As part of my nutritional toolkit I like to test. Sometimes it might just be a question of asking your GP for a specific blood test but other times it might be that a private laboratory test is recommended. Popular laboratory tests that I run in clinic include DUTCH hormone testing and food inflammation tests. One of my favourites however is genetic testing. The beauty of a DNA test is that it never changes so you will only ever need to test once. Furthermore it’s a simple cheek swab which takes just 1 minute to perform and gives us a wealth of information.

A DNA test enables us to see how the body responds to and metabolises certain nutrients. It will tell you if you’re predisposed to certain conditions or food intolerances/allergies and will help identify your personal nutrient requirements.

Lifecode Gx is the laboratory that I use as it offers a range of specialist nutrigenomics DNA test panels which inform how inherited health risks can be mitigated through personalised nutrition and lifestyle change. I often suggest clients start with the Nutrient Core test which examines key genes and variants involved in 15 aspects of health including food response - coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, caffeine response and microbiome diversity; vitamin absorption, conversion and activation; and metabolism - appetite, sugar & fat response, blood pressure, circadian rhythm and inflammation. If it comes to light that further DNA tests may be beneficial then we can simply add on.

Click to purchase the Nutrient Core (£349).

This price includes the initial 1-hr nutrition consultation, x1 DNA test kit and Nutrient Core Report. Please note, any further reports such as oestrogen balance and mental health cost an additional £150 per report, if ordered within a 3-month window from ordering the Nutrient Core.

Once you purchase the test you will be sent the DNA test kit in the post. When you receive the test, you will need to take your sample and send back to the laboratory in a prepaid envelope. Results generally take 4-5 weeks from receipt of test. You will then simply need to book and pay for your Follow Up consultation to go through your results in detail.

Click to book Follow Up nutrition consultation