What is rs492602 (FUT2) nd Why Does the Nutrient Zoomer Test for It?

Secretor fucosyltransferase variant

rs492602 is a common genetic variant in the FUT2 gene that influences how fucose sugars are added to mucosal glycans. Those mucosal sugar patterns shape which gut microbes colonize and can be associated with differences in nutrient markers and absorption, so testing the variant helps explain individual variability in nutrient biology.

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rs492602 (FUT2)

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About rs492602 (FUT2)

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About rs492602 (FUT2)

Overview and History

rs492602 is a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in or near the FUT2 gene, which encodes an alpha(1,2)-fucosyltransferase enzyme. This enzyme creates fucosylated glycans on mucosal surfaces and in secretions, contributing to the chemical signature of the gut lining. Genetic variation at FUT2 was identified through population genetics and genome-wide association studies that linked secretor status to patterns in the gut microbiome and to nutrient-related traits. The core biological role of FUT2 is to modify surface sugars that influence microbial attachment, mucosal ecology, and interactions between microbes and dietary compounds.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Variants associated with maintained FUT2 activity (often called “secretor” genotypes) typically produce more fucosylated mucosal glycans; in studies these genotypes associate with certain microbiome profiles and with one set of nutrient marker patterns. Variants associated with reduced FUT2 activity (“non‑secretor” genotypes) lead to fewer fucosylated glycans and different microbial communities, and have been linked to different patterns in nutrient-related biomarkers in population studies. Interpretation of these associations requires the full Nutrient Zoomer context—blood nutrient measures, other genetic markers, and clinical data—to understand how the variant relates to an individual’s overall nutrient status.

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Nutrient Zoomer includes rs492602 to link inherited differences in mucosal glycosylation to measured nutrient patterns and microbiome-related effects. This marker helps explain why people with similar diets can show different nutrient biomarkers, adding a genetics layer that supports personalized nutrition interpretation and targeted clinical inquiry.

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rs492602 (FUT2) FAQs

What is rs492602 (FUT2) and why is it important?

rs492602 is a common DNA variant tied to the FUT2 gene, which helps build sugar structures on the gut lining. Those sugar patterns influence which microbes thrive in the gut and can be associated with differences in nutrient markers. Knowing this variant helps providers understand inherited factors that may affect nutrient handling and microbiome interactions.

What does it mean if my rs492602 (FUT2) levels are low?

If your result corresponds to a genotype linked with lower FUT2 activity (sometimes called a non‑secretor pattern), it means fewer fucosylated mucosal sugars are produced. In population studies this pattern is associated with altered gut microbial profiles and different nutrient biomarker patterns, but this is an association rather than a diagnosis. Your full Nutrient Zoomer results and clinical context are needed to interpret what it means for you personally.

What does it mean if my rs492602 (FUT2) levels are high?

If your result corresponds to a genotype linked with higher FUT2 activity (a secretor pattern), it means more fucosylated sugars are present on mucosal surfaces. That pattern is associated in studies with a different set of microbiome and nutrient marker profiles than non‑secretors. Determining clinical relevance requires comparison to your blood nutrient measures and other genetic and lifestyle information.

Why is this biomarker included in the Nutrient Zoomer?

rs492602 is included because FUT2-driven differences in mucosal glycans shape the gut microbiome and can influence nutrient availability and biomarker patterns. Combining this genetic insight with the panel’s direct nutrient measurements helps providers connect inherited predisposition to observed nutrient status and personalize nutritional assessment.

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