What genetic variants influence the risk of vitamin A deficiency?

The beta-carotene oxygenase 1 enzyme (encoded by the BCO1 gene) controls the first step involved in converting beta-carotene to active vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the most important carotenoid (plant-sourced vitamin A).

Studies show that genetic variants in the BCO1 gene can influence the conversion of dietary beta-carotene by decreasing the activity of the enzyme, thereby increasing the risk of vitamin A deficiency. The four common BCO1 variants in our DNA Nutrition Test are:

• rs12934922 T
• rs6564851 G
• rs7501331 T
• rs11645428 

If you have one or more of these BCO1 variants, it is more beneficial to eat foods that are high in active (preformed) vitamin A, such as beef, liver or eggs.