Are Food Sensitivities Genetic? – Exploring the DNA Behind Recurring Reactions

We look at over 900,000 SNP’s and use the latest AI powered software to analyse over 80 million variants that significantly influence your health.

If you regularly feel unwell after eating – even when avoiding common triggers – your genes may offer some answers. For some people, recurring food sensitivities are linked to how their immune system and gut barrier are genetically wired to respond to certain compounds.

Life X DNA™ reports include insights into genes related to histamine response, gut lining integrity and immune sensitivity. Our test kits are available throughout Australia and New Zealand, offering a personalised lens on persistent digestive issues.

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Why Am I Sensitive to So Many Foods?

Food sensitivities can involve multiple biological systems, including digestion, detox, immune tolerance and histamine clearance. When these systems are slow or over-reactive, even healthy foods may cause symptoms.

Common genetic contributors include:

  • DAO – breaks down histamine from foods
  • FUT2 – affects gut lining and microbial balance
  • HLA-DQ – linked to immune reactivity in the gut
  • GSTM1, GSTP1 – influence how well the body clears food-related byproducts

These genes don’t directly “cause” food intolerance, but they may raise your threshold for reacting to certain foods, additives or environmental stressors.

Genes Linked to Food Sensitivity and Immune Response

The Life X DNA™ report covers several genes with roles in food sensitivity traits:

  • DAO and HNMT – histamine breakdown (gut and cellular)
  • FUT2 and MUC family – gut barrier health and bacterial colonisation
  • IL6, TNF – immune system signalling and inflammatory tone
  • GST family – detoxification and oxidative stress handling

Variants in these areas may help explain sensitivity to foods like dairy, wine, gluten-free grains, aged products, fermented vegetables or even supplements.

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Genetic Testing for Recurring Food Reactions

Life X DNA™ testing provides insights into possible underlying contributors to food sensitivity patterns, including:

  • Slower histamine or amine clearance
  • Poor resilience to naturally occurring food chemicals
  • Inflammatory reactivity in the gut lining
  • Genetic imbalances in microbial colonisation or mucosal protection

Our reports do not diagnose allergies or coeliac disease, but they can offer useful context for ongoing symptoms.

What’s Included in the Life X DNA™ Report

Food sensitivity traits are explored across:

  • Histamine and immune pathways
  • Gut barrier and digestive function genes
  • Inflammatory response and detox profiles
  • Over 1200 pages of interactive results with practical summaries

All kits are processed locally in our ISO-certified Perth lab, with data securely delivered and never shared.

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Available in Australia and New Zealand

We ship DNA kits across Australia and New Zealand with return packaging included. Reports are delivered online through a private portal. Support is available if needed to interpret your results.

FAQs – Food Sensitivities and Genetics

Yes. Certain gene variants may increase your sensitivity to histamines, amines, or inflammatory triggers in common foods.

You may have inherited differences in how you break down food compounds or regulate gut inflammation. Life X DNA™ helps explore this.

We include DAO, FUT2, HNMT, GSTM1, IL6 and others involved in gut immunity, detox and food-related histamine handling.

Order online, collect your cheek swab at home, and return the sample to our Perth lab. Your report will be available securely online.