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Our Science

Is there any scientific research or proof to support what FitnessGenes recommends?

Yes – our TrueTrait™ model is based only on high-quality research that has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals (e.g. Nature Genetics, PLoS Genetics, Cell).

We only analyze those gene variants that demonstrate a significant, robust association with a health or fitness outcome. In this respect, we use data from large-scale systematic reviews and meta-analyses whenever possible.

Similarly, all of our diet, workout, supplement and lifestyle actions are evidence-based and have been demonstrated in high-quality, peer-reviewed studies to be effective in human subjects. Again, whenever possible, our actions are based on data from meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

You can read about the science behind each of our traits in the accompanying trait blog, which contains citations and links to all the relevant published studies on the PubMed database. In your DNA results section, you also will find a list of citations for each gene variant.

Why do you use a saliva sample rather than a cheek swab or hair sample?

A saliva sample, like a cheek swab, contains skin cells from the inside of your mouth (from which we extract DNA). We have found saliva samples to be more reliable than cheek swabs, especially when using the buffer solution to preserve the DNA sample.

Despite what you may have seen in TV programmes, hair is not an especially reliable way of getting a DNA sample. Only the hair follicle, which is painful to remove, actually contains DNA. The shaft of the hair contains no genomic DNA.

Where is your laboratory based?

All customer samples are processed by Eurofins Genomics in Galten, Denmark.

The laboratory is highly-accredited and holds: certification to ISO 9001 for business processes, accreditation to ISO 17025 for laboratory testing and calibration services, compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) for pharmaceutical studies and accreditation to ISO 17043 for the operation and management of proficiency testing schemes.

I’d like to learn more about genetics. Is there something I can read?

All of our regular trait releases are accompanied by a blog post that explains all the relevant science in easy-to-understand detail. Customers are encouraged to read these blog posts, which provide information on the gene variants analyzed for each trait along with key study findings.

Another good, easy-to-follow resource is the University of Utah 'Learn Genetics' pages.

For people who prefer to read academic literature, all the blog posts contain links to cited scientific papers on the PubMed database.

Similarly, the ‘DNA results” section has a list of linked academic citations for each gene result.

Have you just copied other DNA testing companies?

No. Part of what makes FitnessGenes unique is our focus on traits – measurable aspects of your internal biology based on both your genetic and lifestyle data.

Our innovative TrueTrait ™ model compiles hundreds to thousands of your gene variants along with your lifestyle data to form an accurate model of how your body responds to diet, exercise and lifestyle measures. The way we calculate your traits and create a model of your body is grounded in years of research conducted by FitnessGenes.

In contrast to companies such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA, we focus mainly on gene variants and traits related to fitness, diet and exercise performance. Unlike these companies, we offer tailored workout and nutrition plans based on your gene results.

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