DNA test for nutrition & metabolism: Eat according to your genetics

What to expect in this article

The 5 DNA metabolism tests at a glance

All five tests use a saliva sample and are analyzed in an ISO-certified laboratory in Germany. They differ in the number of genetic variations analyzed and their focus. Here’s a quick comparison:

Here’s how you go from a saliva sample to your personalized nutrition plan in four steps:

Why does everyone’s body react differently to the same diet?

Each of your roughly 50 trillion body cells carries the same genetic blueprint. This blueprint contains tiny variations – known as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) – that often differ by just a single “letter.” These small differences affect how efficiently your metabolism works.

What over 700,000 genetic variations read can tell you

During genotyping, mybody® reads over 700,000 of these SNPs and evaluates the variants most relevant to nutrition and metabolism. This wealth of data points creates a profile that explains why you react differently to certain foods than other people.

Concrete examples: Genes you notice in everyday life

FTO – Appetite & weight: According to a study by Frayling and colleagues (2007), a common variant in the FTO gene is associated with higher body weight; later studies linked it to increased appetite and feelings of hunger. People who carry this variant often benefit particularly from filling meals rich in protein and fiber.

CYP1A2 – Caffeine breakdown: People break down caffeine at different speeds, depending on the CYP1A2 gene (including Cornelis et al., 2006). “Slow metabolizers” react more sensitively to coffee and should drink it in moderation, preferably earlier in the day.

LCT – Lactose: Whether you tolerate milk sugar well in adulthood depends on variants of the LCT gene (lactase persistence). This explains why some people tolerate dairy products without problems while others do not.

ADRB2 & TCF7L2 – Sugar & fat: These genes are associated with sugar and fat metabolism and may help determine how well your body handles a carbohydrate-rich or fat-rich diet.

Carbohydrate, fat, or protein type?

The interplay of several genes can provide a simplified picture of which nutrient distribution your body tends to process best. Important: This is a general guide, not a rigid classification—your lifestyle remains decisive.

The carbohydrate type

The carbohydrate type processes complex carbohydrates well and generally does well with a carbohydrate-focused, whole-food diet. Whole-grain products, legumes, and vegetables are the main focus here.

The fat type

The fat type tends to benefit from a more moderate amount of carbohydrates and high-quality fats. Healthy oils, nuts, fish, and avocado can play a greater role for this type.

The protein and mixed type

The protein and mixed type does best with a balanced distribution and a slightly higher proportion of protein. Adequate protein supports satiety and muscle maintenance.

How a DNA metabolism test works

The process is the same and straightforward for all mybody® DNA tests. You order the test, collect a saliva sample at home, and send it in the prepared envelope. The analysis is carried out by an ISO-certified laboratory in Germany.

Your result will be available digitally after approx. 15–25 business days—as an easy-to-understand report with concrete recommendations. Your data is processed securely and in compliance with the GDPR. More than 11,000 users have already used a mybody® DNA test.

The 5 mybody® DNA tests – which one is right for you?

All five tests are based on a saliva sample analyzed in an ISO-certified laboratory. They differ in scope and focus—from the affordable weight-loss basics to the comprehensive package. Here you will find each option with a clear recommendation for who it is best suited to.

WeightLoss | SLIM – the affordable introduction to weight loss

Best for: beginners who want to learn about their weight-loss predispositions without a large budget.

The SLIM test analyzes more than 80 genetic variants related to weight loss and provides the genetic foundations for a suitable diet. A solid, affordable introduction to DNA-based nutrition.

Price: €169.00  ·  Genetic variants: 80+  ·  Sample type: Saliva  ·  Processing time: approx. 15–25 business days

WeightLoss | View SLIM

DNA Metabolism Analysis – Lose weight with a ready-made 28-day plan

Best for: anyone who wants not only data but also a ready-made plan to get started.

This analysis combines genetic evaluation (80+ genetic variants) with a practical 28-day plan, MY FOODBOOK, and 60 recipes. This turns the results directly into an actionable everyday routine.

Price: from €197.00 (instead of €298.00)  ·  Genetic variants: 80+  ·  Sample type: Saliva  ·  Processing time: approx. 15–25 business days

View DNA Metabolism Analysis

Fitness | VITALITY – for sport, recovery & nutrition

Best for: active people who want to genetically tailor their training and nutrition.

The VITALITY test evaluates more than 100 genetic variants and combines nutrition with exercise, recovery, and performance. Ideal if you want to tailor your training more precisely.

Price: €197.00  ·  Genetic variants: 100+  ·  Sample type: Saliva  ·  Processing time: approx. 15–25 business days

Fitness | View VITALITY

NutriCare | INFINITY – the well-rounded all-round recommendation

Best for: anyone looking for a comprehensive nutrition and metabolism profile.

The INFINITY test analyzes more than 140 genetic variants related to nutrition, vitamin requirements, metabolism, and more—the balanced choice if you want the big picture rather than a single focus.

Price: €269.00  ·  Genetic variants: 140+  ·  Sample type: Saliva  ·  Processing time: approx. 15–25 business days

NutriCare | View INFINITY

Longevity | ALL IN ONE—the complete package

Best for: anyone who wants the fullest picture, including longevity aspects.

The most comprehensive test analyzes more than 170 gene variations and covers nutrition, metabolism, fitness, and longevity. The complete package for anyone who wants to take a deep dive.

Price: €369.00 (instead of €629.00)  ·  Gene variations: 170+  ·  Sample type: Saliva  ·  Processing: approx. 15–25 business days

Longevity | View ALL IN ONE

From analysis to everyday life: What to do with your results

The real value of a DNA test lies in putting the results into practice. Your report translates genetics into practical recommendations for everyday life: which nutrient distribution suits you, how to handle caffeine, or what to consider regarding exercise and recovery.

Here’s an example of what this might look like: If your profile shows an FTO variant associated with increased appetite and slow caffeine metabolism, you might choose particularly filling, protein-rich meals and limit your coffee to the morning. Small, targeted adjustments instead of a radical diet.

Genetics isn’t everything: Gut microbiome, hormones & lifestyle

Your genes are an important map, but not your destiny. How you actually develop depends just as much on your gut microbiome, hormone balance, sleep, physical activity, and stress levels.

What a home DNA test can—and cannot—do

A DNA metabolism test shows your innate predisposition—reliably and for life, because your genes do not change. It helps you shape your diet more purposefully instead of relying on guesswork.

An honest assessment: Research shows that personalized nutrition improves eating behavior more than generic recommendations (Food4Me study, Celis-Morales et al., 2017). However, scientists are still investigating whether gene-based recommendations are superior to other forms of personalization—so a DNA test is a helpful tool, not a guarantee of weight loss.

Important: A home DNA test is not a medical diagnosis. It does not replace medical evaluation or the treatment of illnesses. If you have health concerns, a doctor is the right person to contact.

Conclusion: Eat according to your genetic individuality instead of chasing diets

Your genes explain why the same diet affects people so differently. A DNA metabolism test reveals these predispositions and helps you tailor your diet to your body instead of chasing yet another fad diet.

Which of the five mybody® tests is right for you depends on your goal and budget: WeightLoss | SLIM as an affordable entry point, the DNA metabolism analysis with a ready-made plan, Fitness | VITALITY for athletes, NutriCare | INFINITY as an all-rounder or longevity option | ALL IN ONE as the all-in-one package. Combine the results with a healthy lifestyle to get the most out of them.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Sources

1. Frayling, T. M. et al. (2007): “A Common Variant in the FTO Gene Is Associated with Body Mass Index and Predisposes to Childhood and Adult Obesity” (Science). science.org
2. Celis-Morales, C. et al. (2017): “Effect of personalized nutrition on health-related behaviour change: evidence from the Food4Me European randomized controlled trial” (International Journal of Epidemiology). academic.oup.com
3. Cornelis, M. C. et al. (2006): “Coffee, CYP1A2 Genotype, and Risk of Myocardial Infarction” – caffeine metabolism and CYP1A2 (JAMA). jamanetwork.com
4. Enattah, N. S. et al. (2002): “Identification of a variant associated with adult-type hypolactasia” – LCT gene and lactose tolerance (Nature Genetics). nature.com
5. German Nutrition Society (DGE) – Recommendations for a wholesome, balanced diet. dge.de

The statements about the FTO gene are based on [1], those concerning the effects of personalized nutrition on [2], caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2) on [3], and lactose tolerance (LCT) on [4]; general dietary recommendations are based on [5]. Product-related information from mybody® (prices, sample type, genetic variants, processing time, laboratory certification) comes from the respective product pages on mybody-x.com and may change.

mybody® Editorial & Expert Team

Nutrigenetics Nutritional Science Laboratory Diagnostics Metabolism & Fitness

This post was created by the mybody® editorial and expert team, which brings together expertise in nutrigenetics, nutritional science, laboratory diagnostics, and metabolic and fitness science. Learn more about our team on our editorial and authors page.

Published on July 24, 2026 · Last updated on July 24, 2026

Medical disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any health concerns, please consult a doctor.