Genetic Detoxification and Forever Chemicals: Why Your DNA Matters
At SNiP Nutrigenomics, we believe that understanding your genetic detoxification pathways is one of the most powerful tools you have to stay healthy, especially in a world where environmental toxins like PFAS are becoming harder to avoid. By knowing your unique genetic propensities, you can take targeted, proactive steps to support your body’s ability to clear harmful substances and thrive despite what’s happening in your environment.

Who Is In Charge of Forever Chemicals?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new regulations to address forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in drinking water. These synthetic chemicals are widely used in industrial and consumer products and are known for their resistance to breakdown, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Despite growing awareness of their risks since the 1990s, significant regulatory action has been taken over two decades. The maximum contaminant levels (MCL) set by the EPA aim to reduce the presence of PFAS in public water systems, providing safer drinking water for millions. However, while these regulations help limit exposure, forever chemicals do not disappear easily. They accumulate in the human body, making detoxification essential for long-term health.

Your genetic detoxification capacity influences your ability to remove PFAS and other environmental toxins. Specific genes control how well your body neutralizes and eliminates toxins, affecting your risk of toxin buildup and inflammation. Understanding these genetic factors allows you to make targeted lifestyle and nutritional choices to enhance detoxification.

Where Are Forever Chemicals Found?

PFAS chemicals are present in a wide range of everyday products. They persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time, contributing to serious health risks. Understanding where these chemicals are commonly found can help reduce exposure.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) was widely used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, and waterproof clothing. Although phased out of many products, it remains in the environment and is frequently detected in water supplies.

PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid) was a key ingredient in firefighting foams, stain repellents, and water-resistant fabrics. While no longer manufactured in the U.S., it persists in older consumer goods and contaminated water sources.

PFNA (Perfluorononanoic Acid) is used in some nonstick coatings and food packaging. This chemical builds up in the body over time and has been linked to metabolic and immune system effects.

PFHxS (Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid) was commonly used in firefighting foams and stain-resistant treatments. It remains a major contaminant in groundwater and can linger in the human body for years.

UTBS (Ultrashort-Chain PFAS) is an emerging type of PFAS found in industrial applications. Although less studied, it has already been detected in drinking water, raising concerns about its potential health effects.

GenX (Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid) was introduced as a “safer” replacement for PFOA in nonstick coatings and industrial manufacturing. However, studies suggest it may pose similar health risks and has been found in surface water and air emissions from chemical plants.

Genetic Detoxification and Forever Chemicals: Why Your DNA Matters

Detoxification is the body’s essential process for removing harmful substances, including persistent environmental toxins like PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. But not everyone clears these toxins at the same rate. Your ability to detoxify is influenced by your DNA. Specific genes determine how well your body neutralizes, processes, and eliminates these chemicals, ultimately shaping your risk for toxin accumulation, oxidative stress, and long-term inflammation.

There are two primary detoxification systems at work:

• Antioxidant-based detoxification neutralizes oxidative stress and helps process toxic byproducts.

• Methylation-based detoxification is a biochemical pathway that uses methyl groups to eliminate toxins and maintain cellular balance.

Genetic testing can uncover weaknesses in either pathway. By identifying where support is needed, you can make targeted nutritional and lifestyle choices to improve detoxification and reduce the burden of environmental toxins.

Key Detoxification Genes That Help Clear Forever Chemicals

NQO1: CoQ10 Activation and Oxidative Stress Control

NQO1 is a gene that plays a central role in managing oxidative stress, a key part of your body’s detox system. It’s responsible for converting CoQ10 from its inactive form (ubiquinone) into the active antioxidant form (ubiquinol), which your cells rely on to stay energized and protected. When this gene isn’t functioning optimally due to a genetic variant, your cells may struggle to keep up with the oxidative stress caused by toxins like PFAS. As a result, your body’s ability to detoxify and maintain cellular balance may be compromised, especially when exposure is ongoing.

GSTP1: Glutathione-Mediated Toxin Removal

The GSTP1 gene supports the process of removing toxins by activating glutathione, your body’s master detoxifier. Glutathione binds to fat-soluble chemicals like PFAS, making them easier to eliminate. However, this process slows down when GSTP1 activity is reduced due to a variant. That means toxins can linger longer, raising your overall toxic burden and increasing oxidative stress. People with GSTP1 variants may need additional support to keep glutathione pathways running efficiently.

MTHFR, AHCY, MTR, and MTRR: Methylation and Toxin Elimination

These four genes are key players in your body’s methylation cycle—an essential process for breaking down and clearing toxins, regulating homocysteine levels, and maintaining cellular repair. MTHFR activates folate so the body can generate methyl groups, which act like molecular “tags” for detox. AHCY helps recycle these tags, while MTR and MTRR manage the B12 cycle that supports methylation. Variants in any of these genes can slow down methylation, making it harder to deactivate toxins and raising the risk of inflammation or buildup over time.

How CODE Complex™ Supports Detoxification from Forever Chemicals

The presence of forever chemicals like PFAS in our water, air, and daily-use products makes supporting the body’s natural detoxification systems more critical than ever. For individuals with genetic variants that impair detox function—such as in NQO1, GSTP1, MTHFR, or MTRR—targeted nutritional support can make a profound difference. That’s where CODE Complex™ comes in.

This custom-formulated blend includes a wide range of nutrients and botanical extracts designed to enhance the body’s two central detoxification systems: glutathione-based and methylation-based detoxification and antioxidant defense systems. These are essential for processing and eliminating stubborn toxins like PFAS.

One of the standout ingredients is Emothion® (S-Acetyl Glutathione), a stable and highly bioavailable form of glutathione. For individuals with GSTP1 variants, glutathione support is critical for binding and excreting toxins. Paired with quercetin, resveratrol, and broccoli powder, Emothion® enhances both Phase I and Phase II detox pathways, increasing the efficiency with which the body clears chemicals like PFOA and PFOS.

The MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, and AHCY pathways are all supported through a comprehensive methylation support system within CODE Complex™. This includes Quatrefolic®, a bioavailable form of folate for individuals who cannot convert synthetic folic acid efficiently; methylcobalamin (active B12); trimethylglycine (betaine); choline; and SAMe (as Adomix®). These nutrients collectively fuel the biochemical processes that remove toxins via methylation, helping lower homocysteine and supporting healthy gene expression.

NQO1 is another critical gene involved in detoxification, especially for transforming ubiquinone (inactive CoQ10) into its active form, ubiquinol. CODE Complex™ includes ubiquinol (from Kaneka™) and bamboo leaf extract, which helps reduce oxidative stress and improve cellular resilience in people with NQO1 variants.

The EPHX1 blend features liver-supportive herbs such as milk thistle, broccoli sprout, green tea extract, burdock root, kale, and schisandra berry. These botanicals enhance enzymatic detoxification, particularly in the liver, where PFAS compounds often accumulate. Artichoke leaf and gotu kola further support bile production and cellular repair mechanisms.

ac-11®, a patented water-soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw), works at the DNA level to promote cellular integrity and repair from oxidative stress caused by chemical exposure. This is especially useful with astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that supports mitochondrial and cardiovascular health.

Additional detoxification and inflammation-modulating compounds include turmeric extract, pomegranate extract, grape seed extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacin. These help modulate inflammatory signals that can worsen toxin burden and cellular damage.

Finally, CODE Complex™ supports microbial balance and GI motility with inulin (Jerusalem artichoke), flaxseed powder, and enzyme blends, promoting healthy elimination—the final critical step in detoxification.

Personalized Detoxification for Long-Term Health

PFAS and other environmental toxins are unavoidable, but knowing your genetic detoxification capacity allows you to take proactive steps to optimize your body’s ability to eliminate toxins.

Combining genetic testing with targeted nutrition, like CODE Complex™, can enhance detox pathways, reduce toxin buildup, and protect long-term health.

Want to improve your detoxification capacity? Get tested with SNiP Nutrigenomics and optimize your body’s ability to eliminate toxins today!