Which Diet Type Matches Your DNA Profile?
Health and wellness company Gene Food has been based in Austin, Texas since May 2016. Until recently, you were only able to upload a raw DNA data file (for further analysis) that you had obtained by previously taking a test with 23andMe or AncestryDNA. However, it now offers its own DNA test kit.
Whether submitting a DNA sample or uploading your existing raw data, Gene Food analyzes your DNA to determine your likely responses to 20 different types of diet. You get a lot of personalized nutritional insights to consider, which can help improve your overall health.
So, does this young company deserve your cash for the insights it offers? Read on to take an in-depth tour with me.
Submit a Sample or Upload Raw DNA Data
As I’ve already stated, Gene Food has only just started offering its own DNA test, which follows the same simple process as many other companies:
- Order your DNA test kit
- Register your test on the website
- Collect a saliva sample
- Send back to the lab
- Wait for the email notification that your results are ready
You can still upload a raw DNA data file from a previous test you took with 23andMe or AncestryDNA, and it doesn’t take long for the upload to complete (plus, it costs a lot less).
5 Standout Features of Gene Food
1. Individualized DNA-Based Health Solutions
Bio-individuality is a real thing. With ongoing research into the far-reaching influence of your genetics, it’s become increasingly clear that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to nutrition. So, what you get from this company isn’t generic.
2. Personalized Recipes for Your Unique Genetics
Gene Food goes further by providing not only individualized health solutions but also personalized recipes that match your assigned diet type. In your report, you’ll also get recommendations for macronutrients you could be lacking.
3. Includes Cannabis Trait Reports
Gene Food is one of only a few companies to let you know whether you carry the particular genetic markers that are linked to reductions in mental health from consuming THC. The report will include your recommended cannabis dose per day. (If you are looking for more info specifically regarding your genetic predisposition to cannabinoids, check out GreenWay DNA.)
4. Results Available Fast (With a Caveat)
The caveat is that your results will be available very quickly (within 24 hours) if you upload your raw DNA data file from 23andMe or AncestryDNA. If you take Gene Food’s own recently-introduced test, there will obviously be a longer turnaround time – of up to a few weeks – while the lab processes your submitted sample.
5. Easy-to-Understand Science Behind the Recommendations
This company provides a massive wealth of science-based explanatory information, including a huge knowledge base, free podcasts, and blogs to make you more knowledgable about nutrigenomics. Not to mention, Gene Food goes really deep in its explanations of all your DNA-based dietary recommendations.
Similar Tests to Consider
- DNAfit’s “Diet Fit” package offers a comprehensive assortment of detailed, actionable genetic insights to help you optimize and personalize your diet and nutrition plan. The level of detail is comparable – although the features do differ – and priced similarly.
Results are Extremely Thorough and Accessible
Gene Food has identified 20 different diet types that are tailored to different genetics. Each diet type is backed up by suggested recipes to help inform your food choices. This company analyzes your DNA to determine how your body is likely to process carbohydrates, fats, proteins, dairy, sugars, and histamines, so that it can suggest a suitable diet:
The report digs deeper to generate customized nutritional advice that could help you keep cancer or heart disease at bay:
Gene Food has chosen to report on factors that represent the best and latest nutrigenomics research. But because some genes have been studied more than others (therefore the science is sturdier) they are ranked with a science grade from A+ to D, so you know how seriously to treat the recommendations:
Not Cheap, but Save Money by Uploading Raw DNA Data
Gene Food’s DNA test kit is not the cheapest option on the market. You could pay significantly less for Vitagene’s comparable diet reports. However, it’s also not the most expensive option out there, as you could pay a bit more for DNAfit.
If you’ve previously taken a DNA test with 23andMe or AncestryDNA, you can save money by uploading your raw DNA data file instead of taking Gene Food’s own test. Plus, you won’t have to wait since you should see your results within 24 hours.
Either way, you can pay your one-off fee (no subscriptions necessary) via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
Some of the Best Customer Support I’ve Seen
In terms of self-support resources, it’s hard to see how Gene Food could be beaten. Its website is a good educational hub, even if you don’t take its test. Here’s what you’ll find.
There is a comprehensive guide to genetics and nutrition:
You can also benefit from a regularly updated blog:
And you can listen to free podcasts:
You can contact this company by telephone or by filling out an online contact form to initiate an email exchange. I made contact on several occasions, even way back when Gene Food only allowed raw data uploads, and I always received helpful replies like this one:
Definitely One to Consider
Gene Food has not been on the scene for very long, so you’d be right to question if it’s the right diet-oriented DNA tester for you – especially since it’s also not the cheapest option.
However, Gene Food’s offerings appear to be incredibly promising. In addition to the free informational content, its in-depth DNA-based personalized nutritional insights and dietary recommendations make it well worth considering if you’re in the market for this kind of information.
FAQ
How accurate is Gene Food?
Gene Food’s lab uses what it claims to be the “latest” form of genetic testing technology to make sure that they deliver the “most accurate test results possible.” Specifically, it uses Chip and Global Screening Array (GSA) from Illumina to ensure the great accuracy possible. Illumina offers some of the most trusted and widely-used technology in genetic testing around the world.
What different foods does Gene Food analyze?
It’s not about the specific foods that are analyzed. Rather, Gene Food recommends one of 20 different diet types for you. Logically, that means that means that it looks at hundreds of foods that may or may not be optimal for you based on your genetics.
Who should consider taking a Gene Food test?
If you want a detailed nutrigenomics report, Gene Food could be one of the best options for you.
