The Kashi Mood Profile Panel identifies nutrient deficiencies that may contribute each patient’s susceptibility to mood disorders. About 350 million people worldwide suffer from behavioral health issues such as depression or anxiety. Although the physiological basis behind these crippling mood disorders is not completely understood, several biochemical factors (such as serotonin and dopamine) are scientifically proven to affect mental health and perceptions of panic or anxiety. Several genetic markers have been identified that affect metabolic pathways in the body involving dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and folate; all known to be associated with depression and anxiety. The Kashi Mood Profile Panel analyzes multiple genes to determine whether there are any identifiable mutations known to affect these pathways, providing information that can help patients manage the mood disorder specific to their genetic code.
Genetic Markers Included in the Mood Profile Panel
| TEST CATEGORIES | EFFECTS ON MOOD PROFILE |
|---|---|
| COMT | Central to dopamine metabolism; Heavily associated with propensity to worry (Val158 Met) |
| MTHFR | Key to maintaining levels of activated folate which may aid in preventing depression (c677T, A1298C) |
| Vitamin B12 | Tests for a gene central to optimal B12 levels; B12 deficiency is a depression risk factor (FUT2) |
| Vitamin D | Vitamin D helps mood regulation within the hippocampus, amygdala and thalamus regions of the brain (GC, NADSYN1/DHCR7, CYP2R1) |
Ideal Candidates are Patients with the Following Symptoms or Conditions
- Mood Disorders
- Compromised Diet
- High Stress Lifestyle
- Significant toxin exposure (environmental or diet)