Category: Genetics

Genetic variations can be responsible for significant variability in individual drug responses. This highlights the critical importance of understanding pharmacogenomics (PGx), but **what is a PHG in pharmacy**, and how does it impact patient care?

In 2019, the FDA's approval of the gene therapy Zolgensma sent shockwaves through the healthcare world with a $2.125 million price tag per dose. This made the treatment for spinal muscular atrophy famously known as 'what is the 2 million dollar pill,' sparking widespread debate about the cost of revolutionary medicine.

An estimated 80% to 90% of adults consume some form of caffeine every day, but how it affects you is largely dictated by a single, powerful liver enzyme. This crucial enzyme, known as CYP1A2, dictates your body's ability to process and eliminate caffeine, explaining why some people are unfazed by an espresso while others get the jitters from a single cup.

It is estimated that up to 60% of the US population carries a common variant of the MTHFR gene, which affects how the body processes certain B vitamins. For individuals with this genetic difference, understanding **what vitamins not to take with MTHFR** is crucial for avoiding health complications from unmetabolized supplements.

According to studies, teratogenic exposure accounts for about 4% to 5% of congenital disorders. Teratogenicity refers to the ability of certain substances, known as teratogens, to cause birth defects or developmental abnormalities in a fetus. Understanding this concept, along with a classic example like thalidomide, is crucial for reproductive and prenatal health.

Did you know that up to 60% of the population may carry a gene mutation that affects how their body processes folic acid? Health influencer Gary Brecka emphasizes that individuals with this MTHFR gene variation need specific, bioavailable nutrients, prompting the question: What supplements does Gary Brecka recommend for MTHFR?

Over 90% of people have at least one genetic variation that can influence their response to medication. PGx, or pharmacogenomics, is the study of how an individual's genetic makeup affects their reaction to drugs, helping to move healthcare towards a more personalized approach.