The Best DNA Test Kits for Health & Wellness in 2022
From results and insights to ratings and reviews, find out which DNA test kit we deemed best-in-class for 2022.
When it comes to DNA tests, most people think of them as valuable tools to learn more about their families and where they’re from. However, it turns out that there’s a lot more hidden in your DNA than just your ancestry. Over the past few years, research has shown that genes are vital to our health.
In addition to your hair and eye color, your genes store information about whether or not you’re more likely to have a particular health condition. Recent advances in DNA tests have now made it possible to not only measure the chance of developing a particular health condition but can also provide ways for you to prevent them too.
This means that you can work toward better health just by understanding which foods, exercise, and stress relief work best for your unique DNA. That’s why at-home DNA testing kits are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to reach peak health.
One of the best ways to make sure you’re giving your unique body what it needs is through a comprehensive, health-focused DNA testing kit that helps you understand your body at the DNA level. There are hundreds of DNA testing companies that claim to offer detailed and comprehensive health and wellness reports, so, how do you know which one to choose? That’s why Wellness Reviewer has compiled months of research on this emerging wellness category and narrowed them down to the top 5. We based our selection on accuracy, comprehensiveness, ease of use, and value for money to bring you the best DNA testing kits for health and wellness on the market.
Before we dive into what makes a DNA testing kit worth your time and money, it’s essential to understand what exactly DNA can reveal about your overall health.
What Can a DNA Test Tell Me About My Health?
Did you know that what you eat, how much you exercise, and how well you sleep have an impact on your DNA? An advanced DNA testing kit could help you discover how your body reacts to important lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress regulation so you can use what you’ve learned to make the most informed decisions for your body.
A Comprehensive Advanced DNA Testing Kit Can
- Helps promote lifestyle changes that help you reach your health goals
- Helps support healthy weight management
- Helps support healthy stress management
- Helps support better sleep quality
Hot Tip: Before You Spit, Try This
Some people occasionally have difficulty providing the amount of saliva needed for a reliable DNA test sample. If you think providing a good saliva sample will be a challenge for you or someone you’re helping with a testing kit, try the following tips:
Gently rub the outside of your cheeks
Make chewing motions with your mouth
Smell something sour, like a lemon or a lime
Think about your favorite foods
But, not all DNA tests are created equally, and when it comes to choosing a great DNA testing kit, there are several things you should consider:
What To Look for in an Advanced DNA Test Kit
-
Look for a company that protects your privacy
You’ve likely heard the stories about certain DNA testing companies sharing your genetic data with third parties, like pharmaceutical companies, that sell your DNA data for profit. Instead, look for a DNA testing company that commits to protecting your data.
- Choose a test that gives you information on your genetic predispositions…and what to do about them
Most DNA tests on the market won’t tell you how to optimize your health or which lifestyle changes are the best for your body. These DNA tests primarily provide information about your ancestry and heritage. Any health “recommendations” attached to these reports are generic solutions that fit a range of health issues. However, your genes have a significant impact on how your body responds to lifestyle changes and health optimization, so look for a company that takes all of your relevant genes into consideration.
- Make sure that your DNA reports are vetted by the experts
Many DNA testing companies don’t have a dedicated team of scientists or genetic experts handling your data. So when choosing a DNA test, be sure to follow the experts. Then, you’ll have a much better chance of finding an advanced DNA test that won’t compromise when it comes to your health.
Which DNA Tests Should I Avoid?
DNA tests for ethnicity and genealogy will tell you where you’re from and a bit about your ancestry, but they don’t provide accurate, actionable suggestions that can improve your health. Instead, look for a DNA test that offers insights that support your individualized health and wellness.
Top 5 Advanced DNA Testing Kits of 2022
1) The DNA Company
A+
OVERALL GRADEpros
- Generates 38 comprehensive insight reports curated into six core systems for human optimization: Cardiovascular, Fitness, Diet, Sleep, Mood & Behavior and Immunity & Detox
- Provides instructions on improving health in addition to gene markers
- Only test featuring 4.7 billion data point algorithm, the highest of all tests evaluated
- Access to world-class health coaching with a DNA expert to identify any red flags and opportunities for health optimization
- Access to Genetic Expression Management - a curated marketplace of solutions designed for your individual health challenges
- Dedication to privacy
cons
The Bottom Line
The DNA Company’s DNA testing kit will help you put health optimization at the forefront, scanning over 4.7 billion data points to find and flag both major and minor health issues.
This was one of the only DNA testing services that provided access to an additional curated line of supplements and solutions that support specific health issues.
Their dedication to privacy is top-notch - any data is encrypted, anonymized, and never sold. All in all, The DNA Company is our number one pick.
*Results are based on the Wellness Reviewer Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
2) Nebula Genomics
A-
OVERALL GRADEpros
- Offer whole-genome sequencing
- Full access to your genetic data with a curated dashboard
- Modern sequencing technology ensures high accuracy
- Subscription unlocks ongoing insiaghts
- Whole-genome sequencing reveals all genetic variation rather than focusing on single genes
- Dedication to privacy
cons
The Bottom Line
Nebula Genomics offers whole-genome sequencing in addition to an ancestry review.
Nebula Genomics also provides access to their extensive research library for a more detailed look at your DNA and health.
For these reasons, Nebula Genomics is number 2 on our list.
*Results are based on the Wellness Reviewer Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
3) SelfDecode
B+
OVERALL GRADEpros
- Subscription unlocks ongoing insights
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- In-depth health insights
- Dedication to privacy
- Accessible, easy-to-understand reports
cons
The Bottom Line
SelfDecode is a platform that offers insights into your genetic makeup and provides recommendations that could help you reach your health goals.
You can purchase SelfDecode’s at-home DNA test kit, or you can use SelfDecode in conjunction with other DNA tests you may have taken.
Because it is primarily a platform, SelfDecode may not be as comprehensive as other DNA testing kits.
*Results are based on the Wellness Reviewer Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4) Sequencing.com
B
OVERALL GRADEpros
- Offers whole-genome sequencing
- Dedication to privacy
- Over 100 analysis apps and reports (some are paid)
- New apps are screened and added frequently in areas like health, ancestry, nutrition, fitness, and beauty
- Ongoing insights
cons
The Bottom Line
Like SelfDecode, Sequencing.com is a platform for securely storing and learning about your DNA data that also offers its own line of whole-genome DNA tests.
Sequencing.com’s platform is compatible with data from any genetic test; however, ongoing membership fees may make it more expensive to maintain year over year than other options.
*Results are based on the Wellness Reviewer Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
5) 23andMe
B-
OVERALL GRADEpros
- Option to purchase an additional health report
- Accessible, easy-to-understand reports
- Good value for money
- Regional background for ancestry has been expanded (in 2018)
cons
The Bottom Line
23andMe comes in at number 5 on our list. As one of the most popular DNA testing companies on the market for ancestry, 23andMe also provides health insights for an additional charge.
The generic health information and lack of actionable advice may make 23andMe less comprehensive than other DNA testing companies when it comes to health optimization.
*Results are based on the Wellness Reviewer Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.