What is rs4516035 (VDR) nd Why Does the Nutrient Zoomer Test for It?

Vitamin D receptor SNP

rs4516035 is a single-nucleotide variant in the VDR gene, which encodes the vitamin D receptor. The receptor controls cellular responses to vitamin D that influence gene expression, mineral handling, and immune signaling. Testing this variant helps explain individual differences in vitamin D–related biology and nutrient responses.

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rs4516035 (VDR)

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About rs4516035 (VDR)

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About rs4516035 (VDR)

Overview and History

rs4516035 is a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found in the VDR gene, which encodes the nuclear vitamin D receptor. The VDR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds vitamin D metabolites and regulates expression of genes involved in mineral balance, immune pathways, and cellular metabolism. This variant has been studied in nutritional genomics and population genetics to understand how inherited differences in VDR sequence or regulation can alter receptor behavior. Research on VDR variants informs how people differ in vitamin D signaling and downstream nutrient interactions, making the marker useful for interpreting biochemical patterns rather than predicting specific conditions.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

For genetic markers like rs4516035, “elevated” or “higher” typically refers to alleles or genotypes linked to greater VDR activity or expression, while “low” refers to alleles linked to reduced activity. Alleles associated with higher VDR activity may correlate with stronger cellular responses to vitamin D, altered mineral handling, and different patterns on nutrient biomarkers. Alleles associated with lower VDR activity may correlate with weaker signaling and alternative nutrient marker patterns. Interpretation depends on the full Nutrient Zoomer panel and clinical context, since the same genotype can have different biochemical effects when combined with measured vitamin D status, mineral levels, and other genetic variants.

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Nutrient Zoomer includes rs4516035 to capture inherited variation in vitamin D receptor signaling. This marker helps explain why measured vitamin D metabolites and related nutrients sometimes diverge between people and supports interpretation of nutrient status, transport, and cellular utilization for personalized nutrition planning.

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rs4516035 (VDR) FAQs

What is rs4516035 (VDR) and why is it important?

rs4516035 is a genetic variant in the gene that makes the vitamin D receptor. The receptor helps cells respond to vitamin D by switching genes on or off. Knowing your rs4516035 variant can help explain differences in how your body processes and responds to vitamin D and related nutrients.

What does it mean if my rs4516035 (VDR) levels are low?

If your result indicates an allele associated with lower VDR activity, it suggests reduced cellular responsiveness to vitamin D-related signals. That pattern may be linked with different measured vitamin D metabolites, mineral markers, or immune-related nutrient patterns on the full panel. Clinical interpretation requires combining the genetic result with blood nutrient measurements and other test data.

What does it mean if my rs4516035 (VDR) levels are high?

If your result indicates an allele associated with higher VDR activity, it suggests stronger cellular responses to vitamin D signaling. That association can influence measured nutrient markers and how your body uses vitamin D–linked pathways. Determining clinical significance requires assessment alongside the Nutrient Zoomer’s biochemical results and other genetic markers.

Why is this biomarker included in the Nutrient Zoomer?

rs4516035 adds an inherited perspective on vitamin D receptor function, helping providers link genotype to measured vitamin D metabolites, minerals, and downstream nutrient patterns. Including this marker improves pattern recognition across the panel and supports more precise interpretation of nutrient status and individualized nutrition planning.

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