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A DNA test from Vitagene can give you tons of actionable information regarding your diet and fitness. You’ll discover things like what macronutrients you might be lacking, and how you can change your lifestyle to best meet your personal weight and wellness goals. Most packages also include an ancestry report, although this information is pretty basic compared to some other vendors on the market.
A Focus on Fitness, but Some Ancestry Information Included
Unlike many commercial DNA testing companies, Vitagene uses your DNA results to offer personalized recommendations for how to improve your diet, enhance your exercise regimen, take better care of your skin, and choose the most appropriate nutritional supplements.
Vitagene’s packages are tiered, so there’s something to fit every budget. At the less expensive end, you’ll get plenty of one-time static insights. For a higher price, you’ll get monthly supplements and results that update over time.
This company’s focus is diet and fitness, so its included ancestry report isn’t the most comprehensive, and you might be better off going with a competitor if you want to explore your heritage. You might be better off going with a competitor like MyHeritage if you want to explore your genealogy or build a family tree. What you’ll really want to know is how meaningful and useful Vitagene’s genetic insights are.
Can they really help you take better care of yourself by adjusting your diet and exercise regimes? I hope to help answer those questions, so let’s take a look.
Taking the Test
Vitagene’s simple four-step process involves ordering your test kit, swabbing your cheek for a DNA sample, sending it to the CLIA-certified lab for analysis, and waiting up to six weeks for your results:Detailed instructions are provided with the sample collection kit, but the main thing to remember is not to eat, drink, or chew gum for 30 minutes before swabbing your cheek for the DNA sample.
If you already have a DNA data file from having previously taken a test with 23andMe, MyHeritage, or AncestryDNA, you can upload your raw DNA data rather than submitting a new sample. This will save you money on the test kit, too!
A Detailed Look at the Ancestry Tests
Vitagene’s ancestry reports are not sold individually, but as an add-on to a couple of its larger packages that are focused on diet and fitness. So, as long as discovering your heritage is not your primary focus, you can still get some interesting information about your past, which is supplemented with historical context and decent graphics.
Health + Ancestry Report
Vitagene’s ancestry reports are pretty basic, giving only a sense of what world regions and ethnicities are reflected in your DNA:
My results – 58% European, 40% Jewish, and 2% Asian – were very consistent with what I received from AncestryDNA (which is one of the best known and respected vendors in the market). You can select any of these top geo categories for a more detailed breakdown of your ancestry.
Also, when you click “See Details” you will get a few paragraphs about how this particular area was originally populated, and major migrations that may have affected your background.
The fact that this is surface-level information is probably why it is not sold separately. Value Added Features:
An easy-to-read visualization map of your ethnic origins
Ethnic breakdown of 24 geo regions
Heritage breakdowns up to 99.9% accurate
Outline of major migrations that may have affected your family tree
Ancestry information going back thousands of years
23andMe will tell you what maternal and paternal haplogroups you’re descended from, what percent Neanderthal you are, what traits are associated with your genetic heritage, and what living relatives you might have around the globe.
MyHeritage DNA and AncestryDNA can help you find relatives around the world thanks to their vast genealogy databases which you can explore with a subscription.
Can Vitagene’s DNA Test Reports Compete on Price?
Vitagene’s most basic Health + Ancestry Report package price is comparable with 23andMe. But unlike 23andMe, Vitagene provides actionable insights into how you can adapt your diet and exercise regimen to improve your health, hence it could be better value for anyone wanting additional guidance on health improvement.
The Premium Report is about 40% more expensive, for which you get skincare results and recommendations, plus report updates. And you’ll pay a lot more for the Vitality bundle that includes a supplements subscription.
The extra costs could be worth it if you decide that you can’t put a price on good health, and if you believe that the suggestions and supplements will work. Otherwise, you should save some money by sticking with the cheaper two reports.
You can also save money by uploading your raw DNA data from a previous test that you took with 23andMe, MyHeritage, or AncestryDNA. Whichever testing plan you pick, you can pay for Vitagene’s services with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Diners Club.
Satisfactory Self-Support Resources And Email Responses
For pre-sales purposes (i.e., if you don’t yet have an account), Vitagene has an informative blog and provides separate sets of frequently asked questions relating to orders, supplements, reports, your account, and general issues. For example: You can also send information requests to the company’s support email address. I asked a simple question, and I got a simple answer, but the main thing is that the response came within about five hours and didn’t offer any real information or links to more details provided on the website. It also didn’t escape my notice that the name of the lady who answered my email was the same as the name on the FAQs I looked at. (Take that bit of information as you want.)
Better Health Through DNA Analysis?
Vitagene may not be the DNA testing company for you if you want to connect with relatives, or determine your genetic risk for specific diseases, or discover your Neanderthal percentage. In those cases, you’d be better off going with 23andMe instead.
It could be the right company if you’ve been struggling with weight loss or exercise goals, and you’re wondering what difference an understanding of your genetics might make. The packages are hard to beat for diet and fitness information.
One final thing. Although Vitagene is contracted with Amazon and USPS, it seems to have struggled with order fulfillment, and some customers have complained about receiving their test kits much later than expected.
Vitagene’s reports are highly accurate and transparent. The company looks at certain genetic markers known to be associated with various traits such as the likelihood of being overweight, having elevated cholesterol, being able to build muscle strength, or having trouble metabolizing certain nutrients. For each of the report’s findings, the company explains which specific genes led it to that conclusion, and the research which established that genetic relationship – so you can see for yourself!
But having genetic markers associated with high cholesterol doesn’t mean you have high cholesterol, it just means you have higher risk than most people. Vitagene puts its findings into very insightful contexts so you’ll know what they mean and how you can stay healthy in light of your genetic heritage.
How can you cancel a Vitagene subscription?
Vitagene lets you purchase a subscription to nutritional supplements tailored to your DNA. To cancel this subscription, simply email them, provide the email address associated with your account, and explain why you wish to cancel.
What sorts of things can you learn from a Vitagene test?
How well you’re likely to metabolize various nutrients
What your genetic predispositions are around diet
How your body is likely to respond to exercise
How your DNA may affect certain physical trait
What ethnicities lie in your family’s background
How long does it take to receive results from a Vitagene test?
Your results should be ready within 4-6 weeks of the time when Vitagene receives your sample.
Who should consider taking a Vitagene test?
If you’re passionate about your wellness – from weight management to exercise to nutrition – you can’t do better than Vitagene. Its reports are very well-rounded, highly affordable, and very user-friendly and actionable. You’ll even get sample meal plans and fitness recommendations tailored to your DNA, your personal goals, and your dietary and exercise preferences.
A Detailed Look at the Diet and Fitness Tests
The diet and fitness insights are where Vitagene shines. The information is nicely presented, and you can easily explore the genetic traits that interest you most. The insights could help you reach your personal health goals.
Health + Ancestry Report
This report includes the ancestry information already discussed, so there’s no need to tell you again, and here I can focus on the health aspects.
When it comes to diet and fitness, Vitagene examines a wide number of genetic traits that can have a direct impact on your health. Examples are how well you metabolize different foods, and how exercise can affect your blood pressure.
The dashboard is divided into Genetic Traits, Diet, Supplement, Exercise, and Ancestry sections, and you can drill down into the comprehensive yet well-organized and visually appealing information:
You can further drill down into specific traits to discover:
background information about the trait
how the trait is influenced by genetics vs. lifestyle
the lifestyle, diet, and supplement changes that might make a difference to your health
a list of genetic variants for the particular trait
links to scientific studies that support Vitagene’s findings
If you have a trait for vitamin D deficiency (for example), you will see something like this:
Compared to competitors, Vitagene’s information is very actionable and easy to customize according to your personal preferences and goals. For example; if you select your favorite exercise and say how often you do it, the page will tell you how many calories you’ll burn (and whether it’s sufficient to sustain your weight loss goals):
So far, so good, but I’m not as impressed that the supplements section seems like a sales pitch for its monthly supplements package. The recommendations may nonetheless be useful to you, and the potential sales pitch might not be that different from DNA testers such as AncestryDNA and MyHeritage trying to sell their genealogy subscriptions.
Don’t forget that your DNA merely suggests which deficiencies you may be prone to, and it doesn’t mean you’re definitely deficient. If in doubt, talk to a nutritionist before making any major changes.
Premium Health + Ancestry Report
This report includes all the same information from the standard Health + Ancestry Report plus a detailed skin report that tells you if you’re predisposed to common skin conditions such as acne or eczema. Also whether you have freckles (in case you didn’t know) and how easily you tan.
If you have already purchased the standard Health + Ancestry report, you can upgrade to the premium report without having to submit a second DNA sample:
Unlike the standard plan, you’ll also get free updates as more information becomes available.
Other Kits Available
Vitagene’s Vitality Bundle includes all of the same features as the Premium Report package, plus three months’ worth of supplements that are adjusted monthly to help address your potential deficiencies.
Vitagene’s Vigor Bundle is the same as the Vitality Bundle, but you don’t need to submit a sample because the report is generated from raw DNA data that you obtained from another testing company such as MyHeritage, AncestryDNA, or 23andMe. Just download your data from one of those providers, and upload it here.
Orig3n DNA test kits let you save money by only paying for tests related to specific conditions rather than committing to a complete set of results.
DNAfit is more expensive and is focused on providing actionable information that you can easily apply to your lifestyle.
Can Vitagene’s DNA Test Reports Compete on Price?
Vitagene’s most basic Health + Ancestry Report package price is comparable with 23andMe. But unlike 23andMe, Vitagene provides actionable insights into how you can adapt your diet and exercise regimen to improve your health, hence it could be better value for anyone wanting additional guidance on health improvement.
The Premium Report is about 40% more expensive, for which you get skincare results and recommendations, plus report updates. And you’ll pay a lot more for the Vitality bundle that includes a supplements subscription.
The extra costs could be worth it if you decide that you can’t put a price on good health, and if you believe that the suggestions and supplements will work. Otherwise, you should save some money by sticking with the cheaper two reports.
You can also save money by uploading your raw DNA data from a previous test that you took with 23andMe, MyHeritage, or AncestryDNA. Whichever testing plan you pick, you can pay for Vitagene’s services with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Diners Club.
Satisfactory Self-Support Resources And Email Responses
For pre-sales purposes (i.e., if you don’t yet have an account), Vitagene has an informative blog and provides separate sets of frequently asked questions relating to orders, supplements, reports, your account, and general issues. For example: You can also send information requests to the company’s support email address. I asked a simple question, and I got a simple answer, but the main thing is that the response came within about five hours and didn’t offer any real information or links to more details provided on the website. It also didn’t escape my notice that the name of the lady who answered my email was the same as the name on the FAQs I looked at. (Take that bit of information as you want.)
Better Health Through DNA Analysis?
Vitagene may not be the DNA testing company for you if you want to connect with relatives, or determine your genetic risk for specific diseases, or discover your Neanderthal percentage. In those cases, you’d be better off going with 23andMe instead.
It could be the right company if you’ve been struggling with weight loss or exercise goals, and you’re wondering what difference an understanding of your genetics might make. The packages are hard to beat for diet and fitness information.
One final thing. Although Vitagene is contracted with Amazon and USPS, it seems to have struggled with order fulfillment, and some customers have complained about receiving their test kits much later than expected.
Vitagene’s reports are highly accurate and transparent. For each of the report’s findings, the company explains which specific genes led it to that conclusion and the research which established that genetic relationship.
How can you cancel a Vitagene subscription?
Vitagene lets you purchase a subscription to nutritional supplements tailored to your DNA. To cancel this subscription, simply email them, provide the email address associated with your account, and explain why you wish to cancel.
What sorts of things can you learn from a Vitagene test?
Vitagene’s basic DNA test addresses five basic topics: how well you’re likely to metabolize various nutrients, what your genetic predispositions are around diet, how your body is likely to respond to exercise, how your DNA may affect certain physical traits, and what ethnicities lie in your family’s background.
How long does it take to receive results from a Vitagene test?
Your results should be ready within 4-6 weeks of the time when Vitagene receives your sample.
Who should consider taking a Vitagene test?
Vitagene is an excellent choice for a well-rounded, highly affordable, and very user-friendly and actionable DNA test. It’s especially ideal for people who would like specific sample meal plans and fitness recommendations tailored to their DNA, their personal goals, and their dietary and exercise preferences.
We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links. Learn more.
Moss Stern
Writer
Moss Stern is a professional writer, amateur musician, voracious fiction reader, recreational bicyclist, cutthroat Scrabble player, and gleeful health and science nerd. He resides in the vicinity of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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