HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Understanding Your ABCG8 Genetic Result and Cholesterol Health

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance your body needs to build cells, make hormones, and produce vitamin D. It travels in the bloodstream mainly as LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol, and HDL, called "good" cholesterol. The ABCG8 gene helps manage how much cholesterol is absorbed from the intestine and how much is secreted into bile for removal. Variations in ABCG8 can change how efficiently this pump works, which may influence cholesterol balance and the risk of developing cholesterol gallstones.

How ABCG8 Affects Bile and Gallstone Risk

The ABCG8 protein forms a pump that moves cholesterol out of liver and intestinal cells and into bile or back into the gut. When this pump is less efficient, cholesterol can build up in bile. Excess bile cholesterol can crystallize and eventually form gallstones. Knowing your rs11887534 genotype can help you understand how your body may handle cholesterol and suggest lifestyle and dietary choices to support healthy bile composition and overall cholesterol balance.

Two effect alleles (CC) — Higher risk

You have the CC genotype for rs11887534, meaning you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is linked to a stronger likelihood of reduced ABCG8 pump efficiency. That can raise cholesterol levels in bile and increase the risk of cholesterol gallstones.

What this may mean for you

  • Greater tendency for bile to carry excess cholesterol
  • Higher potential for cholesterol crystals and gallstone formation
  • Possible contribution to higher blood cholesterol if intestinal handling is altered

Practical steps to support bile and cholesterol balance

  • Adopt a fiber-rich diet: aim for vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains to help reduce cholesterol absorption.
  • Favor healthy fats: use monounsaturated and polyunsaturated sources like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish; limit saturated and trans fats from fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty cuts of meat.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and lose weight gradually if needed; rapid weight loss can increase gallstone risk.
  • Stay physically active: regular aerobic activity supports healthy cholesterol levels and digestion.
  • Stay well hydrated to support bile flow.
  • Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider: vitamin C and appropriate iron levels may support cholesterol metabolism, but they should be used under medical guidance.
  • Schedule regular checkups and cholesterol tests as advised by your healthcare provider; report abdominal pain or digestive symptoms promptly.
One effect allele (CG) — Moderate risk

You have the CG genotype for rs11887534, carrying one copy of the effect allele. This may moderately affect ABCG8 pump efficiency and slightly increase the chance of cholesterol build-up in bile compared with someone with no effect alleles.

What this may mean for you

  • Small to moderate increase in bile cholesterol content
  • Elevated but not dramatic risk of cholesterol gallstones compared with the general population
  • Opportunity to lower risk with targeted lifestyle choices

Practical steps to support bile and cholesterol balance

  • Eat plenty of fiber: vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains.
  • Choose healthy fats and limit saturated and trans fats to reduce bile cholesterol load.
  • Keep a regular exercise routine and maintain a stable, healthy weight.
  • Avoid very-low-calorie diets or extremely rapid weight loss programs that can increase gallstone risk.
  • Consider discussing vitamin C and iron status with your healthcare provider to see if supplementation is appropriate.
  • Monitor cholesterol levels with standard blood tests during routine medical care.
No effect alleles (GG) — Typical risk

You have the GG genotype for rs11887534, carrying two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical ABCG8 pump function and standard bile cholesterol secretion, which corresponds to a lower genetic risk for cholesterol gallstones.

What this may mean for you

  • Efficient cholesterol transport into bile and reduced tendency for excess bile cholesterol
  • Lower genetic predisposition to cholesterol gallstones
  • Normal-range baseline risk, still influenced by diet, weight, and lifestyle

Practical steps to maintain healthy cholesterol handling

  • Continue a balanced, fiber-forward diet with plenty of plant foods and whole grains.
  • Favor healthy fats and limit saturated and trans fats.
  • Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid rapid weight changes.
  • Keep routine medical care and cholesterol screening as recommended by your provider.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Fiber: Aim for a variety of soluble and insoluble fiber. Foods like oats, beans, lentils, apples, berries, and whole-grain bread help bind cholesterol and can improve bile composition.
  • Healthy fats: Emphasize olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Limit full-fat dairy, fatty red meat, and processed baked goods high in saturated and trans fats.
  • Balanced meals: Include protein, fiber, and healthy fats at meals to support steady digestion and reduce bile cholesterol saturation.
  • Weight management: If overweight, gradual weight loss of about 0.5 to 1 pound per week is safer for gallstone risk than rapid loss.
  • Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus strength training twice weekly.
  • Hydration: Adequate water intake helps maintain bile fluidity and overall digestion.

Supplements and Tests to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider

  • Vitamin C: May support cholesterol metabolism; check with your provider before starting.
  • Iron: Correct iron deficiency under medical supervision; excess iron should be avoided.
  • Routine labs: Lipid panel to monitor LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol; liver function tests if clinically indicated; follow-up testing frequency as recommended by your provider.
  • Medication review: If you have high cholesterol or gallstone symptoms, discuss pharmaceutical options and risks with your clinician.

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Right-sided or upper abdominal pain, especially after meals
  • Nausea, vomiting, unexplained fever, or jaundice
  • Sudden, severe symptoms or persistent digestive discomfort

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and does not provide medical advice. Use these results to inform conversations with your healthcare provider. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical, dietary, or supplement changes based on genetic information.