What I Got Wrong
Everything you were doing wrong before genetics
The 30-Second Version
Duration: 40 seconds Compliance: All fine here - discussing supplements by type (not prescription compounds), genetic terms.
"Here's everything I was doing wrong before I analyzed my genetics.
Taking the wrong form of B vitamins. For years. My body can't convert the standard form.
Taking oral B12 when my genetics show I can't absorb it that way. Needed injections the whole time.
Eating chia seeds for omega-3s when my DNA shows I convert plant omega-3s at half the normal rate. Needed fish oil.
Ignoring my inflammation because my lifestyle was 'healthy.' Six genes were driving it up regardless.
None of this was dangerous. But it cost me years of spinning my wheels.
I work with a medical team now and every decision starts with the genetic data.
A genetic test costs less than three months of random supplements.
Stop guessing. Read the manual."
Last line (quotable): "Stop guessing. Read the manual."
Before I analyzed my genetics, here's everything I was doing wrong.
A thread about expensive mistakes. 🧵
Taking folic acid instead of methylfolate.
With compound heterozygous MTHFR, the unprocessed folic acid was potentially blocking my folate receptors.
Years of this. Thousands of dollars in the wrong multivitamin.
Taking oral B12 supplements.
My genetics show impaired absorption (FUT2), transport (TCN2), AND recycling (MTRR) of B12.
Oral supplements were going right through me. Switched to injections. Completely different result.
Eating chia seeds and flax for omega-3s.
My FADS1/FADS2 variants mean I convert plant-based ALA to EPA/DHA at roughly 50% capacity.
I was relying on plant sources. My omega-3 levels were consistently low. Needed preformed fish oil the whole time.
Ignoring my inflammation because my "lifestyle was good."
Six inflammation genes were driving CRP up regardless of diet and exercise.
I needed targeted intervention, not just lifestyle. Knowing the specific pathways let me actually fix it.
Taking a generic "men's health" supplement stack.
Zinc, D3, magnesium - fine. But the doses were generic. My VDR variant means I need higher D3. My COMT means magnesium is especially important.
Generic dosing is like wearing someone else's prescription glasses. It's close. But close isn't the same as right.
None of these mistakes were dangerous. But they cost me years of suboptimal results.
The lesson: testing is cheaper than guessing.
A genetic panel costs less than 3 months of random supplements.
This is what I put in The Manual every week.
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