The realization that DNA testing has a tremendous impact on sports performance is only beginning to happen. It has been recognized for ages that physical attributes such as eye color, hair color, height, etc are inherited, however, the impact of genetics on physiology and physical performance has been vastly underappreciated. Though humans have been breeding racehorses for speed and cows for milk yield and other plants and animals for centuries, the same parallels are not applied to human performance and genetic selection. Rather, the view that nurture is far more impactful than nature (genetics), prevails. The fact is that nature and nurture both are critical at the elite level. Hence genetic testing can help appropriately nurture, what nature has bestowed.
Here are a set of facts that will make you question this prevailing belief:
Genetics has a vast impact on every possible manifestation of your biology from the color of your eye to your sporting abilities. Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg said that he owed 66% of his success to genetics and 33% to nurturing. The BCCI announced yesterday that DNA testing for Indian cricketers has been introduced to complement their training program. This is indeed a welcome development that will do wonders for individual performance if harnessed appropriately. Here is a comparative analysis of the top 5 fitness DNA testing companies.
DNA testing for elite sportspeople, that was first introduced for their players by the NBA, involves extracting the DNA from a sample. The DNA thus extracted is either sequenced or genotyped for a set of genes. All genes have more than one forms. This is why though all of us are engineered similarly we differ tremendously from our blood type to our hair color. Similarly, as per your genes, you may be more inclined to power sports like weightlifting than sports that involve endurance capabilities like tennis and running marathons. DNA testing makes a lot of sense in cricket because a variety of qualities a player is required to have. For example each of the 11 players bat, bowl, and field as and when required. Spending long hours in extreme weather conditions fielding may be easier for an endurance player, whereas batting and bowling require sudden energy shots that is easier for a power player. It is easier to strike a balance when you know exactly how you are made. Based on this information all external factors like diet, sleep habits, the kind of exercises to add to your routine.
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Batting: Power, endurance (long innings and running between wickets), Neuro-Motor coordination, vision, depth perception, eye frame rate, reaction time
Bowling: Power (pace), Stiffness (for sprinting and throwing), high lactate threshold, flexibility (range of motion) for smooth action, cardiovascular fitness, aerobic capacity, high red blood cell count, low surface to volume ratio- slender limbs and torso (low air resistance)
Fielding: sprinting, cardiovascular fitness, endurance, higher water retention (during prolonged exposure to heat), vision, depth perception and reaction time.
In BCCI’s recent announcement, they mentioned testing for 40 genes related to fitness, diet, and health for their players. Xcode Life screens for more than 500 genetic markers for fitness and nutrition. When it comes to the fitness of international elite player it is not just strength and stamina that comes into play. Traits like flexibility, the likelihood of injury, recovery from injuries and aerobic capacity play a major part. Similarly, when it comes to the diet, it is not just your food choices. How well you respond to macronutrients and your various mineral and vitamin requirement are significant in terms of both short-term and long-term benefits. All of these cannot be covered by 40 genes.
Xcode Life’ DNA test for diet, fitness, and health covers more than 500 genetic markers and a wide range of traits.
Also read: 15 Incredible Genetic Facts About Sports, Fitness and Athletic Performance
To download DNA raw data from Family Tree DNA FTDNA, follow the simple steps given below:
Alternatively, you can also access your DNA data from the navigation bar:
Results & Tools >> Autosomal DNA >> Download Raw Data
On the download page, you should find two types of DNA data:
The Build 37 Raw data is what you want to download for further analysis. It includes all the autosomal SNPs as well as the ones on the X chromosome.
The Y-SNP Raw Data includes the SNPs found on the Y-chromosome.
The DNA raw data will be in the form of a CSV file, which Family Tree DNA compresses into a GZIP file for download.
You can extract this using decompression software. Here are some free ones:
Download your Ancestry.com raw data. Please note that ancestry.com and ancestrydna.com are both one and the same. You can access your data from either of these websites. This site provides lots of interesting tools to explore your closest ethnic groups and DNA relatives, among other interesting aspects of your DNA.
or you can directly access the download page here
Many individuals undergo multiple ancestry tests from multiple companies to check concordance. They may also have their data reanalyzed to check for other interesting findings.
Others Are Reading: How to upload 23andme raw data to Xcode Life site for Health reports
Make sure to check out our blog on the amazing things that can be done with your Ancestry.com raw data. You can also check out the various service providers and third-party tools that can be used to analyze your Ancestry.com raw data.
Have fun DNA exploring!
The vast majority of the people are trying to analyze DNA raw data results from ancestry genetic testing companies like 23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), Living DNA etc., and other raw DNA data providers. However, they are completely unaware that their raw DNA data also contains vast amounts of other information.
These companies do not perform genome sequencing. They instead use microarray genotyping to get ancestry and health information. This may be about their health aspects such as diet, nutrition, obesity, diabetes, fitness, allergies, weight loss, detox analysis, skincare etc.
Those who are aware are mostly familiar with Promethease, an SNPedia-based literature retrieval system. Promethease reports gained popularity after the FDA ban on 23andme providing health reports to customers. With the FDA ban, there was a huge demand for alternative 23andme health report providers. Promethease report was positioned well to benefit well from this development.
Fast forward to 2018, the landscape of alternative health report providers and third-party tools has matured significantly. A number of options are available to people with 23andme raw data and data from other ancestry DNA test providers. These options are well covered in our recent blog titled 10 Amazing Tools For 23andme Raw Data Analysis.
In this blog, we address, what more and what else you can do with your ancestry DNA test raw data? This blog will open up a number of possibilities to those who wish to explore their raw DNA to the fullest.
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This is a concept most users of 23andme are familiar with.
Arguably, this is one of the motivations for people to opt for DNA testing services from 23andme in lieu of AncestryDNA.com, FTDNA and other ancestry companies.
23andme used to provide a health report before the FDA ban on their health results.
23andMe now provides a significantly scaled down version of the DNA health reports which are approved by the FDA for $99. However, a lot more health info can be gained from the ancestry DNA test raw data that you obtain from 23andme. Health conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and obesity are all manageable and very much preventable when detected early.
A number of genetic markers have been discovered for a variety of other health conditions, ranging from cancer to autoimmune conditions. Learning about your genetic predisposition helps you keep a tab on early symptoms and take preemptive action.
A comparison between Xcode Life and Promethease as third-party tools for raw data analysis have been done previously.
Nutrition has a profound impact on human health. Several aspects of nutrition are genetically influenced. Macronutrient metabolism, micronutrient requirements, food intolerances like lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are familiar to many people.
However, there are several more aspects that are genetically influenced. Third party raw data analysis tools will help you interpret your raw DNA data to get these results.
Once you understand your genetic nutritional tendencies, you can align your dietary habits accordingly. Your genetic data will help you eliminate many of the genetic food intolerance and sensitivity related symptoms. These are a useful set of insights to get from your ancestry DNA test genetic data.
Get your nutrition genetic report from your DNA raw data here
Human physical attributes are clearly genetically influenced, for example, height is largely genetic, so is wingspan and flexibility, etc.
Several other attributes such as red blood cell count, heart capacity, lung capacity, muscle strength, all are significantly genetically influenced.
Additionally, whether you are largely built for endurance type of activities or sprint or powertype activities is also genetically influenced. So, whether you are an amateur or professional sportsperson, all you need is your DNA raw data.
Fitness reports generated by analyzing your raw DNA data will help you align your activities with your genes.
Get your fitness genetic report from your DNA raw data here
Those of us who are allergic to anything can relate to the nightmarish experience that seemingly harmless entities can cause. Allergy information can also be extracted by a raw DNA data analysis.
Close to 20-25% of the adrenaline administrations in schools happen because the allergies were unknown at the time of the reaction. More than 170 foods have been found to instigate allergic reactions in the body. Some of the common food allergies come from milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and crustacean shellfish. You can learn about your susceptibility to these allergens by analyzing your ancestry DNA raw data. These are only food allergies. An estimated 10% of the population is allergic to objects like pollen, animal dander, droppings of cockroaches and contact with dust mites.
Learning about your allergy susceptibilities can be life-saving. And it is as simple as a raw DNA data analysis. You can now extract this information about your allergy predisposition from your ancestry DNA test raw data.
Using hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific literature third-party tools examine genetic markers corresponding to each type of allergy. Based your variant gene, your body is at a higher or lower risk of invoking an exaggerated response to an allergen.
This keeps you alert. Also helps you take proactive measures like avoiding certain foods, saying no to tattoos.
Other forms of allergies covered in a genetic report are misophonia and histamine intolerance.
Get your allergy genetic report from your DNA raw data here
Skin is one of the most dynamic organs in the body. It interacts with environmental agents like sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), pollutants, chemicals and internal factors like hormonal regulation. Maintaining skin health would require knowledge of your underlying genetics.
For example, each of us will display a different kind of reaction on exposure to light. This information can be extracted from your ancestry DNA raw data. Some skin types are immune to strong light but others develop rosacea characterized by red skin eruptions. This is often misdiagnosed as acne and hence becomes worse over time because it is not given specific treatment.
Another example is the development of cellulite or orange peel syndrome that manifests as skin dimpling and nodularity. This is common in the abdomen and pelvic regions. Cellulite affects about 85-98% women. Your susceptibility to cellulite is influenced by the type of gene variants you have in your raw DNA data results.
Even how much you tan is genetically influenced!
Now you can see why generic face creams and medications fail no matter how many times you change brands.
Analyzing DNA raw data will give you skin insights which will help you treat and manage skin conditions. Or just maintain a healthy and glowing skin.
Get your skin genetic report from your DNA raw data here
According to industry statistics, on average more than 50% of medications prescribed today do not benefit those who take them.
Precision medicine through genetics promises to deliver right drug at the right dose to the right patient using your personal DNA data.
Doing a DNA raw data analysis will help you learn about your genetic polymorphisms. Specifically those that impact the majority of the drugs you consume on a regular basis.
And what do you need for getting this precious information from your DNA data? Once you analyze your DNA raw data you can download the raw data DNA file. This has most of the information necessary to create your precision medicine drug sensitivity report.
Download your DNA files from the following genetic testing companies now:
Please bear in mind that the vast majority of human traits are not influenced by a single gene. Rather, they are a combination of smaller effects produced by a number of genes. When you order a report from any DNA testing service, you must bear in mind that these are based on likelihood. This means that the effect was observed on a group of individuals, who also happen to carry the same genetic variants.
Whether or not you will see the same effect is dependent on a number of factors, the science of which has not been fully mapped out yet. So, use this information in that context and do not be alarmed when you see concerning information.
Genetics should be considered as additional information to be added to your analysis, not a diagnosis.
Here is another interesting article on What Else You Can Do With Your DNA Raw Data
DNA fitness testing is a fast-growing trend. The DNA fitness genetic test report lets you access a personalized training plan that is optimal for your genetic nature. In the past, focused fitness training was available exclusively for elite athletes. With developments in genetic testing, it is now available to the consumer audience. So anybody who wants to be fit can be, simply by getting a DNA fitness test done from your favorite DNA fitness company. The DNA fitness genetics report allows you to access the sort of personalized training plan enabling you to achieve a goal-oriented routine. For example, if from your DNA fitness test you find that you are prone to injury in certain areas and have a longer recovery time from intense exercises, your fitness trainer can craft a fitness regime keeping that in mind. As a result not only are you comfortable performing exercises that are tailored for you, you also have the freedom to explore new exercises and reduce your chances for injury.
The DNA fitness genetic test is a subset of the personalized genetic testing category. Personal genetic testing helps you understand the genetic nature of your body. DNA fitness testing focuses specifically on your fitness genes.
These fitness genes determine a wide range of traits from whether you are a power athlete or an endurance athlete to how long you take to recover from your workouts and optimize your fitness routines as per your genetic type. Today there are many DNA fitness testing companies that provide you with specifics ranging from exercise types to injury risk to how easily you tire.
Some of these DNA fitness companies like Xcode Life Sciences produce DNA fitness genetics reports from 23andme raw DNA data and raw DNA data from other ancestry DNA testing companies such as Ancestry DNA, FTDNA, MyHeritage, Living DNA, National Geographic, and many others. Other companies (including Xcode Life) send you DNA fitness reports by analyzing DNA from your saliva sample collected using an at-home DNA fitness testing kit that is shipped to you.
Genetic tests like genotyping and DNA sequencing are performed on these samples to provide you with a fitness genetic report. DNA fitness tests let you discover gene factors that impact several aspects of physical performance and well-being. Given that there are several companies to choose from, deciding which DNA fitness testing company to go with calls for comparative analysis.
There are some questions you need to ask yourself before you send your saliva sample or upload your 23andme raw data of other ancestry genetic test DNA raw data.
One of the key decision-making factors is how many gene variants a company tests for. Some companies test only for a few variants while some others carry out genetic testing for thousands of variants. Remember, many traits are multigenic, meaning there are multiple genes which could influence a single aspect of your fitness.
Another important factor that should influence your decision to send your saliva sample is the way your reports are presented. Almost all genetic testing companies provide you with a sample report. You can use that to gauge how easy it is to understand and implement the recommendations therein.
For example, Athletigene caters to hardcore athletes. On the other hand companies like Xcode Life, DNA Fit among others give you simple recommendations based on your DNA fitness genes test. However, the DNA fitness information from these companies can also be used professionally.
So where do these DNA fitness testing companies get their information from? So how do fitness genes companies estimate these facts about your genetics? Large genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) form the basis of this information. GWAS identifies genetic variants from across the genome which are associated with a specific trait.
Several such peer-reviewed scientific literature is considered and out of these traits that have the most scientific backing and validated results are selected. When you send your samples or upload your DNA raw data to DNA fitness testing companies you get back expert-curated information and consumer-friendly reports. Companies like Xcode Life, however, offer you economical and expert-curated user-friendly reports.
Some of these companies include these scientific studies on their blog, which makes their information more reliable. Another key aspect is user experience- how well the DNAfit reports are structured and whether the information is sufficiently simplified for non-scientific readers to understand.
The recommendations based on the DNA fitness test should be self-explanatory, and practical. Make sure to check out DNAfit reviews online from various sources. Keeping all these in mind, we have put together a list of the 5 best DNA testing companies Xcode Life, Athletigene, DNA Fit, Fitness Genes, and Pathway Fit for personalized fitness, to help you choose wisely.
| Feature of Comparison | Xcode Life | Athletigen | DNAFit | Pathway Fit | Fitness Genes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Offers SNP genotyping from saliva | Offers SNP genotyping from saliva | Offers SNP genotyping from saliva | Offers SNP genotyping from saliva | Offers SNP genotyping from saliva |
| Raw data accepted from | 23andMe AncestryDNA Family tree DNA Living DNA My Heritage all other major international data providers. | Accepted from only 23andme and Ancestry DNA | Accepted only from 23andme | Does not accept raw data from ancestry DNA companies | Does not accept raw data from ancestry DNA companies |
| No. Of Fitness Traits | Fitness traits – 16 Nutrition Traits- 35 | 30 traits for nutrition and fitness | Fitness traits - 4 | (Pathway Fit)Fitness Traits- 10 (FIT IQ) Fitness Traits - 6 | 10-12 traits |
| No. of Genetic Variants Tested | 300 genetic variants | - | 45 genetic variants | - | 40 genetic variants |
| Products offered | Nutrition, Fitness, Health, Ancestry, Allergy, skin | Fitness, nutrition | Nutrition, Fitness | Nutrition and fitness, Skin report | Genetic test + training for varying periods of time |
| No. of years of service | 7 years (2010) | 3 years (2014) | 5 years(2012) | 9 years (2008) | 4 years (2013 |
| Results turnaround | 24 hours | 6 weeks | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Privacy Policy | Customers in full control of their raw data which they can delete by themselves without having to secure prior permission. | Non –disclosure of data | Non –disclosure of data | Non –disclosure of data | Non –disclosure of data |
| Report Structure | Reports cover certain important traits. Well structured and easy to understand | Reports cover certain important traits. Well structured and easy to understand | Reports cover certain important traits. Well structured and easy to understand | Reports cover certain important traits. Well structured and easy to understand | Reports cover certain important traits. Well structured and easy to understand |
| Recommendations | 1) Actionable recommendations provided in the report 2) Personalized diet chart | Recommendations provided based on genetic information | Recommendations provided based on genetic information | Recommendations provided based on genetic information, personalized diet chart | Recommendations provided based on genetic information |
| Support | Email, chat | Email, chat | Email, chat | Email, chat | Email, chat |
| Customer base | Global | Global | Global | Global | Global |
| Cost | Starts at 10$ | Premium - 365$ | 299$- 199$ | Pathway fit- 299$ Fit IQ- 124$ | Varies from 499$- 199$ |
| Raw Data | Available on request | Raw data can be downloaded | Raw data cannot be downloaded | Raw data cannot be downloaded | Raw data cannot be downloaded |
| Scientific Research | Scientific research backed by publicly available scientific literature; expert-curated | Scientific research backed by publicly available scientific literature; expert-curated | Scientific research backed by publicly available scientific literature; expert-curated | Scientific research backed by publicly available scientific literature; expert-curated | Scientific research backed by publicly available scientific literature; expert-curated |
| Website Features | Easy to navigate, Detailed product info, information on genes, sample collection video, contact details, FAQs, Information enriched blogs | Easy to navigate, blogs, detailed product info, contact details | Easy to navigate, blogs, detailed product info, contact details | Easy to navigate, blogs, detailed product info, contact details | Easy to navigate, blogs, detailed product info, contact details |
Going gluten-free? Pause and read. Gluten-free is the new buzz word. Most of us have anti-gluten friends who are moving mountains to make us join the “Go gluten-free!” movement. While what you eat is your choice, you might want to get some misconceptions cleared before you start allotting a fat budget for gluten-free foods. Also, find out how you can use your 23andMe DNA raw data to find out your gluten sensitivity status!
Is gluten sensitivity (GS) or gluten intolerance real?
This is a big debate and the scientific evidence for gluten sensitivity being a reality is strong.
A section of people are staunch supporters of the whole “gluten myth” and believe the whole gluten sensitivity thing to be a charade.
Yet the fact remains that there are now 0.5-6% of the world population has gluten sensitivity.
Before you make assumptions purely based on others' opinions, it is wise to do a simple home wheat intolerance test.
Family history is another way to find out if you are gluten sensitive.
To begin with, they are both an exaggerated response by your system and involves gluten.
Yet there is a difference in the role that gluten plays.
In CD, gluten is like the manipulative villain who pitches two good soldiers, who are on the same side, against each other.
When gluten comes into your system your immune system releases an alarm that makes the white blood cells attack your intestinal lining.
In GS, however, gluten is the antagonist.
There is an inflammatory response towards gluten and not your intestine.
In both cases, a gluten-free diet vanishes the symptoms.
Simply because humans have started eating wheat only from 10,000 years ago which is just 0.4% of our total time on this planet.
This means humans have been on a gluten-free diet for 99.6% of their time here. This makes gluten new to a process for our system.
For a major chunk of us, our immune system has accepted this in the diet but for about for a few people, gluten is still that manipulative malefactor.
Like I said at the beginning of the article what you eat is completely your choice.
Feel free to go gluten-free!
Nevertheless be discrete in choosing your alternatives.
Not to mention that you are going to suddenly deprive your body of important vitamins and minerals that you have been casually supplying through your regular consumption of wheat.
Switching to processed food labeled “gluten-free” which replace gluten-rich wheat flour with highly refined carbohydrates like potato starch, rice starch, and tapioca starch will wreak havoc on your blood sugar.
Some healthy options would be millets, soy flour, and coconut flour.
Buckwheat flour can be a good substitute for wheat in cookies and cakes.
You can also explore almond flour and sorghum flour.
There is active research going on to produce genetically modified versions of wheat that do not have gluten or specifically, the protein gliadin which is the primary constituent of gluten.
New Scientist reported recently that using a technique known as RNA interference, scientists are able to “remove” 90% of gliadin by silencing its expression.
You can find the study on the Plant Biotechnology Journal.
Gluten sensitivity is not a myth. It is most certainly not a fashion statement.
If wheat consumption makes you uncomfortable then nothing can stop you from investigating for yourself if you carry those genes.
To put all doubts to rest, it is wise to take a non-invasive genetic test and take necessary precautions if need be than to be in the dark about it all your life.
Have you done a genetic test from 23andme or AncestryDNA or FTDNA?
You can find out about your gluten sensitivity status from your raw data.
