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Understanding PAH Sensitivity and Your NAT2 Gene

PAH Sensitivity refers to how well your body processes and removes Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAHs. PAHs are common environmental chemicals produced when organic material is burned. They are present in cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, charred meats, and other sources of combustion. The NAT2 gene makes an enzyme that helps modify and clear PAHs and similar compounds. Variations in NAT2 change enzyme activity and can influence how quickly your body detoxifies these substances.

Why this matters for health

When PAHs are not efficiently processed they can stay in the body longer and form byproducts that can cause cellular stress. Higher PAH sensitivity does not mean a specific disease will occur, but it can increase vulnerability to the effects of environmental exposures over time. Understanding your NAT2 genotype can help you reduce exposure and support natural detoxification through diet, lifestyle, and targeted testing.

Simple actions that reduce PAH exposure

  • Avoid cigarette smoke and secondhand smoke.
  • Limit consumption of charred or heavily grilled foods.
  • Choose gentler cooking methods such as steaming, baking, poaching, or slow roasting.
  • Improve indoor air quality by using ventilation, air purifiers, and avoiding indoor burning sources like candles and wood stoves when possible.
  • Minimize time near heavy traffic and idling vehicles, and avoid occupational exposures if possible.

Diet and nutrition to support PAH processing

Foods and nutrients can support the body’s natural detox pathways and neutralize free radicals produced during PAH metabolism.

  • Eat plenty of fiber rich fruits and vegetables to support elimination and gut health.
  • Prioritize cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale. These contain compounds that support phase 2 detoxification pathways.
  • Include colorful fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants, including berries, citrus, carrots, and leafy greens.
  • Maintain adequate protein intake to supply amino acids needed for glutathione production.
  • Ensure sufficient B vitamins, especially folate, B6, and B12, which support methylation and detox pathways.
  • Stay well hydrated to aid kidney function and removal of water soluble metabolites.

Supplements and supportive nutrients

  • Vitamin C and vitamin E as antioxidants to help neutralize oxidative stress.
  • NAC or N acetylcysteine to support glutathione synthesis when appropriate.
  • Alpha lipoic acid for broad antioxidant support.
  • B complex vitamin to support methylation and enzyme cofactors.
  • Consider milk thistle for liver support if advised by your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle practices that help

  • Regular moderate exercise promotes circulation, lymphatic flow, and healthy metabolism.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, as excess adipose tissue can store lipophilic compounds.
  • Reduce exposure to household and personal care products with combustion or petrochemical sources.
  • Practice stress reduction, as chronic stress can impair detox pathways.
  • Follow safe food handling and cooking practices to reduce formation of charred surfaces.

Monitoring and testing to consider

  • Discuss with your healthcare provider whether testing for environmental toxicants or their metabolites is appropriate.
  • Basic labs to support evaluation: liver panel, kidney function, and nutritional status including B vitamins and antioxidant markers.
  • Specialist testing such as urinary PAH metabolites or comprehensive toxicant panels may be considered for known or suspected high exposures.

Genetic Interpretation: NAT2 rs1208

The NAT2 rs1208 variant influences how active your NAT2 enzyme is. Below are the typical interpretations for the three possible genotypes. Use the accordion to expand the section that matches your genotype for tailored information and recommendations.

2 effect alleles (GG) — Reduced NAT2 activity and higher PAH sensitivity

Interpretation

  • Your GG genotype is associated with reduced NAT2 enzyme activity. This means your body may detoxify PAHs more slowly, allowing these compounds or their reactive byproducts to remain in the system longer than in individuals with higher NAT2 activity.
  • Reduced NAT2 activity does not mean illness is inevitable. It indicates a greater sensitivity to PAH exposures and a higher priority for exposure reduction and supportive measures.

Practical steps

  • Strictly avoid tobacco smoke and minimize time near vehicle exhaust and heavy traffic.
  • Avoid charred meats and high heat cooking that forms PAHs. Favor steaming, baking, poaching, or slow cooking.
  • Increase intake of cruciferous vegetables, antioxidant rich fruits, and foods that support glutathione (high quality protein, sulfur containing foods).
  • Consider targeted supplementation after discussing with your healthcare provider: NAC, B complex, vitamin C, and milk thistle for liver support.
  • Improve indoor air quality with ventilation and HEPA filtration if exposure risk is high.
  • Discuss with your clinician whether testing for PAH metabolites or liver and nutrient labs is appropriate.
1 effect allele (AG) — Moderately reduced NAT2 activity and slightly higher PAH sensitivity

Interpretation

  • Your AG genotype is associated with mildly reduced NAT2 enzyme activity. Your ability to process PAHs may be somewhat slower than people with two non effect alleles.
  • This represents a moderate genetic predisposition and is best managed by limiting exposures and supporting detox pathways.

Practical steps

  • Avoid cigarette smoke and reduce intake of grilled or charred foods. Use gentler cooking methods when possible.
  • Include cruciferous vegetables and antioxidant rich foods in your regular diet.
  • Ensure adequate B vitamins and hydration to support normal detoxification.
  • Consider lifestyle supports such as regular exercise and improved indoor air quality.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about whether any supplements or lab monitoring might be appropriate based on your exposure history.
0 effect alleles (AA) — Typical NAT2 activity and normal PAH sensitivity

Interpretation

  • Your AA genotype is associated with typical NAT2 enzyme activity. Your body is generally able to process and clear PAHs at a normal rate compared to population averages.
  • Even with typical NAT2 activity it is still beneficial to limit PAH exposures and support overall detox health because environmental PAHs contribute to long term exposure burden.

Practical steps

  • Continue to avoid smoking and limit charred foods. Choose steaming, baking, or other low PAH cooking methods.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and adequate protein to support liver function and antioxidant capacity.
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle practices including exercise, hydration, and good air quality at home.
  • Discuss routine preventive labs with your healthcare provider as part of overall health monitoring.

Important note

PlexusDx provides information to help you understand genetic influences on how your body handles environmental compounds. This information is educational and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, supplements, medications, or lifestyle, and to determine which tests or treatments are appropriate for your personal health situation.