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CarbChoice Test

What is the CarbChoice Test?

CarbChoice Test provides you vital information to support your unique requirements for carbohydrate and starch consumption. The Test also focus on the personalised and targeted nutrition, exercise and lifestyle intervention.

What Gene was studied in The CarbChoice Test?

Scientific studies have shown that variations in the human salivary amylase gene (AMY1) differ based on populations who have traditionally eaten high starch diets compared to those who have traditionally eaten low starch diets. Variations within the AMY1 gene influence how well your body can breakdown and process starch, meaning that some people can tolerate carbohydrates better than others.

Starch is the most common carbohydrate included in human diets – however, there is a considerable range of variation between cultures of dietary starch. Traditionally, “high starch” populations tended to be agricultural societies and arid region hunter-gathers, while “low starch” populations included rainforest and arctic hunter-gatherers and some pastoralists.

More recently population shifts and cultural changes mean that links to traditional cultural diets have (been distorted) blurred. Generally, European-American diets and Asian rice-based diets suggest these populations are more likely to have AMY1 gene variants that support improved starch digestion. However even within these populations there is variation among individuals in relation to AMY1 and starch metabolism.

What did the studies in the AMY1 gene variation find?

The variation in the AMY1 gene that has been studied is known as a Copy Number Variation (CNV). A CNV means that one or more segments of the DNA vary by having more or less copies (or repeats) in a section of that DNA.

copy number variation is a widespread phenomenon among humans although this was not uncovered until the completion of the Human Genome Project (in the early 2000s). To date, more copies in a gene have been identified and this suggests that the copies are favoured in evolution and are beneficial in some way.

The AMY1 gene has evolved in humans to have an increased number of copies. Chimpanzees have two copies of the AMY1 gene, while humans average 6 copies, but can have up to 20 copies. Scientific research has linked the adaptation to a high-starch diet as the additional copies of AMY1 improve the ability to digest starchy food.

How does the variation in the AMY1 gene work?

Recent research has shown that variations in the AMY1 gene affect the amount of alpha-amylase enzyme within saliva. For example, in individuals with more copies of AMY1 the higher their salivary alpha-amylase enzyme levels. This salivary alpha-amylase is a key enzyme supporting the processing of starch in the human body. Salivary amylase can account for up to 50% of total salivary protein in some individuals whereas others produce barely detectable concentrations.

What does the variation in the AMY1 gene mean?

As you can see in the two images above, the first Patient profile indicates the Number 9+ and he is within the 9-20 range, while in the second image the Patient profile indicates by the number 2 and he is within 1-4 range. This make the first Patient toleration of daily intake of Carbohydrate is higher and up 300 grams per day, while in the second Patient toleration of daily intake of Carbohydrate is much lower and it is up 150 grams per day

What will my AMY1 gene variation tell me?

Lower AMY1 copy number indicates:
  • Reduced amount of enzyme in our saliva needed to break down starch
  • A reduced tolerance of high-starch diets
  • A greater risk or predisposition to obesity, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases
  • Reduced glycaemic control (reduced glucose or blood sugar control)
  • Increased risk for metabolic abnormalities

That is why the CarbChoice Test is important!

If you looking to live a healthy life, then understanding the important of the intake of each of the macronutrients especially the carbohydrates ones. It is not secret that the underline of most of the diseases come from the fact that the excess intake of carbohydrate, increase blood glucose and set the body for Metabolic Disorder and Insulin Resistance.

But that is not all, as ingesting high refined carbohydrates can deplete the body from Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin C, B9, etc. and disturb the Balance between the Good and Bad Bacteria in the Gut and increase the liver productions of Triglyceride, Cholesterol and many others Health Problems

How can Tony help you understanding the CarbChoice Test?

Tony will first explain to you what Category does your Genetic Test fall, so you understand your Body’s maximum Intake of Carbs per day. And what will happen when we constantly eating more carbohydrates than your body can take. Second Tony will summarize for you the report explains you other Carbs Choice, Exercise, Hydration, Sleeping and Stress impact too.
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