VDR variants in your raw data (FokI, BsmI)
The VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene is a favorite in biohacker and raw-data circles — people look up variants like FokI and BsmI hoping to learn something about their vitamin D. Here's what these variants actually are, how to find them in your 23andMe or AncestryDNA file, and a realistic take on how much they tell you (spoiler: less than the hype).
What VDR does
Vitamin D doesn't do much on its own — it works by binding the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which then switches genes on and off in your cells. Because VDR sits at the center of vitamin D signaling, variants in the gene have been studied for subtle effects on bone density, immune function, and calcium handling.
The variants people look up
| Nickname | rsID | Studied for |
|---|---|---|
| FokI | rs2228570 | A variant that changes the receptor protein's length; studied for receptor activity |
| BsmI | rs1544410 | A regulatory-region variant studied for bone density and vitamin D response |
There are others (TaqI, ApaI), but FokI and BsmI drive most searches.
How to find them in your raw data
- Download your raw data (or from AncestryDNA / MyHeritage).
- Search it for
rs2228570(FokI) andrs1544410(BsmI). - Or use our free DNA explorer to read the file in your browser.
What VDR does and doesn't tell you
Here's the honest part: VDR associations are modest and inconsistent across studies. Carrying a particular FokI or BsmI genotype does not mean you're vitamin D deficient, nor does it tell you how much to supplement. Vitamin D status is shaped overwhelmingly by sunlight, diet, body weight, and supplementation — not one receptor variant.
If you actually want to know your vitamin D, that's a blood test (25-hydroxyvitamin D is the marker), not a genotype lookup. Treat VDR as interesting biology, not a verdict.
For the rest of what your file holds, see our complete guide to analyzing 23andMe raw data, or browse the rest of the Quanome blog.
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Quanome reads your raw DNA on your device and surfaces well-studied markers like VDR — without uploading your genome. Learn more about Quanome →
Frequently asked questions
What does the VDR gene do?
VDR codes for the vitamin D receptor — the protein that lets your cells respond to vitamin D. Variants in it are studied for subtle effects on how efficiently vitamin D signaling works, with downstream interest in bone density, immunity, and more.
What are FokI and BsmI?
They're nicknames for two well-studied VDR variants: FokI is rs2228570 and BsmI is rs1544410. They're among the most-searched VDR markers in raw-data circles, especially among biohackers.
How do I find VDR variants in my 23andMe data?
Search your raw file for rs2228570 (FokI) and rs1544410 (BsmI) and read the genotypes, or use a tool that looks them up.
Do VDR variants mean I'm vitamin D deficient?
No. VDR variants have modest, inconsistent associations and do not determine your vitamin D status. The only way to know your vitamin D level is a blood test (25-hydroxyvitamin D). VDR is interesting context, not a diagnosis.
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