Vitamin D | CYP2R1 (rs2060793)

What it means: If your genotype is AA at rs2060793, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This pattern is associated with a higher likelihood of reduced efficiency in converting vitamin D to 25(OH)D in the liver. You may be more prone to lower circulating vitamin D levels compared with people who have other genotypes.

Practical steps:

• Consider baseline testing: Ask your provider about measuring serum 25(OH)D to know your current status.
• Diet: Increase intake of vitamin D-rich foods — fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), egg yolks, fortified milk and plant milks, yogurt, and fortified cereals.
• Supplements: Supplementation may be helpful, especially in fall and winter or if your blood level is low. Discuss dosage and form (vitamin D3 is commonly recommended) with your healthcare provider.
• Sun exposure: Practice safe, moderate sun exposure on arms and legs when possible, balancing skin cancer risk and vitamin D needs. Short daily exposure during midday months can support production.
• Other factors: Maintain a healthy weight and review medications or conditions with your provider that can affect vitamin D status (for example, some anticonvulsants or fat malabsorption).
• Follow up: Re-check 25(OH)D after starting supplements or making lifestyle changes to confirm levels are in the desired range.

What it means: If your genotype is AG at rs2060793, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a modest tendency toward lower 25(OH)D levels compared with the non-effect genotype, but it does not guarantee deficiency.

Practical steps:

• Testing: Consider a serum 25(OH)D test if you have symptoms suggestive of deficiency or risk factors such as limited sun exposure, darker skin, higher body mass index, older age, or certain medical conditions.
• Diet: Add regular servings of vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, canned sardines, mackerel, egg yolks, and fortified dairy or dairy alternatives.
• Supplements: Many people benefit from a low to moderate daily vitamin D supplement during months with limited sunlight. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized dosing.
• Sun exposure: Aim for safe, short periods of sun exposure several times per week, taking care to avoid sunburn.
• Lifestyle: Stay active and maintain a balanced diet that supports overall nutrient absorption and bone health, including adequate calcium and magnesium.
• Monitoring: If you start supplementation, check 25(OH)D as recommended by your provider to ensure levels are adequate.

What it means: If your genotype is GG at rs2060793, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with a greater likelihood of efficient conversion to 25(OH)D and comparatively higher circulating vitamin D levels. This is a favorable genetic predisposition for maintaining vitamin D.

Practical steps:

• Testing: Routine testing is not required for everyone, but consider a baseline 25(OH)D test if you have risk factors, signs of low vitamin D, or take medications that interfere with vitamin D metabolism.
• Diet: Continue to include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet as part of balanced nutrition.
• Supplements: You may not need supplements if you get regular sun exposure and consume adequate dietary vitamin D, but supplementation is still appropriate during low sunlight months or if testing shows low levels. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
• Sun exposure: Maintain safe sun habits to support natural vitamin D production, while protecting skin health.
• Healthy habits: Keep an eye on other factors that influence vitamin D, such as body composition, age, and medications. Maintain overall bone-healthy behaviors like weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium.