Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, all opinions are my own.
Time to learn all about my genetics with this DNAFit review!
What if you could get an inside scoop on your genes as they relate to nutrition and fitness – no doctor’s office necessary? I’ve got some awesome news for ya – you can!
I did just that using the Helix Store; a one stop shop for any type of DNA testing you would hope to have done. From your ancestry to nutrition needs to your wine preferences (yes, that’s a thing!), to health assessments like carrier screening, you’ll find products to help discover more about yourself.
My personal product of choice was Fitness Diet Pro by DNAFit – a genetic analysis that would give me insight as to how my genes may affect my response to different nutrition & training protocols. You can read up on how easy it was to order and conduct the testing in my last post. I just got the results and I’m having a blast delving into the data, which I’ll share with you in the DNA Fit review below!
But first, one feature about Helix that I love: once you have the initial DNA sequencing done, you can order other types of tests in their store with super quick results.
The initial sequencing can take up to 6-10 weeks. {Although mine was far less – it only took 3 weeks from the day my sample was received until I had my results in hand.} Once Helix has this DNA sequenced and stored, though, you don’t have to wait for that whole process to be done each time. Instead, you can order a new product, and Helix will provide the appropriate sections of already sequenced DNA to their partners for analysis. That means quick turnaround time.
My DNAFit Fitness Diet Pro Results!
When my email notification pinged indicating that my results were ready, I was pretty excited. Almost Jonah Hill excited…
{Side note, I met Jonah Hill a few years ago, and he was super nice.}
I quickly hopped on my computer to examine the results of my DNA fitness testing. They were divided among two packets – one on diet and one on fitness. Here’s some of the highlights…
DNAFit Review – Fitness Results
Power/Endurance Profile
My husband and I have always joked that his genes were built for sprinting and jumping (more power-related activities), and mine were built for endurance. Well, we haven’t had his DNA tested yet – but mine showed surprising results!
I thought the results would indicate I was destined for endurance sports, but it actually showed a propensity towards power (69.8% power vs 30.2% endurance response). This percentage breakdown is calculated using a whole host of genes related to fitness.
While I think we would all laugh if you tried to tell me I could be a successful sprinter, perhaps this is an indication to build a little more strength work into my routine. In fact, my best 5K time was back while I was putting a greater emphasis on strength work using the 5×5 StrongLifts workouts.
Recovery
There are some genetic variations that may make you more prone to delayed recovery after tough training. Based on the two genetic variants that Helix sequenced and DNAFit analyzed, it appears that I have a slow response to recovery.
Injury Risk
Luckily my genetics indicate a very low injury risk. While I’ve struggled with a few injuries in the past, most have been overuse (i.e. tendonitis while training for my first marathon) – or postpartum due to joint laxity (i.e. when I sprained my foot), I appreciate the knowledge that I’m not extra prone to injury!
DNAFit Review – Nutrition Results
Carbohydrate Sensitivity
It appears that I have a medium-high sensitivity to carbohydrates based on their algorithm using three different genetic variants. This indicates possible consequences in carbohydrate metabolism, short term glucose fluctuations and longer term insulin sensitivity.
One thing I liked is that the report goes into detail about the types of carbohydrate; emphasizing healthier low glycemic load choices.
Saturated Fat Sensitivity
I found this section rather interesting, since saturated fat is such a hot topic these days. Ask a hundred dietitians or doctors and you’ll find a range of different views. I liked that the DNAFit report briefly discussed how genetics play a role in an individual’s “response” to saturated fat intake – the metabolism and resultant impact on cholesterol. This is a really new area of research and I look forward to seeing more on it in the future.
My personal results indicated a high sensitivity to saturated fat intake, so the report included a recommendation to limit them.
Detoxification Ability
I despise the word “detox” in the sense that it’s used in the media, from juice cleanses to colonics to fad diets. Thankfully, the DNAFit report talks about metabolic detoxification – the liver’s biological ability to break down toxins.
I had the ‘deleted’ version of the particular gene in question, which led the report to recommend an increase in cruciferous vegetables. These aid the body’s true “detox” processes.
Antioxidant Needs
In this section, the report looked at two genetic markers that influence the body’s natural ability to fight free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that contribute to cellular damage and aging. My results indicated a possibly reduced ability to neutralize free radicals, indicating a possible raised antioxidant need.
Omega-3 Needs
By now you’re probably aware that omega-3s are a nutrition winner, from cardiovascular health to possible cognitive benefits. Omega-3s also may play an anti-inflammatory role. For this part of the test, DNAFit examined a gene that plays a role in inflammation. Since my genetic variant indicated increased risk of inflammation, they recommend a higher omega-3 intake.
Caffeine Sensitivity
I couldn’t wait to check out this result, simply because I’ve done a lot of research on caffeine as it relates to endurance athletes. I had a feeling I would be a fast metabolizer, since I can easily fall asleep even on a day I’ve had a lot of caffeine – and since I notice a performance benefit when using it prior to a race. And I was correct; my genetics showed I was a fast metabolizer.
Other Results
The analysis also shared results on nutrition factors like alcohol response, lactose intolerance, Vitamin B requirements, and Vitamin D requirements.
How the DNAFit Test Will Change My Habits…
I’d like to think that I already live a relatively healthy lifestyle, but being able to review DNA fit genetic testing provided insight that either affirms habits or will lead me to implementing some new habits:
- I’ll focus a bit more on power workouts this winter, particularly when it comes to strength training. The winter is a great time for endurance athletes to work on strength since there’s less structured training compared to in-season.
- I’ll continue to use caffeine prior to races, since being a fast metabolizer is postulated (though not proven) to lead to better performance enhancement.
- I’ll strive to include fish twice a week in my diet based on my omega-3 results. This has always been a goal of mine, just not one that I necessarily meet each week.
- I’ll add in an extra serving or two of cruciferous vegetables each week, thanks to the knowledge that I’m missing a gene that aids in detoxification.
- I’ll make it a priority to include antioxidant-rich foods daily. Bring on the berries and dark chocolate! 😉
Are There Any Downsides to the DNAFit Fitness Diet Pro Test from the Helix Store?
There aren’t downsides, per se – however, it’s important that you know the limitations to genetic fitness testing in general. While the test provides interesting results, it’s not meant to be a diet or exercise prescription. It’s meant to provide information that can help guide you in making informed choices.
For example, let’s say you have a high recovery threshold and very little injury risk. That doesn’t mean you don’t need to recover and rest in your training plan.
In addition, much of the research about genetics is still in its infancy. We may see the choices for gene analysis change over time, or interpretations may evolve over time as more research is done.
Along the same lines, the DNAFit report provides an “optimal diet for weight management” suggestion in their report. However, this is only based on genetic markers, and is only focused on weight. It doesn’t take into account any lifestyle requirements or other medical conditions. In my case, for example, the recommendation listed a “reduced carbohydrate and fat” plan – but my endurance training in the spring and summer months require a higher-than-average carbohydrate intake.
The good news is that the report addresses these factors head-on! They discuss the limitations of genetic testing as a whole, and specifically note “please use your genetic profile as part of the whole picture, not just in isolation.”
Share with me: Have you ever had any kind of genetic testing done? What kinds of nutrition & fitness results would you be most curious to learn about?
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Laura
That was interesting to read. I have always wanted to take this genetic test. Looks like something useful.
Chrissy Carroll
It’s really fun to get an inside look at your DNA!
Abbey Sharp
Such fascinating results! I need to do this!
Chrissy Carroll
Yes, definitely check it out!
Rachel
This sounds really cool. I would love to have my DNA tested. I seem to get so many tendon/ligament or fascia injuries. I’m obviously predisposed somehow!
Chrissy Carroll
That stinks about the injuries. I’d definitely be curious to see what your injury risk came out to be in this test!
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner
I find this all fascinating! I am scheduled to do something very similar in January and I am looking forward to seeing the results
Chrissy Carroll
That’s awesome! I hope you’ll blog about your results too 🙂
Emily
Wow this is so interesting to me! I feel like I know my body so well but there’s always a little voice in my head wondering how much I actually know. I know what I’m saving for 😀
Chrissy Carroll
Super interesting right?! I feel like it’s so fun to learn more about your body.
Christine
Totally geeking out over your genetic testing since I was a molecular and developmental biology major in college! SO cool!
Chrissy Carroll
Woah, miss smartie pants – molecular and developmental biology sounds like a TOUGH major! 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus
This is fascinating! I would be interested to see if I’m really stronger in the endurance realm, too. So neat!
Chrissy Carroll
I was really surprised that mine came up with a bigger predisposition to power!
Kelly
That’s super interesting and I can see how helpful it would be too. Might have to check it out!
Chrissy Carroll
Yes, definitely check it out 🙂
Annmarie
Whaaaat?! This is SO cool! I wanna do it!
Chrissy Carroll
So fun right?!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
How interesting! I can’t believe how easy it is to get this kind of information these days. Pretty darn cool!
Chrissy Carroll
I know – crazy that you can spit in a tube at home, mail it out, and have these results weeks later.
Coco
I’d really like to know what their results are based on — how do they correlate your DNA sequences to all these things?
Chrissy Carroll
Alright, keep in mind that genetics have never been my strong point, but hopefully this helps: They look at single nucleotide polymorphisms on genes. So essentially, when one of the A, T, C or G letters is replaced by another letter. Their report makes an analogy to spelling of words – just like “coat” and “goat” have vastly different meanings, changing just one letter in the genetic code can affect different processes in the body. Because of those changes, you can be more predisposed to certain characteristics.
The one that makes the most sense to me is the genetic variation for caffeine – so if there is a certain letter combo, you metabolize caffeine slowly; if there’s another letter combo, you metabolize caffeine quickly.
It’s all still in it’s infancy, so I think it’s important to remember it’s not a prescriptive thing. Rather, it’s fun for informational purposes and encouragement to make healthy lifestyle changes. I mean, we all could use more antioxidant-rich and omega-3-rich foods right? 🙂
Agness of Fit Travelling
Wow! This seems like an intriguing test to do. Astonishing results. Thanks for the motivating post, Chrissy! 😉
Chrissy Carroll
Thank you! It’s definitely really fun to find out your results.
Kim Kremer
I’m intrigued, but always apprehensive about someone having my genome in their databanks. I’m sure my concerns are overblown, but that doesn’t lessen my apprehension.
Chrissy Carroll
It’s a valid concern. I tend to be pretty trusting and I know Helix has some good security measures in place, but I totally get the apprehension.
Kim Kremer
My curiosity got the best of me & I had my DNA tested, and then I forked over the extra cash for the food sensitivities test. I did it with some apprehension, as I knew getting me to give up certain foods would be difficult short of them causing me severe gastric distress. But I’d also like to reduce the knee pain I’m having, so I figured having the results would at least put me a position of being able to make better choices … even if that meant “stock up on ibuprofen.”
The only thing I have a high reactivity to is eggs. That’s a bummer, as I am able to get fresh eggs from a nearby farm where I can see the chickens & they don’t kill male chicks shortly after hatching. And eggs are the perfect on-the-go easy snack. But alas, I think I’m going to try a 28-day elimination diet and see how my body reacts.
There’s a bunch of stuff I have a mild reactivity too, as well. I’m not sure how many of them I’d be willing to eliminate. For example, cow’s milk. Since I started drinking kefir daily, my gut is super-happy. I can make from nutmilk, but I haven’t tried it yet, and every three fermentations the grains need to ferment cow’s milk – that would lead to a lot of wasted milk and I HATE wasting food.
The really interesting thing? The caveat that some of the IgG antibodies can be triggered by environmental allergies to some pollens I’m allergic to.
Chrissy Carroll
Apparently, I’m really bad with missing new blog comments, lol! Whoops!
I’m curious to see how it goes if you decide to eliminate. Most of the research out there that I’ve seen as an RD does not suggest a correlation between food sensitivities and IgG testing – in fact, being able to tolerate a food can sometimes be associated with higher levels of IgG. That said, I know people who have said positive things about these tests. So you’re our new guinea pig, haha! Definitely let me know how everything pans out.