"It turns out I have a significant issue with saturated fat which is why, despite exercise and eating 'healthy', I was still developing plaque in my arteries."

— Richard | PlexusDx Precision Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test | February 2026

Product: Precision Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test  |  Health Focus: Longevity, Cardiovascular Health & Nutrient Processing  |  PlexusDx Customer Since: 2026

The Challenge

Richard and Claudia are both 61 and both committed to their health — they exercise regularly and have long considered themselves careful eaters. Yet despite that consistency, they were dealing with two problems they couldn't explain. Richard was developing plaque in his arteries and struggling with persistently high LDL despite doing everything he believed was right. Claudia had an ongoing iron issue and had been taking folic acid supplements to address it — but they weren't helping. After researching methylation and genetic factors in nutrient processing, they decided to take the test together to find out what their DNA might be telling them that their habits weren't.

What the Test Revealed

The results gave Richard and Claudia two distinct, specific findings — one for each of them.

For Richard: the test revealed a significant genetic issue with saturated fat metabolism. His body does not process saturated fat efficiently — a variant that was directly contributing to arterial plaque buildup despite his exercise routine and what he considered a healthy diet. The problem wasn't behavior. It was biology.

For Claudia: the test revealed a genetic issue with folic acid processing — her body does not convert standard folic acid into its usable form correctly. This explained precisely why her folic acid supplements for iron had not been working. She had been taking the right nutrient in the wrong form for her genetics.

Beyond these two primary findings, both Richard and Claudia identified additional genetic factors that, with minor targeted adjustments, they believe will meaningfully support their long-term longevity.

What Changed

Acting on their results, Richard and Claudia made targeted, genetics-informed adjustments:

  • Richard reduced his intake of the saturated fat types his genetic profile flagged as problematic for his lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health
  • Claudia shifted from standard folic acid to a form her body can actually process, aligned with her genetic finding on folic acid conversion
  • Both made additional minor changes to their diet and supplement routines based on the other genetic findings their results surfaced

The Outcome

A few months after making these targeted changes, Richard and Claudia are both feeling better. The shift wasn't a dramatic overhaul — they were already living healthily. What the genetics gave them was precision: knowing which specific adjustments would actually matter for their individual biology. For Richard, that means tackling arterial plaque risk from its actual root cause. For Claudia, it means her supplementation is finally working with her body instead of bypassing it. Together, they describe their discoveries as findings they are confident will add years to their lives.

In Their Own Words

"I bought 2 of these kits, one for my wife and one for me. My wife and I are both 61 and we researched methylation because my wife has iron issues and we both have LDL issues even though we exercise regularly. We took the tests and mailed them in as instructed which was very simple with easy to follow directions and a prepaid envelope. A few weeks later we received the results. It turns out I have a significant issue with saturated fat which is why, despite exercise and eating 'healthy', I was still developing plaque in my arteries. My wife discovered she does not process folic acid correctly which is why folic acid supplements for her iron were not helping. We also discovered other very important items in our genetic makeup that, by making minor changes to our diet and supplement routine, we are certain will add years to our lives. It's been a few months since we took the tests and we are already feeling better due to tweaks we have made to our diets as a result of these tests. I highly recommend that anyone interested in their health and longevity consider taking this test."

— Richard, PlexusDx Customer | February 2026

Results reflect Richard and Claudia's personal experience with PlexusDx genetic testing. Individual results will vary. PlexusDx genetic tests are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement or nutrition regimen.

Ready to understand what your genetics say about your cardiovascular health and longevity? Explore the Precision Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can genetics explain high LDL or arterial plaque despite a healthy lifestyle?

Yes. Genetic variants affecting saturated fat metabolism can cause cardiovascular risk factors to persist even when diet and exercise look healthy on paper. If your body cannot efficiently process or clear saturated fat, behavior alone won't fully compensate. The PlexusDx Precision Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test surfaces these variants so you know which biological factors standard cardiovascular advice may be missing.

Why would folic acid supplements fail to work for someone with an iron issue?

Standard folic acid must be converted into its active form before the body can use it — a process that genetic variants can significantly impair. People with reduced conversion efficiency may supplement consistently and still see no benefit, because their biology can't complete the conversion at the rate the supplement assumes. Switching to a pre-converted, active form of folate bypasses the bottleneck entirely.

Is the Precision Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test useful for couples?

Richard and Claudia's results illustrate exactly why couples testing is valuable — their findings were completely different despite sharing the same diet and lifestyle. Each person's genetics are individual. Two people in the same household may need entirely different adjustments, and a single shared wellness approach will miss half the picture for both of them.