5 Things You Should Know Before Buying PathwayFit
Here at Genomelink, we have gained tons of genetic testing knowledge and experience through a long history of working in the industry. In this series of blog posts, we are going to apply our expertise to provide a concise summary of different DNA tests in a standard and comparable way. This time we are looking at PathwayFit.
1. About the Company
2. Test Results and Sample Reports
3. Reviews
4. Cost
5. Raw DNA Portability
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1. About the Company
Quick facts:
Company Name: Pathway Genomics
Foundation Year: 2008
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Number of Employees: 101-250 (Crunch Base)
Monthly Visits: 39,000+ (Crunch Base)
Number of Databases: Unknown/Not Reported
Pathway Genomics, also known as Pathway OME, is a privately-owned biotechnology company. They provide genomic testing services to healthcare professionals and direct-to-customer kits, that offer overall health and lifestyle recommendations for several topics including fitness, skin care, and even cannabis preferences. Using patients’ genetic profiles, they provide personalized healthcare information in several specialties such as pharmacogenomics, and general health and wellness.
Pathway Genomics formed a partnership in 2014 with the IBM Watson Group, allowing them to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning in precision healthcare. In 2015, the company agreed to pay a $4 million fine to settle a lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice. Although they did not admit to any wrongdoing, it was alleged they improperly paid physicians for patient referrals. Separately, Pathway Genomics has also been criticized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its marketing strategies.
2. Test Results and Sample Reports
Receiving your PathwayFit report from Pathway Genomics starts with a simple cheek swab. This DNA test kit is analyzed, and they produce a report that includes personalized lifestyle, fitness, and diet suggestions based on your genetic information. Below you can see the nutritional, health, and exercise plans that are reported by PathwayFit.
PathwayFit evaluates genetic markers to provide the following information:
- The eating behaviors report includes 6 traits such as food desire and eating habits
- The report on food reactions includes 5 traits such as lactose intolerance and caffeine metabolism
- Your body weight report includes 4 traits about maintaining a healthy weight such as weight management and genetic predisposition for regaining after weight loss
- Your matching diet recommends the best diet type for you (low carb, low fat, balanced, or Mediterranean), along with 3 other traits
- The exercise report includes 10 traits and recommendations such as endurance training and muscle power
- The nutritional needs section reports on 8 different vitamins and whether or not you need to supplement your diet
- The metabolic health factors include 4 traits on health conditions such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels
To see a complete PathwayFit sample report, please click the link below!
3. Reviews
There are limited online reviews of PathwayFit, but you can see what people are saying about it on Twitter.
Because there are so few online reviews of the PathwayFit DNA test kit, we would like to hear about your experiences. If you have used this test, please let us know what you thought by emailing us here!
4. Cost
You can purchase a PathwayFit test kit online through Pathway Genomics for $299. This cost includes the test kit and the lab fee to process your DNA sample. They also offer 2 similar fitness testing kits: the Sport iQ kit for $99, or Fit iQ for $129. You can occasionally find deals on Pathway Genomics’ website that offer these DNA tests at discounted rates.
5. Raw DNA Portability
Pathway Genomics neither allows you to upload your raw DNA data file you obtained elsewhere for analysis, nor do they provide you with your raw data to be uploaded elsewhere. If you have already submitted a DNA test kit with a different genetic testing company and are interested in uploading your raw data for additional analysis, there are several companies that accept file uploads.
To find out more DNA upload sites, check out our article "The Best DNA Upload Sites"
