The DNA-Based Research That’s Helped 85,000+ People Achieve Their Health & Wellness Goals And FINALLY Enjoy Lasting Results!

Here Are Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my data be safe?

  At myDNA, we believe strongly in privacy, data security, and genetic rights. Your data is your property and will not be shared with anyone else. All data, including your DNA results and personal information, is stored on highly secure and encrypted servers. We only use information for two purposes: to provide our services, and to analyse/improve our services. Your information won’t have any bearing on insurance policies or premiums and cannot be used to identify you in any way.

• How will my personal/DNA data be used?

  Our analysis is limited to the genes that we report on. This means we don’t look at the parts of your genes that aren’t required to give you your report & insights. Therefore, your results will not include risk of disease and cannot be used to identify you in any way. None of our testing will have any bearing on insurance policies or premiums, including health and life insurances.

  We do not under any circumstances share your data with any other companies or third parties unless you explicitly agree. We also cannot accept DNA data from other companies (including previous health records or other DNA tests).

  Our privacy policy clearly states:
  We will not sell, lease, or rent your individual-level protected health information to any third party without your consent.

  We do not share customer data with any public databases.

  We will not provide any Personal Information to an insurance company or employer. We will not provide information to law enforcement or regulatory authorities unless required by law to comply with a valid court order, subpoena, or search warrant for genetic or Personal Information.

• Can I have my data deleted?

  If you would prefer, you are also able to request your DNA and personal data be destroyed at any time. Please submit a ticket with our customer support and mention “Destroy DNA”. You will be provided with the necessary forms to have our lab staff securely destroy your sample.

  Note: We are required by law to retain a digital copy of data as per the Health Record Act (2001) as myDNA testing is considered to be a type of health record. This information is confidential. We are not allowed, in any circumstances, to release any information without your consent and any data that we hold cannot be used without your permission.

  If your DNA sample is destroyed, we may not be able to provide you with new insights in future if they require further sample analysis. In the event that you decide to have other tests done with us in future, you will be required to purchase a new DNA collection kit.

• How does it work?

  It all starts with a simple at-home DNA cheek swab that collects your DNA sample. Our team of experts extract, analysis and process your unique genetic results, to deliver 14+ DNA insights across 18+ genes. This information is then delivered into your myDNA Unlocked app, giving you access at home or on the go.

  For Premium members, our team then applies your lifestyle factors and goals to generate a daily caloric intake, macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, fat) breakdown and meal frequency that is unique to you. Plus, the right approach to achieve your fitness goals.

  For example, based on your data you may be given the optimum amount of protein to eat per day and advised whether you need to have extra protein at breakfast or spread your intake throughout the day. Or, your training profile may suggest you're more suited to endurance activities. This doesn't mean you can't build strength, but your approach to doing so would be more reps of lighter weights, while a person suited to power activities will be recommended fewer reps of heavier weights.

• What are the benefits of doing a test?

  Everyone knows that one size doesn't fit all, so why do we accept the same nutrition plan, workouts or medication dose as everyone else? myDNA can help you tailor and personalise your health and fitness to your genetic profile, lifestyle and goals. Making sure what you're doing is just for you. The way you improve your health should be as unique as your DNA.

• What is the evidence of the test?

  myDNA comes from a rich history of science and genetics. Our team of highly qualified clinical experts includes Geneticists, Nutrigenomics Specialists, Pharmacologists, Bioinformaticians, Genetic Counsellors and more. Between them, they have over a century’s worth of combined experience, and have analysed thousands of peer-reviewed and academic papers.

  We were founded in 2007 by Australia’s first clinical geneticist, Associate Professor Les Sheffield, who has been at the forefront of genetic research since the 1980s. His vision was to use science to eliminate the guesswork and trial-and-error from prescribing medications. Since then, we’ve continued to expand our horizons and help people eliminate the guesswork from other aspects of their health and wellness, including their diet, fitness, and skincare.

  However, we couldn’t come this far without taking a good look at the science behind how your genetics influence your daily life. Our dedicated clinical team is continually reviewing a broad range of scientific literature relevant to DNA testing. We look at all aspects, both for and against, to ensure that our analysis and the recommendations we make in our plans are heavily supported by strong evidence.

  Thanks to our rigorous approach to research and quality control, we’re proud to boast over 99.9% accurate results using our open-array technology.

  Thousands of papers reviewed

  Our clinical team has reviewed over 5,000 papers, searching for evidence both for and against the influence of genetics into your health and wellness. This helps us to make air-tight recommendations to our members so they can rest assured that their plans are backed by science. They’re constantly reviewing new literature too, so as new evidence appears or becomes more credible, we can incorporate more and more into our wellness platform. They’ve also published over 100 papers, contributing to the growing worldwide knowledge of the human genome.

  Our evidence rating scale

  We understand that science is an ever-evolving field and that not all evidence is equal. This is why we use an evidence rating scale to make sure any piece of evidence we incorporate into the plans and recommendations we pass on to our members is sound. Our rating scale follows guidelines set by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. Each piece of evidence we use must achieve at least a 3-star rating on this scale. This means all evidence must have analysed multiple case control studies and/or analyses over at least a thousand different people. And of course, we never consider non-human trials.

  Our research & studies

  With over a decade of experience in the genetic testing space, we’ve conducted 5 clinical studies to help find out more about how your DNA influences your lifestyle. For example, our mental health research showed that while 50% of Australians have experienced a mental health issue in their lifetime, typical mental health treatment is inadequate for two thirds of people.

  Clinical Reference list

  If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into the scientific literature behind our results and plans, you can check out our list of clinical references on our website. Here, the academic literature we use to develop your personalised plans is listed, separated by category.

• How is this different from other products?

  We aim to provide the most comprehensive and all-encompassing health solution available on the market. No other provider of DNA testing, meal plans or fitness plans gives you the same level of value and personalisation.

  We provide actionable plans that can help you achieve your goals by putting your DNA insights to action. Unlike other meal and fitness plans, all our plans and recommendations are powered by your DNA and backed by science and research. Furthermore, all our plans are personalised based on your lifestyle factors including your height, age, current weight, activity levels, goals, and dietary preferences. All our plans are complete with recipes, workout video guides and progress tracking so you can be sure you’re on the right track to achieving your goals.

  While other DNA tests may require a blood test, myDNA uses a non-invasive cheek swab that can be completed in the safety, privacy, and comfort of your home in just one minute. And compared to other testing, myDNA goes one step further than just giving you a list of results. All our DNA insights are written in down-to-earth, easily understandable language that helps you understand exactly how your DNA affects your body and what you can do to change your lifestyle to work with your genetics. There are, however, certain aspects of your health that our testing does not examine. These include allergies, ancestry, and disease risk. For more information, this article explains in detail what isn’t covered by myDNA testing.

  No other test gives you this level of personalisation. We know everyone is unique, which is why we strive to give you tailored information you can actually use, for life.

• Will a DNA kit help me?

  Like all aspects of your health and wellness, many factors can influence your ability to lose weight, get fit, or otherwise achieve your goals. We’ve done extensive research across thousands of peer-reviewed studies, and the evidence suggests your DNA does play a part in how your body responds to foods, exercise, vitamins, medication and more. This is the basis of our testing.

  A myDNA test will not be a silver bullet solution by itself. However, what it will do is provide the information you need to modify your lifestyle to best suit your genetics. Therefore, we provide personalised plans alongside our DNA test results to help you incorporate your new DNA knowledge into your daily life. By combining your DNA insights and analysis with personalised and actionable plans, we help you make sense of your genetics and put you on a path to achieving your goals. The best way to think of our testing is another datapoint to help you improve your health and fitness. There are tens of thousands of genes in the human genome, many of which are still being researched and only have limited research to support their role in your body’s function. The genes we analyse for the strongest, most heavily researched evidence based on thousands of studies. Like any piece of scientific research however, nothing is completely certain and there are always outliers.

  If you’re unsure whether DNA testing is exactly what you need, here are a few more points to consider:

  • If you’ve previously tried multiple diets and not seen any success, your DNA may be having a stronger effect on your lifestyle.
  • If you struggle with certain aspects of fitness (cardio, endurance, sprinting, etc.), your DNA may favour other types of exercise.
  • The information you discover from your DNA will not be the only thing you need to achieve your weight and fitness goals – you will still need to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen such as what’s laid out in your DNA-powered meal and workout plans.
  • Even if you don’t have specific goals or aspirations, your DNA will reveal a blueprint for your health and wellness that you can keep and refer to for life.