What to watch with FUT2 and allergy?

The FUT2 gene determines secretor status: individuals with a functional variant (rs601338-G) secrete fucosylated antigens into body fluids, while non-secretors (rs601338-A) do not. Regarding allergies, several GWAS have found that non-secretors have a lower risk of allergic rhinitis and lower total IgE levels – but the effect is modest and population-specific. Conversely, non-secretors face higher risks for Crohn's disease and certain infections (e.g., urinary tract infections). The clinical utility for allergy prediction is limited: genotype alone does not determine allergy development. It is more useful to consider FUT2 status in the context of gut microbiome composition and overall health. A MyBody-X DNA test can report your FUT2 variant, but interpretation should be combined with lifestyle factors and medical guidance. Evidence: human-moderate (GWAS).