DNA methylation tests are the latest obsession among the biohacker/health optimiser/longevity community.
Article at a Glance:
- 10X Health sells a genetic test for $599
- The test bases recommendations on just 5 genes
- This test correctly highlights the role of genetics in nutrient deficiencies and elevated homocysteine levels, but it’s steep price tag may make it inaccessible for many.
- There are several alternatives, such as StrideDNA, a UK-based company with over 10+ years of experience in microbiology, nutrition, and genetic research.
Are Genetic Methylation Tests Actually Worth the Hype?
Ex-tech mogul and Project Blueprint founder Bryan Johnson regularly uses this assessment to track how quickly—or, rather, slowly—he’s ageing.
However, the one that caught everyone’s eye was when UFC President Dana White went public with a health turnaround story that he credits to the protocols of a “health guru” named Gary Brecka, PhD. It got my attention. I therefore decided to look into the test that Brecka offers and has developed to see how it may compare to Stride's.
What Does the 10X Health Genetic Methylation Test Offer?
10X Health System has introduced a genetic test priced at $599. This test claims to provide valuable insights into one's health by focusing on just five genes. The key genes analysed in this test are:
- AHCY
- COMT
- MTRR
- MTR
- MTHFR
The public has become accustomed to hearing health gurus in the media speak on the role of gene mutations and nutrient deficiencies, focusing on the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects up to 44% of the global population. This group of individuals cannot convert folic acid (the synthetic form of vitamin B9) into methylfolate (the usable form in the body), leading to a cascade of effects from nutrient deficiencies to folic acid overload. The media recently has been talking about the wide range of issues arising from impaired methylation, such as anxiety, depression, and poor gut health and advocates for unlocking methylation capabilities to discover how to supplement with the right nutrients to restore deficiencies and hormone balances.
This test can offer insights into:
- Risk of Chronic Disease: By analysing methylation patterns, the test can reveal predispositions to serious health conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Biological Age: It provides an estimate of biological age, considering both genetic and lifestyle factors.
- Personalised Health Recommendations: Genetic data suggests lifestyle changes to mitigate disease risks and improve overall health.
The Science Behind Genetic Methylation
Methylation is a biochemical process where methyl groups are added to DNA, altering their function and affecting gene expression. A methyl group is made up of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, hence the alternative term "one-carbon metabolism". Methylation can be thought of as the process of turning a raw material into a form that we can use. It is involved in almost every biochemical reaction in every cell in our body, occurring billions of times per second.
This process plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including:
- Gene Expression: Regulating which genes are turned on or off.
- Nutrient Absorption: Converting ingested nutrients into their usable forms.
- Detoxification: Helping the body remove toxins.
- Neurotransmitter Regulation: Balancing chemicals in the brain.
- Immune Response: Enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms.
- Energy Production: Contributes to the generation of ATP, the primary energy carrier in cells, by supporting mitochondria function.
- Fat Metabolism: Assists in the breakdown and utilisation of fats.
- Protein Function: Influencing their ability to carry out various cellular processes.
- Cell Membrane Repair: Vital for ensuring cellular integrity and communication.
- Fertility and Reproductive Health: Methylation influences reproductive cell function and fertility.
Why StrideDNA stands out
We're a UK-based company with over a decade of research in microbiology, nutrition, and genetics, and who offer an extensive and valuable genetic testing service.
Comprehensive Genetic Analysis: We analyse over 9,000 genetic locations and 110 SNPs, providing a far more detailed and accurate picture of your genetic health.
Rigorous Gene Inclusions: Each gene requires evidence from human studies, reproducibility, and relevance to modifiable lifestyle changes.
Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive pricing, with our most comprehensive package priced at £349.
Expert Support and Interactive Results: We provide results through an interactive digital health platform, including 1:1 consultations with health practitioners, ensuring users understand and can act on their results.
Holistic Health Recommendations: Our test results come with personalised health and lifestyle recommendations, targeting not just methylation but also mental health, nutrient needs, detoxification, exercise interactions, and more.
StrideDNA - A Full Stack Engine for Your Health
Stride is a holistic, personalised health ecosystem. You’ll have access to everything we offer, from further diagnostic testing to cutting-edge supplementation.
Phase 1: Assessment
Select your level of genetic insights with your methylation report and order your StrideDNA package.
Choose Reports Bundle: Methylation reports only, Methylation and Nutrigenetic reports, or go all in with the Optimal Health reports (methylation, nutrigenetic, fitness, sleep + stress, and skin).
StrideDNA At-Home Test: We’ll ship you our easy-to-use home DNA testing kit, for a world of insights with just a simple cheek swab.
Phase 2: Discovery
Return your StrideDNA kit using our prepaid return mailer, and we’ll analyse your sample at our advanced in-house laboratory.
Precision Laboratory Analysis: We’ll extract your DNA and analyse your sample for over 9,000 genetic locations, all within ten working days.
Genetic Reports: You'll get over 50 detailed genetic reports, including a methylation profile.
Phase 3: Action
Once you’ve received your StrideDNA results, you’ll unlock a world of personalised health insights, with clear support for the next steps.
Personalised Supplement: With your results, you’ll unlock eligibility for our advanced personalised liposomal supplement, StrideDaily, or our bespoke methylation formula.
1:1 Expert Consultation: Our team of holistic functional health practitioners are available for free consultations to help reach your goals.
What's included in each StrideDNA Methylation Reports Bundle?
StrideDNA Methylation Report includes:
- An easy-to-use at-home DNA test kit
- Free UK return mailer to our UK-based laboratory
- 1:1 Health Expert Support (inc. Dietician)
- Digital health platform
- 5 Methylation Reports with actionable insights:
- Folate Cycle
- Methionine Cycle
- Transsulphuration Pathway
- BH4 Cycle
- Urea Cycle
StrideDNA Methylation + Nutrigenetic Reports includes:
- All of the above PLUS:
- 24 Nutrigenetic Reports with actionable insights:
- Carbohydrate / Saturated Fat Sensitivities
- Vitamins A, B2, B6, B9 (folate), B12, C, D, and E Needs
- Iron Overload and Iron Deficiency
- Antioxidants and Omega-3 Needs
- Lactose Intolerance and Coeliac Predisposition
- Fructose, Salt and Caffeine Sensitivities
- Alcohol Response
- Detoxification Phase I & II
- Sugar Preferences and Bitter Taste Perception
StrideDNA Methylation Optimal Health Reports includes:
- All of the above PLUS:
- 4 Genetic Fitness Reports with actionable insights:
- Power / Endurance
- Aerobic Training Response
- Recovery Efficiency and Injury Predisposition
- 5 Genetic Mental Cognition (Sleep + Stress) Reports with actionable insights:
- Genetic Chronotype
- Sleep Quality
- Caffeine & Sleep Response
- Stress Tolerance
- Warrior or Strategist
- 7 Genetic Skin Reports with actionable insights:
- Skin Ageing
- Oxidative Stress Impact
- Sensitivity to Refined Carbohydrate & Glycation
- Pigmentation
- Nickel Sensitivity
- Detoxification
- Skin Inflammation
What do Stride's customers say?
Click here to read more reviews.
Conclusion: Should you get a DNA methylation test?
StrideDNA provides a comprehensive, accurate, and affordable approach to genetic testing. For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of their genetic health and take proactive and personalised steps towards a healthier future, StrideDNA is here for you.
Discover your methylation capabilities today with a genetic methylation test StrideDNA. Get started today by visiting getstride.com.