-The ACE1 rs4343 gene is characterized by a genetic deletion/insertion (D/I) polymorphism and is associated with approximately 60% of circulating and tissue concentrations of ACE

• The GG genotype is associated with a higher baseline of the ACE1 enzyme in serum, AG intermediate, and AA low ACE1

• High ACE1 leads to low ACE2

• In a twins study, after six weeks of a high saturated fat diet over 37%, circulating ACE concentrations increased by 15%, accompanied by an increased ACE gene expression in adipose tissue.

• The homozygous carriers (GG) of the variant had higher baseline ACE concentrations and additionally showed a 2-fold increase in ACE concentrations in response to the high saturated fat diet as compared to the AA and AG genotype

• GG carriers also responded with higher systolic blood pressure as compared to AA and AG carriers

• Women have naturally lower levels of ACE1, and men may have a higher probability of ACE1 expressing higher

• The ACE1/ACE2 imbalance during ACE2 receptor suppression in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is more likely in men and may help explain the differences in severity based on sex

ACE1 inhibition has been demonstrated in research by bilberry, grapes, allicin (raw garlic), cinnamon, and jasmine.