What is APOE? 

• APOE is a gene that codes the protein apolipoprotein E (APOE) and it plays a significant role in how we metabolize and transport fat, cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins.  Since APOE is a gene, you can determine your genotype by doing a simple genetic test. 

• Just like all genes, we get an allele from our mother and the other from our father to make up our genotype.  Think about the sex genes, for example, males are XY and females are XX, one from each parent.  Now reflect - on the APOE we have 3 of the most common combinations a 2,3 and 4. So, here are the most common possibilities: APOE 2/2, 2/3, 3/3, 3/4, 4/4, 2/4.

Three Main Types of APOE 

  APOE 3

• 65% of the population has this variant

• The APOE 3 are like Bears and are Omnivores

• APOE3 is considered neutral risk and only triggered by poor lifestyle choices 

  APOE 2

• 10% of the population has this variant

• APOE2 is considered heart and Alzheimer's protective 

• APOE2 is considered at risk for diabetes

• The Tigers are Carnivores and so are APOE2

• Exercise and Fats are beneficial

APOE 4

• 25% of the population has this variant

• APOE4 is considered at risk for heart disease and Alzheimer's

• Deer are Herbivores and so are APOE4

• Alcohol and Smoking have the worst outcome for disease with APOE4

• Exercise is beneficial

• Lower protein and fat and higher complex carbs benefit these "Deer"