosyl-(1->3)-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl-(1->3)-beta-D-galactosyl-(1->4)-beta-D-glucosyl-(1< ->1)-ceramide.
FUT2 Gene Mutation and Lifestyle Changes
Managing health issues related to FUT2 gene mutations often requires making specific lifestyle changes. For instance, dietary adjustments are crucial, particularly increasing the intake of vitamin B12 to counteract absorption issues. Including vitamin B12-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals in your diet can help maintain adequate levels.
Individuals with FUT2 gene mutations may also need to avoid certain foods or substances that can exacerbate their health issues. For example, foods containing high levels of oxalates or those treated with glyphosate may need to be limited to prevent further gut health deterioration.
Stress management and regular exercise are also important for maintaining overall health and well-being. Stress can negatively impact the immune system, making it harder for the body to manage the effects of FUT2 gene mutations. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, and maintaining a regular exercise routine can help mitigate these effects.
Understanding the relationship between FUT2 gene mutations and lifestyle changes is essential for developing effective management strategies. By making informed choices about diet, stress management, and exercise, individuals with FUT2 gene mutations can better manage their health and reduce the risk of related complications.
