Nutrigenomix Review: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Nutrigenomix offered the first at-home genetic test for personalized nutrition. Is it still leading the nutrigenomics field, though? In some ways, yes!

Nutrigenomix vs 3×4 Genetics

Nutrigenomix and 3X4 Genetics are both excellent options for nutrigenomic DNA testing. They aren’t interchangeable, though, and have distinct approaches and report styles.

Nutrigenomix focuses almost exclusively on genes that impact nutrition. It is intended primarily for use by dietitians and nutritionists to help guide consumers on issues such as nutrient deficiencies, weight management, and food intolerances. The reports reflect this focus, with clear, actionable insights into how a person’s genetics might be affecting how they metabolize micronutrients, react to different foods, and respond to exercise.

In contrast, 3×4 Genetics looks at two to three times as many genes, across 36 biological pathways, as part of a comprehensive systems biology approach. The more holistic strategy leads to a report that encompasses cellular health, metabolic risk, and cognitive, cardiovascular, and hormonal health, as well as a person’s inflammatory response.

While Nutrigenomix can be a little tricky to interpret as a lay person, 3×4 offers more accessible visual summaries, color-coded gene impact charts, and guidance on strategies to implement at home and with the help of a practitioner. The 3×4 approach puts more emphasis on prevention and broader lifestyle factors, rather than simply focusing on food.

The two services cost a similar amount, but 3×4 has the broader scope. So, if nutrition is your sole focus, Nutrigenomix might be best. If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, though, 3×4 Genetics is a solid bet.

Feature	Nutrigenomix	3×4 Genetics
Type of analysis	Targeted nutritional genotyping (70+ markers)	Analyzes up to 157 genes, grouped into 36 metabolic pathways
Focus	Personalized nutrition: micronutrients, macronutrients, gluten/lactose/caffeine sensitivity, fertility, sports nutrition	Holistic approach covering cellular, cognitive, hormonal, and cardiovascular health, energy and nutrient metabolism, inflammation, and exercise and preventive care​
Clinical use	Developed for dietitians and medical professionals for easy integration of insights	Used by certified practitioners to guide nutrition, fitness, hormone, cardiovascular, injury, and brain health interventions; supports proactive and preventive strategies​
What’s in the report?	Actionable diet plan, food lists, risk profiles, supplement recommendations (not pushy, though)	Summaries of most relevant genetic pathways for the individual. Includes color-coded advice on gene impact, lifestyle, and supplements, with pathway charts and visuals across six health domains​
Data privacy	No data sold to third parties; clinician mediated	HIPAA & POPI compliant; SSL encryption; samples are destroyed after six months; strict separation of personal and genetic data
Cost	$300-$500+ per kit, accessible through professionals	$299 USD (eligible for HSA/FSA, consultation fees are extra; option to pay by installment)​
Counseling available	Yes. Strong practitioner network, including dietitians. Additional fees may apply.	Yes, connections available for nearby/relevant practitioners; includes personalized guidance and strategies to implement changes

What Is Nutrigenomix?

Nutrigenomix was established in 2011 as a start-up at the University of Toronto. The following year, Nutrigenomix launched the world’s first genetic test for personalized nutrition through healthcare professionals. At the time, this test consisted of seven genetic markers.

The Nutrigenomix test is the only nutrigenetics test validated by a randomized controlled clinical trial looking into DNA-based dietary advice. More details of the trial are available at ClinicalTrials.gov, under study ID NCT03015012: Nutrigenomics, Overweight/​Obesity and Weight Management Trial (NOW Trial).

The upshot of the trial was that people who received advice based on their genetic profile, per Nutrigenomix testing, found it more useful and had greater improvements in diet and weight management. Participants also saw improvements related to vitamin D status and caffeine metabolism.

By 2021, Nutrigenomix had expanded to provide a text with 70 genetic markers, along with a validated dietary assessment and food intake report.

These days, Nutrigenomix remains a global leader in nutrigenetics, connecting consumers with healthcare practitioners who can help interpret cheek swab results and guide diet and lifestyle changes for better health.

How does testing work?

Unlike some at-home genetic tests, Nutrigenomix is only available to consumers connected to a healthcare practitioner working with the company. To access the test, you must first contact Nutrigenomix, which will provide contact information for clinicians near you.

Each test comes with a follow-up consultation to help you interpret the results.

The test uses a standard cheek swab, making it easier for folks who find it hard to produce a lot of saliva.

You mail the test sample to Nutrigenomix for processing at one of its accredited laboratories. The sample then undergoes analysis for genetic variants linked to nutrition and health.

What does the test reveal?

Nutrigenomix doesn’t focus on whole genome sequencing to detect rare disease variants or ancestry traits. Instead, it looks specifically at nutrition-related genetic markers to assess things like:

• Nutrient metabolism (can you efficiently extract calcium from dairy, for example)
• Susceptibility to dietary sensitivity (lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, etc.)
• Caffeine response (fast or slow metabolism)
• Vitamin needs (do you need extra folate, omega-3, or other nutrients, for example).

With Nutrigenomix, you receive a report that breaks down your personal genetic tendencies with clear, science-backed recommendations for diet and, where applicable, dietary supplements.

Nutrigenomix currently offers four types of reports, each focusing on a specific area of health:

• Health test – to optimize overall health and fitness
• Fertility test – to enhance male and female fertility
• Plant-based test – to help guide choices on a vegan or vegetarian diet
• Sports test – for athletes looking to boost performance and body composition.

Test reports typically include information on MTHFR and FADS1 markers, vitamin D synthesis, etc. The tailored reports might also include analyses of genes relevant to performance, injury risk, and recovery nutrition, or analysis of genes relevant to reproductive health.

Is it accurate?

There are many personalized genetic test kits, and not all are equal.

Nutrigenomix’s panels are designed by a highly credentialled team of scientists and validated in peer-reviewed studies. The company continuously updates its testing protocol as new research emerges.

Nutrigenomix also focuses on well-characterized, actionable variants backed by strong scientific consensus.

The downside of some whole genome sequencing services is that you can quickly become overwhelmed by a whole slew of information. Often, this includes flags for genetic variants that look concerning but have not been subject to rigorous research or are poorly understood.

Customer support and security

Nutrigenomix uses accredited labs and follows standard protocols to keep genetic data secure. It doesn’t sell or share your data with third parties.

Nutrigenomix partners with registered dietitians and credentialed healthcare professionals to deliver test kits and explain results. That means you get guidance from a qualified professional sensitive to genetic concerns. You can also book additional consultations or counseling sessions through its clinic partners to help you figure out how to integrate any insights into your diet and lifestyle.

Is it worth it?

If your primary concern is nutrition, fertility, or sports performance, Nutrigenomix is built with you in mind.

This service provides more in-depth analysis and clinically relevant dietary guidance than most consumer ancestry or health genetic tests.

Yes, it is more expensive than some other at-home genetic tests, but it offers targeted reports and professional guidance and counselling to help you more easily implement meaningful dietary and lifestyle changes.

If you’re more interested in ancestry or basic health traits, a lower-cost option, such as 23andMe, may be preferable.

Finally, if you already have your genetic data, there’s little need to pay again through Nutrigenomix. Instead, the Gene Food platform offers similar actionable dietary insights rooted in your DNA, so you can leverage modern genetics and make smarter diet choices, prevent deficiencies, and support peak performance and health.