FUT2 gene

    FUT2 is a gene that encodes an enzyme called alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase. This enzyme is crucially involved in something called our “secretory status.” In short, your secretory status refers to whether or not you produce the ABO blood type antigens in other body fluids, such as saliva, sweat, and mucus. Approximately 80% of the population are secretors, with 20% being non-secretors (although this number varies between different ethnic groups).

     Research suggests that, compared to secretors, non-secretors have higher levels of vitamin B12 in their bloodstream. For example, one study showed that secretors, who have higher activity of the FUT2 enzyme, produce less intrinsic factor (IF), which is necessary for vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the gut.

     Some research suggests that secretors are more likely to have H. pylori bacteria growing within their gut lining. This may be due to the ABO blood type sugars that “secretors” release into the mucus within the digestive system, acting to nourish and/or facilitate the attachment of H. pylori to the intestinal lining. In turn, infection of the intestine with H. pylori can give rise to inflammation (atrophic gastritis), which destroys the cells that produce intrinsic factor. This results in reduced release of intrinsic factor and therefore reduced absorption of vitamin B12.

 

In summary:

 -Secretors are more susceptible to H. pylori and reduced absorption of vitamin B12. However, they have a good diversity of intestinal microbiota with more Bifidobacteria.

 -Non-secretors are less susceptible to viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and peptic ulcers (caused by H. pylori) and good absorption of vitamin B12. However, they have a low diversity of intestinal microbiota with less Bifidobacteria.