Homocysteine and environmental exposures | Purser Wellness Encyclopedia

Why this matters

Separate questions about toxin exposure from questions about genetics and antioxidant pathways.

How the pieces connect

Lead, mercury, arsenic, and some pesticides are exposures that require an exposure history and appropriate testing. A gene result does not show that an exposure happened.

Exposure is a separate question from susceptibility

Dr. Purser brings genetics and toxicants into one model, but they describe different things. Susceptibility is a possible tendency to respond differently; exposure is contact with a substance. A gene result does not establish that an exposure occurred. Dr. Purser’s discussion of lead, mercury, arsenic and organophosphates therefore needs an exposure history and suitable testing before it can inform a real clinical question. A theoretical antioxidant connection is not proof of poisoning or proof that a detoxification product is needed.

Keep in mind

A genetic or cytokine result cannot diagnose poisoning. If you think you were exposed to a harmful substance, tell your clinician about the possible source and timing.

A question for your next conversation

Is there an identifiable exposure, and is the proposed test appropriate for that substance?

BUILD YOUR UNDERSTANDING

A few concepts, made clearer.

MTHFR

Makes an enzyme that helps produce a form of folate used in the processing of homocysteine. Common variants are different from rare variants that cause severe MTHFR deficiency.

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