SNP

SNP stands for single nucleotide polymorphism, a common type of genetic variation involving a difference in a single nucleotide, or “letter,” of DNA. SNPs occur throughout the human genome and help explain some of the genetic differences between individuals. While some SNPs have been associated with differences in disease risk, medication response, nutrient metabolism, or other traits, most SNPs do not automatically indicate a health problem. In functional medicine, SNPs are often discussed in the context of personalized health. A particular SNP may influence how a person responds to a nutrient, medication, environmental exposure, or other factor, but the presence of a SNP does not determine an individual’s health outcome. Gene expression and health are influenced by many factors, including other genes, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, environment, and overall physiology. This is one reason functional medicine considers genetic information alongside the person’s broader health history and current context. For health coaches, understanding SNPs can help provide context when clients bring genetic testing results into a coaching relationship. The coach’s role is not to diagnose genetic conditions or interpret genetic results as medical findings, but to help clients understand general concepts and translate appropriate, practitioner-guided recommendations into sustainable behaviors. A SNP can be one piece of a person’s health picture, rather than the explanation for everything they are experiencing.