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Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Understanding Your ABCG8 Result and Gallstone Risk

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder when bile contains too much cholesterol and crystals form. The ABCG8 gene plays an important role in how cholesterol is transported from the liver into bile. Certain variations in this gene can increase cholesterol secretion into bile, which can raise the risk of gallstone formation. Below is an easy to understand explanation of what the gene does, how different genotypes affect risk, and practical steps you can take to support gallbladder health.

How ABCG8 Affects Gallstone Formation

ABCG8 works with a partner protein to move cholesterol out of liver cells and into bile. When too much cholesterol is secreted into bile, bile can become oversaturated and unable to keep cholesterol dissolved. Small cholesterol crystals can form and then grow into gallstones. Your ABCG8 genotype can change how much cholesterol is moved into bile and therefore influence your predisposition to cholesterol gallstones.

Everyday Choices That Help Reduce Gallstone Risk

  • Eat a balanced, fiber-rich diet: Aim for plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Fiber helps regulate cholesterol and supports healthy bile composition.
  • Choose healthy fats: Include sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fats from fish or a supplement can be beneficial.
  • Limit saturated fats and refined sugars: Reduce red and processed meats, full-fat dairy, fried foods, and sugary snacks and beverages that can raise cholesterol and promote bile imbalance.
  • Maintain a healthy, steady weight: Excess body weight increases gallstone risk, but avoid very rapid weight loss. Aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss when needed.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged fasting: Regular meals and adequate fluids support healthy bile flow and reduce the likelihood of crystal formation.
  • Be physically active: Regular moderate exercise helps maintain healthy weight and improves metabolic health.

Supplements and Tests to Consider

  • Omega-3 supplements: May support healthy liver and cholesterol metabolism. Speak with your healthcare provider about dose and suitability.
  • Vitamin C: Adequate vitamin C supports bile acid synthesis. Use supplements only when needed and under provider guidance.
  • Lipid panel: Periodic blood tests to monitor total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides can guide dietary and medical decisions.
  • Consult for imaging: If you have symptoms (right upper abdominal pain, nausea after fatty meals, jaundice), your provider may recommend an ultrasound to check for gallstones.

When to Talk with Your Healthcare Provider

  • Severe or persistent right upper abdominal pain
  • Fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine
  • Rapid weight loss or bariatric surgery planning
  • Questions about taking supplements or making major diet changes
2 effect alleles (CC genotype) — Increased risk

You have two copies of the effect allele (CC) at rs11887534. This genotype is associated with a higher risk of cholesterol gallstones. Your ABCG8 variant increases cholesterol secretion into bile. When bile becomes oversaturated, cholesterol can crystallize and form gallstones. This genetic predisposition can interact with diet, weight, hormones, and other factors to affect overall risk.

Practical steps for people with this result include:

  • Prioritize a high fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
  • Limit saturated fats and refined sugars. Choose lean proteins and plant-based fats.
  • Include healthy fats such as fatty fish and small amounts of nuts and olive oil.
  • Aim for gradual weight loss if overweight, targeting about 0.5 to 1 pound per week.
  • Avoid prolonged fasting and extreme low calorie diets that increase gallstone risk.
  • Stay well hydrated and exercise regularly.
  • Discuss omega-3 supplementation or other targeted nutrients with your provider.
1 effect allele (CG genotype) — Likely increased risk

You carry one copy of the effect allele (CG) at rs11887534. This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk for cholesterol gallstones. Your ABCG8 variant may increase cholesterol secretion into bile, making bile more prone to forming crystals. This outcome is influenced by diet, body weight, hormones, and other genes.

Recommended actions:

  • Follow a fiber-rich, balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Limit saturated fats, processed foods, and added sugars.
  • Maintain a steady, healthy weight and avoid crash diets or prolonged fasting.
  • Include omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, sardines, or flaxseed, or discuss supplements with your provider.
  • Consider regular lipid monitoring to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
0 effect alleles (GG genotype) — Typical risk

You have two copies of the non-effect allele (GG) at rs11887534. This genotype suggests typical cholesterol transport into bile through the ABCG8 pathway and no increased risk from this specific variant. That does not mean you are free of gallstone risk. Diet, weight, hormones, other genes, and health conditions can still influence gallstone formation.

Practical guidance remains similar to the other genotypes to support gallbladder health:

  • Eat a balanced, fiber-forward diet and choose healthy fats.
  • Limit saturated fats and refined sugars.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and stay active.
  • Avoid rapid weight loss and prolonged fasting.
  • Seek medical evaluation if you have symptoms suggestive of gallstones.

Key Takeaways

  • ABCG8 helps move cholesterol into bile. Certain variants can increase cholesterol secretion and raise gallstone risk.
  • Your genotype at rs11887534 can influence this risk but is only one factor among lifestyle, hormonal, and other genetic contributors.
  • Dietary choices, steady weight management, hydration, and regular activity can reduce the risk of gallstones and support overall gallbladder health.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and based on genetic predispositions only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or exercise routine, or if you have concerns about symptoms or testing related to gallstones.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About GALLSTONES and ABCG8 rs11887534

How does the ABCG8 rs11887534 variant affect my risk of cholesterol gallstones?

The ABCG8 gene helps transport cholesterol from liver cells into bile. When your rs11887534 genotype increases cholesterol secretion into bile, bile can become oversaturated, allowing cholesterol crystals to form and grow into gallstones. Your result may shift your predisposition, but overall risk also depends on diet, body weight, hormones, and other factors.

What lifestyle changes can help reduce gallstone risk if my ABCG8 result suggests increased risk?

Focus on a balanced, fiber-rich diet (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains), choose healthier fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, omega-3 sources), and limit saturated fats and refined sugars. Maintain a steady healthy weight, stay hydrated, avoid prolonged fasting or very rapid weight loss, and exercise regularly. These steps support healthier bile composition and cholesterol metabolism.

When should I consider tests, labs, or imaging for gallstones related to ABCG8?

If you have symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea after fatty meals, jaundice, fever, dark urine, or you’re planning rapid weight loss or bariatric surgery, talk with your healthcare provider. They may recommend an ultrasound to check for gallstones and periodic labs like a lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides). Supplements such as omega-3 or vitamin C may be discussed with your provider based on your situation.

What tests can help me learn more about GALLSTONES and ABCG8 rs11887534?

The Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test delivers over 200 genetic insights related to cellular repair, inflammation balance, metabolism, cardiometabolic health, and aging pathways. The Healthy Aging Genetic Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.