DNA testing can help you identify your risk of certain medical conditions, as well as offer some insight into your ancestry. We shared the best companies to consider if you are interested in gaining more insight into your own DNA.
Best DNA Tests
Best DNA Tests
Ancestry DNA has the largest DNA database over 5 million records.
Has been 17 years on the market, has more than 99 million users throughout the world.
Besides sperm cells in males and eggs in females, all other cells in the human body have roughly the same DNA information. No matter if it’s the skin, hair, or saliva: it’s always the same 23 pairs chromosomes (46 total), each with its own genes. So why do humans have different tissues and organs, if it’s the same chromosomes and genes all around, in every cell?
Think of your genes as if they were an alphabet. You have a limited amount of letters to use—but they can be used in a whole lot of ways to make unique words and sentences. In different tissues, different genes are activated (expressed), starting the production of specific compounds the body needs.
Basically, DNA testing kits can decipher your ”genetic alphabet” to find out how much of its letters are English or Arabic (what’s your genetic ethnicity). Or if you have an increased risk of writing a particular word the wrong way (developing a specific disease). Or if you’ve inherited your mom’s cursive A instead of your father’s version of the same letter (eye color, hair type).
In a nutshell, DNA testing kits use your saliva and/or a swab of the inner lining of your cheek to gather your DNA. This sample is sent to a special lab where your DNA is deciphered to the last gene and analyzed for similarities throughout the lab’s database.
And that’s why the lab’s database is probably THE most important factor to consider when choosing a DNA testing kit.
The power of a DNA testing kit always boils down to the size and accuracy of the manufacturer’s database.
After all, let’s say you absolutely want to know how often Irish people have red hair. Would you trust a sample of 5 Irishmen more—or a massive analysis of 5 million Irish folks? The same principle works for DNA testing. It’s far more accurate to analyze a certain gene in a pool of millions instead of a few hundreds. That’s why all DNA testing brands are constantly expanding their pool of data—and that’s why the veterans in the niche often give superior results.
Another important factor is the types of analysis the testing kit provides. For example, some kits can give you insights into your ancestry—but nothing on your risk of developing certain health conditions. Check the features of every DNA testing kit to make sure you’ll get exactly what you want.
Last but not least, many DNA testing kits come with added features that don’t necessarily affect your experience with using the product, but are the icing on the cake that makes it stand out from the crowd. This could be a specific test, technology, or maybe the company’s involvement in leading research.
Now, let’s help you choose the best DNA testing kit using the most popular products right now as an example.
Think of your genes as if they were an alphabet. You have a limited amount of letters to use—but they can be used in a whole lot of ways to make unique words and sentences. In different tissues, different genes are activated (expressed), starting the production of specific compounds the body needs.
Basically, DNA testing kits can decipher your ”genetic alphabet” to find out how much of its letters are English or Arabic (what’s your genetic ethnicity). Or if you have an increased risk of writing a particular word the wrong way (developing a specific disease). Or if you’ve inherited your mom’s cursive A instead of your father’s version of the same letter (eye color, hair type).
In a nutshell, DNA testing kits use your saliva and/or a swab of the inner lining of your cheek to gather your DNA. This sample is sent to a special lab where your DNA is deciphered to the last gene and analyzed for similarities throughout the lab’s database.
And that’s why the lab’s database is probably THE most important factor to consider when choosing a DNA testing kit.
About 20 years ago, there were just 2 or 3 direct-to-customer DNA testing companies worldwide. Now there are dozens of them! With each brand offering a fabulous bundle of features, how do you pick the right one?
In 2023, our favorite options go like this:
– Living DNA
– MyHeritage DNA
– VITAGENE
– NebulaGenomics
All of them have their own pros and cons, so keep reading to learn the important details.
What makes MyHeritageDNA stand out is their tools for advanced genetic analysis. For example, in terms of health report, the company’s DNA testing kits use polygenic risk score (PRS) to determine health risks. This is a fabulous feature for complex conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease—health issues that are caused by not one, but a wide range of genes with different risk scores. As a result, this approach provides the most accurate estimates available right now.
Best features available from MyHeritageDNA testing kits:
Polygenic risk score (PRS) estimation for heart disease, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Genetic risk reports for 18 conditions (including late-onset Parkinson’s disease and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease)
Advanced ethnicity tracing features.
Is that’s your focus of interest, then the most basic product from the brand (which goes at $59) will already be enough to give you amazing results.
Another strong side of the LivingDNA reports is their insights on wellbeing data. The Wellbeing kit offers tips and recommendations on optimal nutrition, exercise, and optimal recovery—all based on your DNA!
Our favorite LivingDNA features:
Great for tracing ancestry in the UK
Detailed wellbeing reports (nutrition tips, exercise ideas, recovery recommendations)
Extremely affordable (starter kit for just $59)
Also, FamilyTreeDNA testing kits offer maternal and paternal tracing using YDNA and mtDNA tests. YDNA is specific only to males (it’s present in the Y chromosome that only men have) while mtDNA is specific to females (it comes from the mitochondria, which are passed always and only from women to their offspring).
So, if you want to follow the path of your male or female ancestors specifically and find out where your great-great-great-great-great-grandmother or grandfather comes from, this testing kit is definitely your best option.
Features that make FamilyTreeDNA better than the competition:
Paternal ancestry tracing (using YDNA)
Maternal ancestry tracing (using mtDNA)
One of the most affordable family ancestry tracing (just $79)
DNA testing kits can give you valuable information about your ethnicity, health risks, and even tips on what to eat and how to exercise better. The best part is that you don’t have to visit a lab, run blood tests, or waste a fortune to get in-depth results. Modern DNA testing kits allow you to do everything at the comfort of your own home, using a saliva or cheek swab test!
Here’s a quick rundown to help you choose the best DNA testing kit in 2023:
– If this is your first DNA testing kit, try MyHeritageDNA
– If your primary goal is ancestry tracing worldwide, go for a DNA testing kit by MyHeritageDNA
– For ancestry tracing within the UK, your absolute best pick is a test from LivingDNA
– To trace your male or female ancestors specifically, VITAGENE is the best option
– For advanced insights and health risk estimates, try a MyHeritageDNA testing kit
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