How do our at home testing kits work?

  • Step 1:

    You will receive a genetic testing kit in the post with instructions on how to complete the test successfully.

  • Step 2:

    Provide your sample by simply following the instructions within your test kit.

  • Step 3:

    Send the test kit to the laboratory for analysis using pre-paid postage package.

  • Step 4:

    The sample will be analysed in a world-leading laboratory. The results will take between 10-20 days.

  • Step 5:

    For the genetic testing kit, a comprehensive DNA report will be devised with personalised advice and recommendations. For the finger prick test kit, an easy to read report will be devised as well as a 15-minute consultation.

  • Step 6:

    Have a 1-hour one-to-one consultation, followed by a 30 minute consultation 3 months after the initial consultation. (Only for the genetic testing kit)

We pride ourselves in selecting scientifically robust genetic variants which have been shown to have a positive impact on the health, well-being and performance. Our approach ensures that only high-quality, scientifically backed personalised advice is provided to our clients.

Our genetic inclusion criteria are centred around high-quality scientific literature that has demonstrated consistently replicable interactions between nutrients and genetics. When choosing the genetic variants, our team conducts a thorough review of the current scientific literature based on the Grimaldi framework (which is deemed the gold standard methodology) to ensure that the literature is of adequate quality.  This ensures that only high-quality evidence which has been replicated in two or more independent studies can be included in our DNA reports and analysis. 

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The Grimaldi framework was developed in 2017 by world-leading scientists within the nutrigenetic field. The framework was designed to establish the scientific validity of the reported gene-diet interactions and to ensure that predicted outcomes of these interactions had biological plausibility (in other words, they were reproducible and consistent).

We all know that generic dietary advice and FAD diets are simply not effective. Using personalised nutrition as a methodology for the long-term maintenance of health, well-being and performance is proven to be highly effective and easy.

​Our DNA report focuses on many different areas of health, wellbeing and performance. These areas include:

  • Nutrient Metabolism

  • Intolerances and Sensitivies

  • Weight Management

  • Sporting Performance

  • Weight Management

    In relation to weight management, generic advice and FAD diets usually only have minimal or short-term success, often leading to further weight gain. Therefore, using personalised nutrition advice as a methodology can allow for effective and long-term success.

     

    The highly researched fat-mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) has a role in metabolism and is consistently linked to weight management and body composition. Studies have shown that people with a specific variant may be at risk of a higher BMI and obesity. Notably, people who carry the A variant of the gene have been found to optimise their body composition by consuming moderate to high levels of dietary protein, as opposed to people with the T variant. Put simply, through personalised nutrition, you can be sure that your lifestyle changes are effective and worthwhile.

  • Cardiac Health

    Further, there are many foods which have an impact upon your overall cardiac health; in particular, caffeine! Whilst a cup of coffee to begin our day is often a pleasant indulgent, caffeine in excess can cause a harmful reliance.   

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    The Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene has been associated with elevated blood pressure, hypertension and an increased risk of heart attack in response to caffeine consumption. CYP1A2 has been used to identify individuals as ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ metabolisers of caffeine. People with the A variant are ‘fast’ metabolisers of caffeine and consuming caffeine can provide protective properties. However, people with the C variant are ‘slow’ metabolisers, and may be at an increased risk of high blood pressure if they are consuming more than 200mg per day. This translates to only 2 espressos!

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    The same gene can also help inform performance in a sporting scenario. People with the A variant have the potential to enhance endurance performance via caffeine consumption, whilst people with the C variant will not enjoy the same benefit.

My NutriDNA Glossary

What is DNA?

DNA is also known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is a polymer that is made up of two strands forming a double helix. The DNA is contained in structures called chromosomes. Nucleotides are the basic building blocks of DNA, and consist of four letters: A, T, C and G.

What is a gene?

A gene is a small section of DNA that provides the information needed to make a specific protein. Individuals have more than 20,000 different genes.

What is a polymorphism?

A polymorphism refers to the presence of two or more variant forms of specific DNA sequences that can occur among different individuals or populations. Typically, most polymorphisms have variations at a single base pair of the DNA. These are referred to as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are the most common forms of genetic variations in individuals.

What is the difference between nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics?

Nutrigenetics is a key aspect of personalised nutrition. It explores how an individual responds to dietary and lifestyle factors based on their individual genetic variants. Nutrigenomics explores the interaction between diet and disease.

What is the difference between a genotype and phenotype?

Genotypes are small gene variations that are specific to each person, whereas, phenotypes are characteristics of each person, such as height, eye colour and behaviours.

What is the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE)?

The HWE is an important principle of population genetics. It is accepted that genotype frequencies should remain constant between generations without the disruption of any external factors. The HWE is used to estimate the number of homozygous and heterozygous variant carriers. The quality of the research can be affected if there is a significant deviation from the HWE that causes false positive results.

What are genotype call rates?

Genotype call rates are another method for ensuring high-quality evidence. Nutrigenomic studies that provide high-quality evidence typically have call rates above 95%.