HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

How CYP2C19 and Pyrethroid Detoxification Affect Your Health

Pyrethroids are a class of insecticides commonly used in household products and for pest control. Two examples are deltamethrin and permethrin. The CYP2C19 gene makes an enzyme that helps metabolize some pyrethroids. Variations in CYP2C19 can change how efficiently your body breaks down these compounds. This article explains what different CYP2C19 genotypes mean for pyrethroid detoxification and offers practical, consumer-friendly guidance on diet, supplements, lifestyle, exposure reduction, and clinical follow up.

Why this matters

When your body cannot clear environmental compounds quickly, those substances may remain in circulation longer and could contribute to increased exposure-related effects. Even so, the body has many detox pathways and other genes involved in metabolism. Regardless of genotype, healthy lifestyle habits support broad, long-term detox capacity and overall wellness.

2 effect alleles (AA for rs4986893) — Poor metabolizer

You have two copies of the effect allele at rs4986893 (AA), which is associated with markedly reduced CYP2C19 enzyme activity. This classification is often called poor metabolizer for the specific pyrethroids that rely on CYP2C19. As a result you may clear deltamethrin and permethrin more slowly than people with normal enzyme function.

What this can mean for you

  • Potential for longer internal exposure to certain pyrethroids after contact.
  • Greater value in minimizing exposure opportunities.
  • Extra benefit from lifestyle and diet changes that support liver and whole body detoxification.

Practical recommendations

  • Minimize exposure: Avoid or limit use of household products that contain permethrin or deltamethrin. Consider non-chemical pest control measures where possible.
  • Diet: Emphasize cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts), leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and fiber to support liver enzymes and elimination.
  • Hydration: Maintain consistent fluid intake to support kidney and liver clearance.
  • Exercise: Regular moderate activity promotes circulation, lymphatic flow, and metabolism.
  • Supplements: Discuss B complex vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenol-rich extracts) with your clinician before starting. These can support general liver function but should be individualized.
  • Clinical monitoring: Talk with your provider about targeted questions or tests if you have ongoing high-level exposure or symptoms you suspect are related to insecticides. Your clinician may consider exposure assessment or liver function tests as appropriate.
1 effect allele (AG for rs4986893) — Intermediate metabolizer

You carry one copy of the effect allele (AG). This genotype is generally associated with moderately reduced CYP2C19 activity compared with people who have two non-effect alleles, but it usually has a smaller impact than having two effect alleles. Your body has partial capacity to clear these pyrethroids, and other detox enzymes and pathways can compensate.

Practical recommendations

  • Minimize exposure: Reduce use of pyrethroid-containing products when practical and follow safety directions closely when use is necessary.
  • Diet: Prioritize a variety of vegetables and fruits, including cruciferous vegetables, and maintain adequate dietary fiber.
  • Hydration and activity: Stay well hydrated and maintain regular physical activity to support elimination.
  • Supplements: Consider discussing B complex vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants with your healthcare provider to determine if they are appropriate for you.
  • When to consult a provider: If you have substantial or repeated exposures or symptoms that could be related to chemical exposure, speak with your clinician about possible testing or monitoring.
0 effect alleles (GG for rs4986893) — Typical metabolizer

You have two copies of the non-effect allele (GG), which is associated with typical CYP2C19 enzyme activity for the pyrethroids that rely on this pathway. Your body is expected to metabolize deltamethrin and permethrin at a normal rate compared to the general population.

Practical recommendations

  • Minimize unnecessary exposure: Even with typical activity, limiting unnecessary contact with insecticides reduces cumulative chemical load.
  • Diet and lifestyle: Follow the same general healthy practices—plenty of vegetables, good hydration, regular exercise, and sleep—to support detox systems.
  • Supplements: Routine supplementation is not required based on genotype alone. Discuss any supplement plan with your healthcare provider.

Everyday steps to support detoxification

  • Eat a variety of whole foods. Focus on vegetables and fruits, with an emphasis on cruciferous vegetables which contain compounds that can support phase 1 and phase 2 liver enzyme activity.
  • Prioritize fiber. Dietary fiber helps move waste through the gut and supports healthy elimination of toxin metabolites.
  • Stay hydrated. Adequate fluids support kidney function and elimination pathways.
  • Maintain regular activity. Moderate cardiovascular and resistance exercise supports circulation and metabolic health.
  • Reduce exposure. Choose non-chemical pest management when feasible, ventilate areas after pesticide use, and follow label instructions and protective measures if chemical use is necessary.
  • Avoid unnecessary combined exposures. Limit cigarette smoke, excess alcohol, and other chemical exposures that add to the body burden.

Supplements and targeted strategies

Some nutrients support liver health and detox pathways. Commonly discussed options include B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. These should not be assumed necessary based solely on genotype. Speak with your healthcare provider to tailor any supplement plan based on your medical history, medications, current lab results, and overall diet.

When to talk with your healthcare provider

  • If you have high or repeated exposure to insecticides due to occupation or environment.
  • If you experience unexplained neurological, gastrointestinal, or systemic symptoms after suspected exposure.
  • Before starting supplements or making major changes to your health plan.
  • To consider testing when clinically indicated, such as exposure assessment or liver function testing.

Limitations and important notice

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and how they may relate to detoxification capacity. This content is for informational purposes only. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making medical or health-related decisions, starting or stopping medications, or beginning any new supplement, diet, or exercise program.