Best DNA Testing Kits for Fitness – AskMen

Could a Fitness DNA Kit Be Your Ticket to a Six-Pack?

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When asked how much DNA affects fitness level, Dr. Daniel Wallerstorfer, Ph.D., genetic scientist, and co-founder of Rootine summed it up with a quote by physiologist Astrand: “The best an aspiring athlete can do is choose the right parents.” He goes on to explain that competitive sports are one of the highest levels of genetic discrimination we have today, meaning only individuals born with the right genes can achieve exceptional results.

“There are obvious genetic traits such as short/long legs and how that trait impacts performance in basketball (or other sports), but there are also genetic aspects you don’t immediately see when looking at an athlete,” explains Dr. Wallerstorfer.

“Genes influence the structure of your muscle cells (gene ACTN3 impacts fast/slow twitch muscle fibers), how much oxygen your lungs can take up (gene VO2max), how strong your tendons are (injury risk), if your immune system damages your cells after overexertion (genes IL6 and TNFa), and if your body can neutralize free radicals that damage your cells when exercising hard (genes GPX1, SOD2, GSTT1, GSTP1, GSTM1),” he says. And since everyone’s makeup is unique, these genetic variations can help or hinder someone’s performance in these areas.

So how do your genes stack up when it comes to fitness? You’re about to find out.

Just as DNA ancestry kits have gained popularity, thanks to their ability to trace your family’s roots and give you more information about your ethnic makeup, DNA testing kits for fitness have become a new trend in the wellness world, with everyone from workout enthusiasts to casual gym goers looking to get a better understanding of their genetic makeup and how it factors into their performance and capabilities.

But not all fitness DNA tests are made equal.

Top DNA Testing Kits for Fitness

“The more genes a company tests and the more information provided about each gene, the better the test will be,” says Tye Jensen, head of business development at Rootine.

Jensen singles out Fitness Genes and DNAnutriControl as two top DNA testing kits for fitness. “For the price, these companies do a good job of explaining the results and providing straightforward recommendations on how you should train, eat, etc., depending on your genetics,” he explains.

Fitness Genes

Once you receive your kit you will send the Fitness Genes team a sample of your saliva. This will then be processed in the lab and you will receive results within two to three weeks.

The Fitness Genes test includes a meal and fitness plan, which solves the problem of the consumer trying to act on the fairly complex recommendations. In addition, as science evolves, you will be given further information and recommendations in your secure Member’s area.

Find out more at Fitnessgenes.com

DNAnutriControl

The DNAnutriControl test includes a genetically customized nutrition program, a portal to plan meals and in-depth data about injury prevention and increasing performance based on your genetic profile.

Find out more at Dnanutricontrol.com

23andMe

While it doesn’t directly provide fitness recommendations, 23andMe is another popular choice as it has food and weight-related reports (ie. saturated fat, genetic weight, muscle composition, etc.) that inform consumers how genetics influences their weight, health and lifestyle habits.

$199 at Amazon.com

Blueprint for Athletes

Blueprint for Athletes, which was launched by Quest Diagnostics, is another top contender in the fitness DNA test kit space. You just mail in few drops of blood, and, Blueprint will give you tailored information based on the kit you choose. Among others, options include reports related to muscle & recovery, endurance and metabolism.

Find out more at Blueprintforathletes.com

Final Thoughts on DNA Testing Kits for Fitness

Keep in mind, the information you get from at-home DNA kits should be taken with a grain of salt. Dr. Richard Firshein, a leading expert in integrative and precision-based medicine and founder of Firshein Center, underlines that science doesn’t yet have the data to make strict fitness recommendations based on the results found in these kinds of tests. “This kind of testing is best done with the understanding that there are many other cofactors involved; it’s also best done with the guidance of a physician or exercise physiologist who is familiar with all of the genes involved in fitness.”

In addition, it’s important to remember that DNA affects your fitness level most intensely at elite levels. “If you’re at the pinnacle of athletic competition, the few percentage points of benefit from having the ACTN3 gene for increased fast-twitch muscle fibers can be the difference between a gold medal and not even making the team. However, at lower levels of competition, this genetic gain is diminished as improvements in programming, work ethic and mental drive tend to play larger roles,” explains Dr. Wallerstorfer.

In looking at your results, you should focus on building a strategy to improve in the areas where you have more weaknesses and continue to maintain the areas where you show strength. And, most importantly, don’t forget: hard work is the most important element. “Lifestyle, proper sleep and nutrition, as well as willingness to put in the work are all factors that can be more impactful than DNA,” says Dr. Andy Barr, DPT, founder and CEO at Innovate Performance. In fact, if you have good genes, but not the right mental attitude, then you’ll likely perform worse than someone with the right mental attitude, but worse genes.

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