What is rs11645428 (BCMO1) nd Why Does the Nutrient Zoomer Test for It?

Provitamin A conversion variant

rs11645428 is a single‑nucleotide variant in the BCMO1 gene, which encodes the enzyme that converts dietary provitamin A carotenoids (like beta‑carotene) into retinol. Knowing a person’s rs11645428 genotype helps explain individual differences in carotenoid and vitamin A biology and refines interpretation of nutrient testing.

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rs11645428 (BCMO1)

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About rs11645428 (BCMO1)

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About rs11645428 (BCMO1)

Overview and History

rs11645428 is a common genetic variant located within the BCMO1 gene, a gene that encodes beta‑carotene 15,15′‑monooxygenase 1. BCMO1 is classified as an enzyme involved in carotenoid cleavage; its activity is a key step in producing retinoids from dietary provitamin A carotenoids. Population genetics and nutritional studies identified variants in BCMO1 that correlate with circulating carotenoid concentrations and markers of vitamin A metabolism. These associations made rs11645428 notable for explaining why people with similar diets can show different blood carotenoid and retinoid patterns.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

For a genetic marker like rs11645428, “higher” or “lower” refers to alleles associated with predicted BCMO1 activity. Alleles linked to higher predicted enzyme activity are associated with more efficient conversion of provitamin A carotenoids into retinoids; that pattern can coincide with lower circulating carotenoid levels and relatively higher retinoid production for a given intake. Conversely, alleles associated with reduced predicted activity tend to show higher blood carotenoid concentrations but less efficient conversion to retinoids, which may affect how dietary carotenoids contribute to vitamin A status. Interpretation should always integrate measured nutrient concentrations, dietary intake, and other genetic or clinical markers in the full Nutrient Zoomer panel.

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Nutrient Zoomer includes rs11645428 to clarify individual variability in carotenoid handling and provitamin A conversion. This genetic insight helps providers interpret blood carotenoid and vitamin A measures together, revealing patterns that support more precise nutritional assessment and personalized care planning.

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rs11645428 (BCMO1) FAQs

What is rs11645428 (BCMO1) and why is it important?

rs11645428 is a genetic variant in the BCMO1 gene, which affects the enzyme that converts dietary provitamin A carotenoids into retinoids. It matters because differences in this gene help explain why people with similar diets can have very different blood carotenoid and vitamin A patterns. That information can clarify nutrient test results and inform individualized nutrition planning.

What does it mean if my rs11645428 (BCMO1) levels are low?

If your genotype is described as associated with lower BCMO1 activity, it suggests less efficient conversion of dietary provitamin A carotenoids into retinoids. People with this pattern often show higher circulating carotenoid levels for the same intake but may rely more on preformed vitamin A sources for retinoid needs. Full interpretation depends on measured blood vitamins, dietary data, and other genetic markers in the panel.

What does it mean if my rs11645428 (BCMO1) levels are high?

If your genotype is associated with higher predicted BCMO1 activity, it suggests more efficient conversion of carotenoids into retinoids. That pattern can be linked with lower circulating carotenoid concentrations and relatively greater retinoid production from the same dietary carotenoid intake. Clinical context, measured nutrient values, and diet are needed to interpret what this means for your nutrient status.

Why is this biomarker included in the Nutrient Zoomer?

rs11645428 helps explain interindividual differences in carotenoid levels and vitamin A processing that blood tests alone may not resolve. Combined with measured carotenoids, retinoids, and related nutrient markers, this variant reveals patterns of absorption and conversion that support more precise, personalized nutrition assessment.

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