Diet & Fitness DNA Tests

Nutrigenetics, the relationship between the human genome and nutrition and health, is a relatively new field. It's now increasingly popular as ordinary people outside of the world of elite sports men and women welcome the chance to understand how their DNA can help guide on what they should eat and how they should best work out.

Why Use DNA Diet & Fitness Tests?

People take DNA tests for diet and fitness because it is a great way to personalise how you work out and what you eat. There really is no one size fits all so a DNA test will advise you on what workouts are best for you and how your body responds to various fats and carbohydrates for example.  In addition, many test providers in this area will also be able to assess your risk of injuries and your recovery efficiency.

Who Should Use?

These tests used to be the exclusive domain of elite sportspeople but now anyone can take these tests if they really want to improve their fitness and diet. So, understanding your endurance capacity, strength profile, oxygen efficiency will help you build a fitness programme that is bespoke to your DNA profile. The same is true of your diet. These tests are therefore popular with anyone who simply wants to improve their fitness and diet. 

What’s In A DNA Diet And Fitness Test?

Most test providers ask for cheek swabbing so in the kit you will find mouth swabs, instructions on collecting the sample and a preaddressed envelope.

What Does This Test Do?

All test providers vary slightly but most tests will screen your DNA sample and look for genetic markers that are linked with nutrition and fitness. Reports will vary but most providers will look at aspects of fitness like; strength, endurance, metabolism, your optimum recovery time, all based on your DNA. So, for example in cardio you may be advised that your genetic profile is ‘below average’ for moderate to high intensity cardio workouts, your DNA may suggest that you would get more from longer but more moderate workouts. 

For diet, you will receive results that advise you on the foods best for you to eat. It also looks at how you respond to certain foods, any allergy risks you may have and how you absorb vitamins and minerals. From this some test providers will provide example meal plans that best suit your DNA plus possible supplements that would help your nutritional health.