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Aaron Goldman, PhD: Chief Science Officer-DNA LABS

  • 6 days ago
  • 4 min read

Episode 91: How Understanding Your DNA Can Have One of the Biggest Impacts on Your Health & Longevity




🎧 Episode Overview


In this episode of the BiohackerBlondie Podcast, Dr. Aaron Goldman, PhD — molecular biologist and founder of DNA Labs — breaks down how your genes influence medication effectiveness, detox capacity, methylation, nutrient absorption, brain chemistry, and long-term disease risk.

This conversation covers pharmacogenetics, the MTHFR gene, APOE and Alzheimer’s risk, caffeine metabolism, appetite regulation genes, and how personalized DNA testing eliminates guesswork in modern health.

The episode explores how to move from generic medicine to precision medicine — using your DNA as a strategy tool instead of a fear trigger.


🧪 Pharmacogenetics: Why Your Medication May Not Work


Dr. Goldman’s company offers a pharmacogenetics panel called:

Match My Meds

  • Covers 170+ medications

  • ~$275 USD

  • ~$349 CAD

  • ~7-day turnaround

  • Requires physician sign-off in the U.S.

  • Website: dnalabs.ca


💊 Plavix (Clopidogrel) Example


  • Prescribed after heart attack, stroke, or stent placement

  • ~40% of Asian populations cannot metabolize it

  • ~30–35% of Caucasians cannot metabolize it

  • FDA issued a black box warning


Other medication categories discussed:

  • Antidepressants

  • Anti-anxiety medications

  • Pain medications

  • Gastrointestinal drugs

Pharmacogenetics reduces trial-and-error prescribing and helps match the right medication to your metabolism.


🧬 What DNA Actually Means


  • Humans are 99.9% genetically identical

  • The remaining 0.1% equals ~6 million variations

  • Genes encode proteins

  • Proteins regulate hormones, neurotransmitters, detox enzymes, and metabolism

Small SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) changes can significantly impact health outcomes.


🔥 Detox & Glutathione Genes


Genes discussed:

  • GSTP1

  • GSTM1

  • GSTT1


These control how efficiently glutathione attaches to toxins for elimination.

Implications:

  • Mold sensitivity

  • Heavy metal accumulation

  • Higher inflammatory burden

  • Slower toxin clearance


Tools mentioned:

  • Glutathione

  • NAC

  • Sauna

  • Omega-3

🥕 Nutrient Conversion Genes


FADS2 (Omega-3 Conversion)

  • Converts plant-based ALA → DHA/EPA

  • Some individuals cannot convert efficiently

  • Vegan diets may lack active DHA

  • Solution: Fish oil or algal DHA

BCMO1 (Vitamin A Conversion)

  • Converts beta-carotene → retinol

  • Some individuals cannot convert effectively

  • May require retinol supplementation


Eating healthy does not guarantee nutrient conversion.


🧠 MTHFR & Methylation Pathways

Genes discussed:

  • MTHFR

  • MTR

  • MTRR

  • COMT

  • FUT2

Impacts:

  • Folate metabolism

  • Homocysteine regulation

  • B12 activation

  • Inflammation levels

Dr. Goldman personally uses:

  • Methylated B vitamin complex

  • Omega-3

  • Magnesium glycinate

Magnesium acts as a cofactor for COMT.


⚔️ COMT: Warrior vs. Worrier

COMT regulates dopamine breakdown.

Fast COMT:

  • Faster dopamine clearance

  • Higher pain tolerance

  • Faster stress recovery

Slow COMT:

  • Slower dopamine clearance

  • Increased rumination

  • Greater stress sensitivity

Supplements discussed:

  • Magnesium glycinate

  • Ashwagandha

  • L-theanine


☕ Caffeine Metabolism (CYP1A2)


Determines whether you are:

  • Fast metabolizer

  • Medium metabolizer

  • Slow metabolizer

Slow metabolizers:

  • Caffeine lingers 6–8 hours

  • Increased anxiety risk

  • Sleep disruption

Recommendation:Stop caffeine by 2 PM.


🧠 APOE & Alzheimer’s Risk


Variants:

  • E3 (most common)

  • E4 (increased risk)

    • 1 copy: ~3x risk

    • 2 copies: 8–12x risk

  • E2 (neuroprotective, slight cardiovascular association)


Prevention strategies discussed:

  • Mediterranean diet

  • Flavonoids

  • Exercise

  • Avoid smoking

  • Reduce saturated fats

  • Reduce excess metals

Genes indicate risk, not destiny.


⚖️ Appetite & Obesity Genes

Genes discussed:

  • FTO

  • MC4R

Influence:

  • Appetite signaling

  • Satiety response

  • Metabolic risk

Genetics may affect fullness cues and weight regulation.


🧬 Additional DNA Labs Panels & Gene Variant Coverage

In addition to the genes discussed above, DNA Labs offers expanded panels covering broader categories of health and optimization.


🧪 Match My Meds™ Pharmacogenetics Panel Includes:

Key medication metabolism genes:

  • CYP2D6

  • CYP2C19

  • CYP2C9

  • CYP3A4

  • CYP3A5

  • SLCO1B1

  • VKORC1

  • TPMT

  • DPYD

  • UGT family genes

These impact:

  • Antidepressant metabolism

  • Anti-anxiety medications

  • Statins

  • Blood thinners

  • Pain medications

  • PPIs

  • Oncology drugs

  • Immunosuppressants


🧬 LoveMyHealth® Lifestyle & Wellness Panel

Analyzes approximately:

  • ~92 SNPs

  • Across ~69 genes

Categories include:

🥗 Nutrition & Metabolism

  • FADS1 / FADS2

  • BCMO1

  • TCF7L2

  • PPARG

🧠 Brain & Neurotransmitter Regulation

  • COMT

  • BDNF

  • DRD2

  • SLC6A4

🔥 Detox & Oxidative Stress

  • GST family

  • SOD2

  • NQO1

  • CAT

🧬 Methylation & Inflammation

  • MTHFR

  • MTR

  • MTRR

  • IL6

⚖️ Weight & Appetite

  • FTO

  • MC4R

  • LEPR

💪 Fitness & Recovery

  • ACTN3

  • ACE

  • COL5A1

💤 Sleep & Circadian Rhythm

  • CYP1A2

  • CLOCK gene variants

  • ADA


🧠 LoveMyHealth® Pro Panel

Adds 41 additional clinically relevant markers including:

  • Cardiovascular risk genes

  • Hormone regulation markers

  • Expanded detox pathway genes

  • Advanced inflammatory markers

  • Metabolic syndrome risk genes


👶 LoveMyHealth® Pro Fertility Add-On

Covers genes related to:

  • Egg quality

  • Sperm quality

  • Folate metabolism in pregnancy

  • Oxidative stress & embryo development


🥑 FeedMyGenes™ DNA Diet Playbook

Personalized dietary recommendations based on:

  • Carb tolerance

  • Fat metabolism

  • Protein utilization

  • Insulin sensitivity


🌿 TestMyTolerance™ Cannabis Sensitivity Panel

Analyzes gene variants influencing:

  • THC metabolism

  • CBD response

  • Endocannabinoid receptor sensitivity

  • Dopamine response


🔐 Data Privacy

DNA Labs:

  • Does not sell genetic data

  • Only tests specific genes included in the report

  • Provides privacy documentation upon request


🔗 Resources


DNA Labs Website:👉 dnalabs.ca

DNA Labs Instagram:👉 https://www.instagram.com/dnalabs_


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  • Disclaimer:


    This episode is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments or protocols.


 
 
 

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