Vitagene review | 5 things you should know before buying
The Genomelink team has a long history of working in the genetic testing industry. Based on the knowledge and experiences we have gained, in this series of blog posts, we are going to give you a very concise summary of each DNA test in a standard, comparable format. This time we’re looking at Vitagene.
1. About the Company
2. Test Results and Sample Reports
3. Reviews
4. Cost
5. Raw DNA Data Portability
1. About the Company
Quick facts:
Company Name: Vitagene
Foundation Year: 2014
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Number of Employees: 11-50 (Crunch Base)
Monthly Visits: 300,000+ (Crunch Base)
Number of Databases: Unknown/Not Reported
Vitagene is a DNA testing company co-founded in 2014 by Mehdi Maghsoodnia and Dr. Reza Malek with the goal of improving health and wellness using a person’s DNA. They began by building an algorithm to recommend supplements based on a person’s medical profile, by using diet and lifestyle data from bariatric patients and existing research on the benefits of supplements. What started as supplement recommendations has grown to include personalized diet and exercise regimens, skincare products, and ancestry reports. Their direct-to-customer approach aims to improve customers’ health and wellness through informed choices based on individual DNA reports. Eventually, the team at Vitagene hopes to gather enough data on nutrition and health to draw evidence-based conclusions about why people get sick and what will help to prevent disease.
2. Test Results and Sample Reports
Submitting a DNA testing kit is as simple as using a cheek swab to collect a DNA sample from your saliva. After sending your sample into the company, they will provide you with several health reports including genetic risks and detailed health plans. This is what you can expect from your DNA results with Vitagene.
Vitagene Report Overview
Diet
- Receive personalized information about how your genetics influence your diet
- Get suggestions for healthy food choices with customized recipe plans
Supplement
- Get supplement and dosage recommendations tailored to your genes, lifestyle and health goals, medications and health conditions
- Receive recommendations based on the latest scientific research
Skin
- The premium package includes a skin report on genetic predispositions for skin conditions
- Receive customized skincare recommendations
Exercise
- Learn the types of exercise routines and habits that are best suited for you
- Find out more about how your body responds to exercise
Ancestry
- Receive an ancestry report that includes an interactive map and regional ethnicity percentages
The results you will receive from Vitagene include personalized recommendations on diet, supplementation and exercise routines, along with an ancestry report. Their detailed health reports include health markers such as cholesterol level and blood pressure, information on your metabolic capabilities, along with dietary considerations such as lactose or gluten sensitivities. The personalized supplementation suggestions are backed by scientific research, are tailored to your genetic profile and include explanations for each supplemental recommendation. Their exercise reports use your genes to inform you of your ability to build muscle and include a tailored workout plan based on your body’s reactions to exercise. In addition to all of the tailored-to-you health reports, Vitagene provides a report on what your genes reveal about your ancestry and where you came from.
If you would like to see what your report might look like, please click the link below!
3. Reviews
Hundreds of Vitagene customers have left reviews on several prominent websites. Check them out below!
- 4 of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with over 200 reviews
- 3.5 of 5 stars on Amazon, with over 300 reviews
- Check out what people are saying about Vitagene on Twitter!
- Check out what people are saying about them on Reddit, too!
Although the majority of reviewers are pleased with the DNA testing services they receive from Vitagene, the most common complaint among dissatisfied customers is the length of time to receive their results. Some people also disliked the suggested supplements within their reports, as they felt it was too much of a sales pitch. Other customers reported very positively about their supplementation recommendations, and have reported feeling better and more energetic since beginning their supplement regimens.
4. Cost
The basic Vitagene DNA kit is $99, however, they offer additional options and products for higher prices, and often run promotional savings specials. Their premium report costs $139 and includes additional recommendations for skincare based on your genetic profile. By purchasing either their “Vitality” or “Vigor” bundles for $259 each, you can receive subscriptions for recommended supplements along with your personalized health and ancestry reports.
If you have already done a 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage test, Vitagene will accept that raw data file upload for reduced prices starting at $49.
5. Raw DNA Data Portability
Your Vitagene reports will include health reports and recommendations for lifestyle choices tailored to your genetic data profile, but your DNA journey does not have to end there! The Vitagene website says you can download your raw DNA, which should technically be able to be uploaded to other DNA analysis websites. However, it is unclear which companies Vitagene genetic data is compatible with.
If you have downloaded your raw data file from Vitagene and have successfully uploaded it for analysis to any of the following companies, please let us know here! We strive to keep our website as up-to-date and accurate as possible, and we would love to hear about your experiences.
To find out more DNA upload sites, check out our article The Best DNA Upload Sites
