Personalized dietary recommendations from a DNA test are created in four steps: You provide a saliva sample, defined gene variants (SNPs) are analyzed in the laboratory, these are compared with the available research and translated into specific dietary guidance. The DNA metabolism tests provide the results in an analysis report evaluating more than 1,000 foods – depending on the product, supplemented with a 28-day meal plan with recipe book (MY FOODBOOK). The recommendations are for guidance only and are not a medical dietary plan.
What lies behind DNA-based dietary recommendations
The field behind this is called nutrigenetics. It examines how individual gene variants influence the way people process nutrients differently – for example, breaking down caffeine faster or more slowly, tolerating lactose, or having a higher need for certain vitamins.
A gene variant (an SNP, or single-nucleotide change in DNA) does not “determine” anything definitively. It shifts probabilities. Many such variants combine to form a profile that, together with your information about nutrition and goals, is translated into recommendations.
It is important to distinguish between them: The test describes predispositions, not current values or diseases. It does not replace a blood count or a medical diagnosis. The following overview shows examples of which gene variants are studied in nutrigenetics and which studies they are based on.
Gene variants and their research basis
These variants serve as examples of how nutritional traits are studied genetically. mybody’s DNA metabolism tests assess traits including weight regulation, insulin sensitivity, and caffeine, lactose, and folate metabolism.
| Gene variant | What it influences | Example interpretation | Study (year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTO | Appetite regulation and body weight (body mass index) | Focus on satiety and portion size | Frayling et al. 2007 |
| PPARG (Pro12Ala) | Insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism | Adjust the proportions of carbohydrates and fat | Altshuler et al. 2000 |
| CYP1A2 | Rate of caffeine breakdown (fast/slow) | Adjust the amount and timing of coffee | Cornelis et al. 2006 |
| MCM6 / LCT | Lactose tolerance in adulthood | Reduce dairy products or choose alternatives | Enattah et al. 2002 |
| MTHFR (C677T) | Folate (vitamin B9) metabolism | Pay particular attention to ensuring sufficient folate intake | Frosst et al. 1995 |
Complete references with links in the “Sources” section. The interpretations are examples and probabilistic – they describe tendencies, not fixed requirements.
How your recommendation is created – step by step
Step 1: Provide a saliva sample
You collect a saliva sample at home using the enclosed test kit. It takes around 10 minutes. The saliva contains cells from which the DNA is extracted in the laboratory. You then send the sample free of charge using a pseudonym and an identification code.
Step 2: Analysing genetic variants in the laboratory
In the laboratory, the DNA is isolated and examined for defined genetic variants (SNPs). Depending on the product, the DNA metabolism tests analyse more than 80 to more than 100 such variants—the WeightLoss SLIM, for example, names the genes FTO, PPARG, ADRB2, and TCF7L2. The analysis is carried out in an ISO-certified laboratory in Germany.
Step 3: Comparison with the evidence and deriving recommendations
Each analysed variant is compared with the scientific evidence and assigned an interpretation (for example, normal or increased requirements, or faster or slower breakdown). This interpretation produces specific guidance—for example, on the distribution of carbohydrates and fats, caffeine consumption, or the need for individual vitamins. In addition, more than 1,000 foods are assessed, making the recommendations practical for everyday life.
Step 4: Results as a report and plan
You receive the results in the online portal. For WeightLoss SLIM, they comprise 24 analysis reports in 5 chapters (around 140 pages). The DNA Metabolism Analysis incl. 28-Day Plan supplements this with MY FOODBOOK – an individualised 28-day meal plan with 60 daily recipes, plus a diary and tracker. More comprehensive goals are covered by NutriCare INFINITY (€269) and Longevity ALL IN ONE (€369).
What these recommendations cannot do
DNA-based dietary recommendations provide guidance. These limitations are important to consider before making a purchase:
Genes indicate probabilities, not diagnoses. A variant shifts tendencies; it does not determine behaviour or outcomes. Whether you achieve your goal depends primarily on your diet, physical activity, and everyday life.
The evidence varies in strength. Not every gene–diet relationship is equally well established. In the European Food4Me study, gene-based counselling did not lead to greater success than personalised nutritional counselling without genetic testing.
The test does not provide medical diagnoses. It cannot detect conditions such as coeliac disease, diabetes, or a food allergy. A medical evaluation is required for that.
Professional advice takes precedence in cases of illness or special dietary requirements. Anyone changing their diet due to an illness, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding should have medical or nutritional therapy support.
Procedure, laboratory, and data protection
- Order the DNA metabolism test online (free shipping on orders over €49).
- Collect the saliva sample at home. It takes around 10 minutes.
- Send the pseudonymized sample with its individual identification code free of charge.
- Analysis in an ISO-certified laboratory in Germany. Data processing is certified according to ISO/IEC 27001 (information security standard).
- Access the result in the online portal: DNA analyses after 15–25 business days.
- Data protection: Processing complies with the GDPR. According to the provider, the saliva sample and DNA sequence are completely destroyed two months after the analysis is completed.
Frequently asked questions
How does a DNA nutrition test work?
DNA is extracted from a saliva sample and tested for defined gene variants. These are compared with the available evidence and, together with your information, translated into nutritional guidance. You receive the result as a report, with a meal plan depending on the product.
Which gene variants are analyzed for nutritional recommendations?
Depending on the product, more than 80 to more than 100 variants. Examples include FTO (body weight), PPARG (insulin sensitivity), and variants related to caffeine, lactose, and folate metabolism. The relevant studies are linked in the “Sources” section.
How reliable are DNA-based nutritional recommendations?
They provide scientifically supported guidance, but no guarantee. Gene variants describe probabilities. In the Food4Me study, gene-based counseling was no more effective than good personalized nutritional counseling without genetic testing.
What is included in the 28-Day Plan and MY FOODBOOK?
The DNA Metabolism Analysis, including the 28-Day Plan, provides an individualized 28-day meal plan, 60 daily recipes, and a diary and tracker—tailored to your genetic analysis and an assessment of more than 1,000 foods.
How long does the analysis take?
The DNA analysis requires 15–25 business days after the sample arrives at the laboratory. The result is then made available in the online portal. A printed booklet may take a few additional days.
Do I need a doctor for the test?
No. The test is carried out at home. However, medical or nutritional therapy advice is advisable in cases of illness, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when planning major dietary changes.
Can the test replace nutritional counseling?
No. It provides genetically supported guidance, but does not replace individual nutritional counseling or a medical diagnosis. Both can be sensibly combined.
What studies are the recommendations based on?
The underlying associations have been published in specialist journals – for example, those relating to FTO, PPARG, CYP1A2 (caffeine), MCM6/LCT (lactose), and MTHFR (folate). All sources are disclosed in the “Sources” section with the year and link.
Sources
- Frayling TM et al.: A common variant in the FTO gene is associated with body mass index and predisposes to childhood and adult obesity. Science 2007;316(5826):889–894.
- Altshuler D et al.: The common PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Nature Genetics 2000;26(1):76–80.
- Cornelis MC et al.: Coffee, CYP1A2 genotype, and risk of myocardial infarction. JAMA 2006;295(10):1135–1141.
- Enattah NS et al.: Identification of a variant associated with adult-type hypolactasia. Nature Genetics 2002;30(2):233–237.
- Frosst P et al.: A candidate genetic risk factor for vascular disease: a common mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T). Nature Genetics 1995;10(1):111–113.
- Celis-Morales C et al.: Effect of personalized nutrition on health-related behaviour change: evidence from the Food4Me European randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Epidemiology 2017;46(2):578–588.
Choose DNA Nutrition Test
For genetic analysis with practical nutrition guidance – optionally with a ready-made 28-day plan:
