← Genes & pathways

Gene & pathway reference · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

FADS1

Encodes an enzyme involved in fatty-acid metabolism.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

The form of a fatty acid matters

The form of a fatty acid matters

Dr. Purser teaches FADS genes as a conversion pathway. FADS1 participates in a delta-5 desaturase step in fatty-acid metabolism. This is why plant-based precursor fats and preformed long-chain omega-3s should not be treated as chemically identical.

Putting the pieces together

If you are reviewing a FADS result, also consider your food intake and measured fatty-acid findings. Different omega-3 products contain different forms. A variant alone cannot tell you how much fish oil to take or prove that your body cannot convert fats.

Where the VARS Triad and MTHFR Daily fit

If you are exploring homocysteine or cytokines, Dr. Purser may discuss MTHFR Daily and the VARS Triad: VARS Glutathione, VARS SOD, and VARS Catalase. He gives glutathione a central place in his approach to antioxidant support.

A gene result alone cannot tell you that you need these products or that they will treat a condition. Review your current results, medicines, goals, and tolerance with your clinician before choosing a product or dose.

A question to bring to your visit

Are we comparing my food sources and actual fatty-acid findings, rather than choosing support from the gene name alone?

Reading your own results

Bring your original report, current results, health history, and medicines to your visit. This information can help you ask questions, but it cannot diagnose a condition or choose a supplement dose for you.

Variant lookup

These names can help you find an entry on your original genetic report. Seeing a name here does not tell you whether it affects your health or whether you need treatment.

rs176567

Names you may see

Fatty Acid Desaturase 1 / D5D