How To Maximize Your 23andMe DNA Test Results

Aira on November 17, 2022

How To Make The Most Of Your 23andMe Raw Data?

Date of Content: August 30, 2023
Written by: Avanthika Nityanand
Reviewed by: Maarit Tiirikainen, PhD

Consumer genetic testing has revolutionized our understanding of heritage, genealogy, and health. With over 12 million people having used the 23andMe test, the potential for personalized insights is enormous. This article will explore what 23andMe raw data is, how to download it, and what can be done with this wealth of information.

What is 23andMe Raw Data?

23andMe raw data is a detailed file of your DNA sequence, represented as a long list of letters (A, T, C, G). When you take a 23andMe test, the company analyzes specific regions of your DNA, which are compiled into a raw data file. According to 23andMe, this raw data can contain around 650,000 individual data points, representing genetic variations covering various traits, ancestry, and health indicators.

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How to Download Your 23andMe Raw Data?

Downloading your 23andMe raw data is a straightforward process:

Log into your 23andMe account.
Navigate to “Settings.”
Click on “View” under 23andMe raw data.
Scroll down to the blue “Download Raw Data” button.
Follow the prompts to download your data as a ZIP file.

Your data will usually download within a few minutes, allowing you to take this information to other platforms for further analysis.

Alternatively, you can write to 23andMe customer support to help you access your raw data file.

How Useful is Your 23andMe Raw Data?

While 23andMe provides an extensive array of reports, your raw data opens doors to even more personalized insights.

Understanding Ancestry and Genealogy

One of the primary utilities of 23andMe raw data is in the field of ancestry and genealogy. Many users have reported finding unknown relatives or ancestral roots in unexpected places. According to a 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center, approximately 15% of U.S. adults report using a mail-in DNA testing service like AncestryDNA or 23andMe at least once, of which 87% said they wanted to learn more about where their family came from. The raw data from these companies can be explored more deeply using third-party websites like GEDMatch or MyTrueAncestry for additional ancestry insights.

Gaining Health Insights

Your 23andMe raw data offers more than ancestry information; it can provide critical health insights. Various third-party services can interpret your raw data to flag potential health risks, nutrient deficiencies, responses to specific medications, personality traits, and other interesting and valuable information about yourself. Whether it’s optimizing your workout routine, tailoring your supplement intake, or understanding more about your temperament, the potential applications of your raw data in healthcare and wellness are broad and significant.

Lifestyle and Wellness Customization

Research Contributions

With your consent, your anonymized raw data can be included in research studies, helping scientists make discoveries. A 2022 study published in the journal Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders observed that using direct-to-consumer APOE data to align participants with trials could efficiently expedite the recruitment process for Alzheimer’s Disease prevention studies. The APOE gene is the most well-studied genetic determinant on predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease.

Data Privacy Concerns

While the utility of 23andMe raw data is immense, it’s crucial to consider data privacy. When using third-party services, read their privacy policies to know how your data will be used or shared.

Section Summary

23andMe raw data offers many opportunities for personal insights and broader scientific understanding. However, its usefulness extends only as far as the quality of the third-party tools you use to interpret it and the security measures they have in place.

Can You Upload 23andMe Raw Data to Ancestry?

Understanding the Platforms

Both 23andMe and Ancestry are leading direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies. While 23andMe offers health and ancestry insights, Ancestry primarily focuses on genealogy and family history. Each platform provides raw genetic data that users can download.

Uploading Data to Ancestry

Directly uploading 23andMe raw data to Ancestry is not possible. AncestryDNA requires its own testing kit to provide users with ancestry results. The platform does not have a feature to process or analyze raw data from other providers.

Alternatives and Workarounds

For those eager to use both platforms, a common approach is using third-party tools to interpret both data types. Websites like GEDmatch allow users to upload raw DNA data from various providers, making it possible to connect with relatives who have tested with different companies. Other websites like LifeDNA can accept both data types and offer personalized Wellness, Nutrition, Supplements, Fitness, Personality, and Skincare reports.

Make the most of your DNA raw data. Explore LifeDNA’s Personalized Wellness Plans

The Importance of Data Privacy

Always consider the privacy implications regardless of where you upload or share your raw DNA data. Ensure that any third-party site or service has strict data protection protocols, especially if they store or process genetic information.

Review the LifeDNA Privacy Policy

Section Summary

While direct uploads from 23andMe to Ancestry are not supported, users can use alternative methods to make the most of their genetic data across multiple platforms. Always prioritize data privacy and security when exploring these options.

What is the Best Way to Use your 23andMe Raw Data?

If you are looking for holistic, personalized wellness insights that include diet, fitness, lifestyle optimizations, and wellness routines, all while prioritizing your data privacy, look no further than LifeDNA.

LifeDNA accepts 23andMe raw data and also raw data from AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA, and Living DNA. This information is used to offer personalized skincare, supplement, nutrition, personality, wellness, and fitness reports and insights. Furthermore, LifeDNA also provides a secure, easy-to-use interface to upload your data and receive personalized wellness insights.

Here is a quick summary of all the LifeDNA reports.

Skincare Report

The LifeDNA skincare report takes a deep dive into your genetic makeup to understand skin-related characteristics such as hydration level, collagen quality, and sensitivity to environmental factors like UV rays. Utilizing your DNA data, the report offers personalized skincare ingredient suggestions and lifestyle advice to help you maintain your glowing skin.

Example Trait: Skin Tanning

This genetic trait informs how your skin responds to sun exposure—whether you tan easily or are prone to sunburn. Based on this trait, the report will offer personalized advice on skin care routines, product recommendations, and lifestyle changes. For instance, if you are genetically prone to tanning quickly, the report might suggest a higher SPF sunscreen and additional protective measures like wearing hats and long sleeves.

Vitamins & Supplements Report

Navigating the world of dietary supplements can be confusing, but at LifeDNA, we aim to simplify it with our Supplement Report. Using your genetic data, the report identifies which vitamins, minerals, and other supplements could be most beneficial for you. The trait reports are tailored to guide your unique nutritional needs, from optimizing mental clarity to immune system support.

Example Trait: Vitamin D Levels

Based on genetic markers linked to Vitamin D levels, the Supplement Report might suggest specific Vitamin D supplement dosage if you’re likely to have lower levels due to poor absorption and other cellular mechanisms. This is particularly useful for bone support and immune function.

Nutrition Report

The Nutrition Report from LifeDNA offers genetically tailored nutrition insights that can help optimize your wellness. The report delves into your unique genetic predispositions to provide dietary recommendations from macro to micronutrients. Do you have a higher genetic likelihood for lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity or how well your body metabolizes caffeine?

Example Trait: Caffeine Sensitivity

The trait can identify your genetic predisposition towards caffeine sensitivity and recommend appropriate intake levels. If you’re genetically sensitive to caffeine, the Nutrition Report would suggest limited consumption and provide alternative energy-boosting foods and nutrients.

Personality & Cognition Report

The LifeDNA Personality Report offers intriguing insights into how your genetics might influence your behavior, emotions, and social interactions. Based on genetic markers associated with personality traits such as introversion, extroversion, and emotional resilience, the report provides a detailed analysis to help you understand yourself better. Knowing your genetic predispositions can guide personal development, optimize relationships, and aid in career satisfaction.

Example Trait: Risk-taking Behavior

Using genetic markers, the Personality & Cognition Report might indicate a predisposition for risk-taking behavior. Understanding this trait could provide context for confident life choices and help you balance your tendencies with well-informed decisions.

Wellness Report

The Wellness Report from LifeDNA takes a holistic approach to well-being. It covers various aspects like stress response and the potential for substance abuse. Using your genetic data, the report offers comprehensive lifestyle advice, including mindfulness techniques and other wellness strategies tailored to your genetic makeup. The aim is to optimize your overall quality of life through actionable, genetically-informed insights.

Example Trait: Insomnia

Your genes can influence how well you sleep. If the report identifies you as a light sleeper based on your genetic makeup, it might suggest various relaxation techniques or supplements like melatonin to help optimize your sleep quality.

Fitness Report

Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and LifeDNA’s Fitness Report acknowledges that by providing a customized workout plan based on your genes. The report considers factors like muscle fiber composition, metabolism, and propensity for injury. You get exercise optimizations that are genetically aligned with your body’s capabilities, helping you to achieve fitness goals more effectively. Whether you want to build muscle, optimize endurance, or just stay active, this report gives you the genetic insights to do it right.

Example Trait: Muscle Recovery Rate

Your rate of muscle recovery post-exercise can be genetically influenced. If you have a slower-than-average recovery rate, you will also find suggestions like specific rest periods and types of exercise that can help you optimize your fitness regimen.

Your Genetics Doesn't Define Your Destiny

While genetics play a significant role in shaping who we are—influencing everything from our eye color to certain predispositions for health conditions—it’s crucial to understand that it doesn’t determine everything about us. Genes are only part of the complex interplay involving the environment, lifestyle choices, social interactions, and random chance.

For example, someone might carry gene variants predisposing them to exceptional athletic performance, but those genetic advantages may only be realized with proper training and opportunities.

The concept of “nature vs. nurture” is increasingly understood as “nature and nurture,” illustrating that genetics set the stage but the end outcome is significantly influenced by non-genetic factors such as diet, lifestyle, and training. It is like having a blueprint for a building—while the blueprint (your genes) suggests what can be built, the final structure also depends on the quality of the materials used, the skill of the workers, and ongoing maintenance (your environment and lifestyle choices).

Understanding your genetics can offer valuable insights into your health and well-being, but it is not deterministic. Knowledge of your genetic makeup should be an empowering tool for making informed decisions, not a deterministic verdict on your life.

Why is LifeDNA the Best 23andMe Raw Data Analysis Tool?

LifeDNA has emerged as a prominent option for analyzing 23andMe raw data, owing to a combination of unique offerings and a commitment to personalized wellness. Here’s why many regard LifeDNA as the best option for making the most of your 23andMe raw data:

Holistic Approach to Wellness: Unlike many other platforms that focus strictly on health-related risks or ancestry, LifeDNA adopts a holistic approach. They analyze genetic data to offer personalized optimizations for nutrition (including a personalized grocery list!), skin care, vitamins & supplements, wellness, personality & cognition, and fitness. This range lets users get a complete picture of their wellness needs based on their DNA.
Product Recommendations: LifeDNA goes beyond just providing insights. They offer specific product recommendations, skincare ingredients, or supplements tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. This makes their service actionable, allowing users to make immediate changes based on their results.
Data Security: LifeDNA places a high emphasis on protecting user data. Their commitment to privacy ensures that users can trust the platform with their sensitive genetic information.
User-Friendly Reports: LifeDNA reports are easy to interpret. They are designed to be accessible to the layperson without compromising on the depth and accuracy of the information.
Continual Updates: As genetic research evolves, so does LifeDNA’s platform. Users can expect their reports and insights to be updated with the latest scientific findings.
Dedicated Research and Development: LifeDNA invests in research to continually refine its algorithms, ensuring the insights provided are based on cutting-edge science.
Educational Resources: LifeDNA also provides ample resources for users to understand their genetic makeup better. This education-first approach demystifies the complex world of genetics, making it approachable and actionable for everyone.
Scientific rigor: LifeDNA partners with CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited, and HIPAA-compliant laboratories, creating an unmatched commitment to scientific rigor.

Further, if you have not done a DNA test before, LifeDNA provides that too. Start your personalized wellness journey with LifeDNA’s state-of-the-art DNA kits here.

Summary

23andMe raw data provides a wealth of information that can be used for further analysis beyond what 23andMe offers.
The raw data is your DNA sequence, a lengthy list of letter pairs containing A, T, C, and G.
It’s relatively easy to download your 23andMe raw data straightforwardly.
Although 23andMe offers a wide range of reports, the raw data can be used for even more personalized insights through third-party services.
LifeDNA is a top tool for making the most of your 23andMe raw data, offering insights into various aspects of skincare, nutrition, and fitness.
Data privacy and security are crucial considerations when using third-party services for raw data analysis.

Customer Reviews

I am so impressed with this service. I have even discussed these recommendations with my health care providers and they are all impressed too! I can’t compare it with other services as I have only tried this but I recommend. Also I think I pulled my genetics in from ancestry too which was super convenient.

Great source of information I was looking for a platform to make use of my existing raw data from Ancestry. I’m glad I found LifeDNA. I originally took a DNA test to learn about my roots and it’s great to know that my DNA could also play a big role in my health, diet, and even my skin. Overall, all the reports are incredible.

It is crazy how I felt that I had a strong understanding of my bodies needs, but after having my DNA analyzed by the LifeDNA team, I realized that there was so much I still did not know.

I got some pretty useful insight that helped me with my diet.

At LifeDNA, your privacy is our highest priority.

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*Understanding your genetics can offer valuable insights into your well-being, but it is not deterministic. Your traits can be influenced by the complex interplay involving nature, lifestyle, family history, and others.

Our reports and suggestions do not diagnose or treat any health conditions or provide any medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes or if you have any other concerns about your results.

References

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/20/opinion/23andme-dna.html
https://isogg.org/wiki/Raw_DNA_data_tools
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/08/06/mail-in-dna-test-results-bring-surprises-about-family-history-for-many-users/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36327324/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5517018/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8397487/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8166555/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8044253/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5940788/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8928870/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30257492/
https://rdcu.be/dkvcR
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4762266/

Our reports have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents on our website and our reports are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose any medical condition, replace the advice of a healthcare professional, or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes or if you have any other concerns about your results. The testimonials featured may have used more than one LifeDNA or LifeDNA vendors’ product or reports.

23andMe vs LifeDNA: An In-Depth Comparison

Aira on November 17, 2022

23andMe vs LifeDNA: An In-Depth Comparison

23andMe is one of the biggest players in the DNA testing industry. It has continued to offer DNA-personalized insights on ancestry and health predisposition for people from all over the world.

LifeDNA does not consider itself to be a competitor to 23andme.

Instead, while LifeDNA does provide DNA tests, we consider ourselves to be an extension to any existing DNA test. You may be amazed by the additional insights you’ll receive from an amazing 3rd party service.

In this article, we will answer all of your frequently asked questions about LifeDNA if you already have your existing 23andMe DNA test results.

What new reports will I be able to unlock when I upload my 23andMe DNA?

There are tons of reports available in LifeDNA that 23andMe does not offer.

These include our Fitness Report (20+ traits), Vitamins & Supplements Report (30+ traits), Nutrition Report (20+ traits), Skincare Report (10+ traits), and our Wellness Report (20+ traits).

Again, we do not consider ourselves to be a competitor to 23andme.

Which DNA test is right for me? Find out now.

However, If you haven’t taken a DNA test yet, it is important to take note of a few things:

First, 23andMe ships DNA tests to various countries, while LifeDNA has its DNA test kits available in the US only.

Second, 23andMe’s DNA test offers range from $99 to $199 plus $29 for the membership

LifeDNA offers reports for as low as $39 (if you have taken a DNA test).

Our DNA test kit is available for $199. This includes a 1-year subscription already included. Check out our Health Bundle offers to learn more.

About 30 percent of 23andMe’s traits are focused on ancestry information.

What makes LifeDNA different from 23andMe?

In this table, you’ll be able to see how LifeDNA compares with 23andme in terms of the pricing of the reports, the benefits of the subscription, the number of reports available, and more.

This can further help you decide on whether LifeDNA is right for you as a 3rd party service to maximize your 23andMe DNA test results.

Attribute	LifeDNA	23andMe
Starting price of the reports	The price of the reports starts at $39.	The lowest standard offer is their Ancestry + Traits Service for $99.
Membership	Includes the following: – Access to all of LifeDNA reports and unlock more than 140+ unique traits. – Get DNA-personalized reports on fitness, health and wellness, personality and cognition, and skincare – Unlimited updates and trait report every month. – 1-on-1 consultation with a genetic health expert – Subscription to LifeDNA Genomics Newsletter – Access to the exclusive Facebook community – VIP customer service	Includes the following: – 30+ exclusive reports – Advance DNA relative filters – Ability to access more DNA relatives – Exclusive access to new personalized reports
Reports	A total of 6 reports	A total of 6 reports
Number of Traits	More than 140 traits	More than 120 traits
Continued Updates	You can get new trait reports every month.	Offers ongoing new reports and features throughout the year.
Focus	LifeDNA aims to help you: – Optimize your overall health and well-being with actionable recommendations and DNA-personalized insights. – Improve your nutrition, fitness, supplementation, and wellness by learning about your body’s response to certain foods, nutrients, and exercises. – Discover yourself. Learning about your personality, cognition, and more. – Live your best life by unlocking your full potential using your DNA.	23andMe’s reports focus on helping you: – Discover your ancestry – Learn about your personal traits and wellness. – Knowing your genetic health predisposition, response to medications, and carrier status.

If you’re ready to get started on your DNA-personalized journey, check out our Nutrition report offer.

DNAfit vs 23andMe vs FitnessGenes vs LifeDNA

Aira on November 16, 2022

DNAfit vs 23andMe vs FitnessGenes vs LifeDNA: Which DNA analysis is right for you?

In 2003, the Human Genome Project completed its thirteen year task of sequencing every single human gene.

Since then, hundreds of genetic testing companies have sprung into life to ride the wave, each with a mission to unlock human genetic potential.

The problem is, they’re all different. So how do you choose the best one for you? Read on for a quick rundown of a few of the main players on the market:

LifeDNA
DNAfit
23andMe
Fitness Genes

Here’s the TL;DR…

LifeDNA has a 360-degree view on maximising your potential: Right now, LifeDNA is developing an algorithm to analyze your environment and lifestyle at the same time as your genetics, to give you a truly personalized road map to optimum wellbeing

DNAfit’s focus on how to eat and exercise will satisfy the most hardened health nut. However, this kind of advice needs environmental input too: the diet and fitness regime that works when you’re 25 won’t work in the same way when you’re 75.
23andMe is the biggest and oldest player on the scene, with the customers and financial clout to boot. But while they might have the most data at their fingertips, they don’t necessarily have the insights to match
Fitness Genes’ reports give detailed information on the kind of workouts and exercise you should be doing to make the most out of the body you were born with, but their advice is based on the relatively low number of genetic traits that they analyze.

LifeDNA

CEO Cyril Moukarzel and chairman Steve Markowitz founded LifeDNA in 2017, from Honolulu, Hawaii, where the company still operates today.

From the outset, Cyril and Steve wanted LifeDNA to move with the inexorable pace of genetic science, constantly working new discoveries into their algorithm so their customers and members can maximize their health and wellness with the very latest DNA insights.

Our purpose is to make everyone healthier, happier, and stronger. To do that, we take your ‘environmental’ data like age, health status and lifestyle and combine that with your genetic information to give you a truly 360-degree view on your potential.

We do this through six extensive, easily actionable, constantly updated ‘live’ reports covering more than 120 unique genetic traits.

How does it work? What do you get?

You can get the full range of reports instantly if you’ve already taken a DNA test from 23andMe, Ancestry.com, or MyHeritage. Just upload your raw DNA data to LifeDNA’s easy-to-use platform.

If you’ve never taken a DNA test, you can also get a kit with a cheek swab sent to your home.

As our name suggests, LifeDNA is with you for life: our platinum membership gives you lifetime access to:

Nine fully-comprehensive, constantly updated reports on everything from diet to fitness, fertility and personality
Quarterly consultations with experts to get the best out of all the latest research
A global community of users and scientists through our private Facebook group
A future-focused service for the digital age with reports based on a dynamic algorithm created by our genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics speci

Our world-leading specialists bring out new reports and traits at a rate that matches the pace of genetic science.

Here are a few examples of what you can find out about your genetic potential:

Nutrition report

How well you metabolize carbohydrates
How you burn carbs versus fat
How caffeine, salt, gluten, and alcohol are likely to affect you
The amount of fiber you need
If you’re likely to tolerate lactose

Fitness report

Whether you’re wired for power or endurance
When to exercise according to your circadian rhythm
How prone you are to injury
Your need for rest
What happens to your ‘good’ cholesterol when you exercise
How exercise could lower your blood pressure

Immunity and Vitamins report

How your body deals with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
Which vitamins & supplements to take, how much, and why
Insight into your immune, cardiovascular, liver, brain, and gut health

Skincare report

Sun sensitivity
Acne risk
Dry skin risk
Oily skin risk
And more

Personality and cognition report

Learn if your genes predispose you to 30 personality traits, including:

Resilience
Risk-taking
Likelihood to develop depression
Intelligence
And more

Wellness report

General health and wellness potential
Longevity potential
Insomnia risk
Your inflammatory response and ability to detoxify

How do they do it?

LifeDNA Cost

$39 for the first report with your own raw DNA data from 23andMe, Heritage.com, or Ancestry
$199 for an at-home DNA test and your report bundle
$129 for our report bundle that’s accessible to people who have already taken a test in the past.

LifeDNA Privacy & Security

Privacy and security is our top priority at LifeDNA.

We have an industry-leading security expert on our team who makes sure that our security is at the highest possible level.

Selling customer data is not our business model: we exist to maximize people’s quality of life and increase their longevity.

All DNA data is encrypted and stored separately from consumer information.

Consumers are also free to request their data be deleted at any time.

Advantages of LifeDNA

LifeDNA’s library of genetic reports is constantly growing alongside the latest research on the human genome.
Because we believe that genetics are only one crucial component of your wellness potential, we are planning to incorporate your environmental information—like age, health status and location—into the advice we give you as well.
You can take action on your results right away because our reports are plain, simple: you’ll instantly know how to change the way you eat and live.
Because we use the world’s best technology and employ industry-leading tech experts, our algorithm and machine learning ensures each report is the most accurate on the market.
LifeDNA also provides an exclusive membership with benefits including 1-on-1 consultations, unlimited updates, genomics newsletters, and Facebook community.
Our platinum membership uses the latest discoveries in genetic science to give you up-to-the-minute information on how to eat, live and exercise according to your individual DNA.

Is LifeDNA right for you?

LifeDNA is more than just a genetic testing company.

Our membership plugs you into a constantly evolving source of knowledge that you can use to optimize your health and wellness, for life.

Because we combine your genetic information with vital, non-genetic data on you and your lifestyle, our insights give you a 360-degree perspective on your own, individual potential, as opposed to your genetic potential alone.

While your genetic potential is a vital part of your health puzzle, it only loads the gun. Your environment pulls the trigger. So if you want a truly individualized, bespoke and dynamic service that can maximize your health and wellbeing for life, LifeDNA is right for you.

Looking to improve your overall health and well-being? Click here to get started on your DNA journey!

DNAfit

DNAfit is a genetic company founded in 2013 by South African Avi Lasarow. Based on genetic analysis, it creates personalized diet and fitness plans. The company also has expert scientists and dieticians on their team to offer advice to people who want it.

How does it work? What do you get?

If you order the DNA testing kit online, you get a saliva swab delivered to your home. Once you’ve sent it off, it goes to an accredited laboratory to produce DNA sequencing results within 15 days. You then access your results using your login on the website.

You can choose from:

Diet Fit ($189), which gives actionable nutritional information, a personalized meal planner with a nutrition report and recommendations for either a low carb diet, low fat diet, or Mediterranean diet.
Health Fit ($249) is a more expensive service that provides the nutritional information found in Diet Fit plus extras like a health report where you get insight into traits like your predisposition to stress.
There’s also the CircleDNA test which gives a more comprehensive analysis, with a price to match.

DNAfit Cost

They have a range of plans, starting from $189 for the Diet Fit plan going up to $629 for the CircleDNA

DNAfit Privacy & Security

The company has a strict privacy policy. Your data is stored under anonymous IDs, and your sample is destroyed after use. That means your raw data is not available for you to download afterwards, though.

They say that they ‘require your permission to share the results’ with somebody outside the laboratory. They do not sell your information to third parties.

Advantages of DNAfit

You can get reports on both your health and fitness potential
You can upload your 23andme raw data, for a fee
A one-off coaching session comes with the price
There is a money-back guarantee (subject to terms and conditions).
There are no ongoing subscription fees as they don’t offer membership

Disadvantages of DNAfit

You can’t upload your raw DNA data to use through other companies
Sometimes the health recommendations are generic
The cost of the premium CircleDNA report with ‘whole exome sequencing’ is high ($629)
Some customers report long wait times

23andMe

Founded in April 2006, 23andMe offers DNA analysis and interactive tools to help consumers understand their genetic information and ancestry. They have a huge database of genomic information and are involved in genetic research.

The company works with several large pharmaceutical companies, which may be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your stance on sharing data.

How does it work? What do you get?

Their lab extracts DNA from cells in your saliva sample, then processes the DNA on a genotyping chip that reads hundreds of thousands of locations in your genome. After they analyze your genetic data, they generate your personalized reports.

23andMe Cost

23andMe offers Ancestry and Health reports separately. You can buy an Ancestry report for $99 or an Ancestry + Health report for $199. You need to collect a saliva sample for both.

23andMe Privacy & Security

The company only shares your data if you give them permission.

According to their site:

‘Your data is fiercely protected by security practices that are regularly reviewed and updated. Your genetic information deserves the highest level of security, because without security, you can’t have privacy. 23andMe employs software, hardware, and physical security measures to protect your data.’

Advantages of 23andMe

They have a good range of genetic predisposition and carrier status reports.
FDA authorization: 23andMe is one of the few that actually has FDA-authorized reports, a factor that makes it stand out among competitors.
If you give 23andMe permission to share your DNA for research purposes, your DNA could be used to help develop new treatments for diseases.
Discounts available: 23andMe often has special sales and discounts that reduce costs.

Disadvantages of 23andMe

It might take three to five weeks to process your kit and send your results.
Little information or insight into the findings: Their reports are really just stark data, with few actionable insights.
23andMe’s health predisposition and carrier reports only test for specific variants, which may be a problem for people of non-European ethnicities.
Customer service issues: Reviews report problems with 23andMe’s customer service.

FitnessGenes

FitnessGenes is a direct-to-consumer DNA testing company that was launched in 2013 by Dr. Samantha Decombel and Dr. Dan Reardon. The company operates out of the United Kingdom.

The company analyses your DNA to give you tailored workouts and nutrition plans, as well as access to a genetic coaching team and an online community

How does it work? What do you get?

After you provide a saliva sample from the kit you’ll get mailed to your home, it will be processed by a certified UK laboratory. The lab will extract the DNA from cells in the sample and analyze the genetic information.

You can also upload your raw data, if you already have it.

Then you’ll get a report based on 40 different genes that relate to fitness and nutrition.

FitnessGenes Cost

The report using your raw data costs $49. If you need a test, the Fitness Genes DNA Analysis costs $199.

You can also buy the Fitness Genes DNA analysis with 4, 8, or 12 weeks detailed, personalized daily workout plans and nutrition plans for $229, $259, and $289 respectively.

FitnessGenes Privacy & Security

The company states that it will not provide your name, contact information or genetic data to any third parties without your consent. With your consent, they retain your DNA sample for up to 12 years, for potential research and development.

Fitness Genes won’t store your details along with your sample. Although you will be able to opt-out of research and development, if you do consent, you will not be compensated, even if your DNA is used in a study that results in commercial benefits.

Advantages of FitnessGenes

Free information about the role of genetics in things like gut inflammation, vitamin absorption, obesity risk, and muscle growth through the website
You can use your DNA results from 23andMe, Atlas Biomed, AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, iGene, Living DNA, MyHeritage or Vitagene.
The fitness and nutrition information you get is in-depth and comprehensive
FitnessGenes offers extra support to help you meet your exercise and diet goals, with access to nutritionists and personal trainers, for a fee.

Disadvantages of FitnessGenes

If you live outside of the US, Canada, and the UK, you will have to pay extra to ship your test kit back to the lab.
Although there’s a DNA health report where you can find out your genetic predisposition to high blood pressure and obesity, there’s no information about genetic diseases.

Final Thoughts

If you want to be part of a growing movement of people who use the latest discoveries in genetic science as they happen to maximize their health and happiness, LifeDNA is for you.
If you’re into health and fitness and you only need a one-off report, and you’re happy to only see your genetic potential without environmental factors taken into account, DNAfit could be for you.
If you want to play a role in global health research and you’d prefer an FDA-accredited institution, try 23andMe.
If you’re looking for a lower price and you already have your genetic data from another provider, FitnessGenes might fit the bill.

Genopalate vs Vitagene vs Genomelink vs LifeDNA

Aira on November 16, 2022

Genopalate vs Vitagene vs Genomelink vs LifeDNA: Which DNA analysis is right for you?

Genetic testing is big business.

Advances in technology have made home genomic testing accessible to all, and the result is an explosion in providers who all seem to offer a similar service.

So how do you choose the right one for you?

Read on to get the lowdown on some of the latest players in genetic testing.

We’ll be doing a head-to-head between:

LifeDNA
GenoPalate
VitaGene
Genomelink

Here’s the TL;DR…

LifeDNA is the best for you if you’re looking to improve every aspect of your health from all angles.
Genopalate is great for foodies: their reports tell you what food to eat, the best supplements to take, and suggest recipes for you to try.
Vitagene offers a range of genetic reports—at every price point—on diet, exercise, skin, supplements, and more.
If you don’t want to spend any money and you’ve already got your raw genetic data, Genomelink’s free 25 trait report is a great place to start.