We Tried The “World’s Most Comprehensive DNA Test”

Here’s what happened when Team Sassy tested CircleDNA…

What if we told you there was a way to scientifically assess what kind of food and exercise your body needs for optimal health? That there’s a way to discover disease risks early and, ultimately, get an insight into the lifestyle changes that will enable you to live your best life? Enter CircleDNA: the world’s most comprehensive DNA test.

Home DNA testing has come a long way from mere ancestry reports. Now, you can find out everything from food sensitivities, behavioural traits, optimum sleep habits, skin assessments, drug response and more, all from a simple cheek swab!

CircleDNA, founded by homegrown genetics and diagnostic health testing company Prenetics, brings to the table one of the most extensive and in-depth versions of these health-based DNA tests, with the goal of empowering individuals with valuable health insights so that they can live a healthier life. You know what they say, knowledge is power after all!

Curious to know more, the Team Sassy Editors couldn’t wait to try it out for ourselves. Keep reading to find out how we found the process, along with our honest opinions on the results…

Choosing A CircleDNA Kit

First thing’s first, we had to choose which CircleDNA kit was right for us. There are currently four options to choose from, including the Vital Kit ($1,490), focused on diet, nutrition, fitness and overall wellness; the Health Kit ($3,990), spotlighting health and disease risks; the Family Planning Kit ($3,990), which tells you about genetic risks and hereditary conditions; and finally, the Premium Kit ($4,990), which covers everything.

In the interest of research, we both decided to opt for the Premium Kit in order to get the complete experience. The great part about this option is that it comes with a lifetime subscription, which means you can get free updates whenever any new features are introduced in the future. The Premium Kit also comes with a complimentary 30-minute health coaching and a 30-minute genetic counselling consultation (the other kits only come with one of these).

Head here to find out more about the different kits available

How CircleDNA Works

Upon receipt of our kits, which came packaged in a sleek matte black box, we were both pleasantly surprised to discover how easy and convenient the process of collecting our DNA samples would be.

After registering on the CircleDNA app (an essential step, as this is where your mobile and PDF reports are sent through to), the instructions for specimen collection were straightforward. We simply had to swab the inside of our cheeks, put the swab inside the designated tube and then package the tube inside the CircleDNA-provided collection envelope.

Sassy Tip: Remember that you’re not supposed to eat or drink for 30 minutes before your test!

CircleDNA works with SF Express to deliver and collect its test kits at no additional cost to users, so all we had to do next was arrange for a free pick up via the app, and then wait for the DNA experts to work their magic.

Rest assured, all results are processed at CircleDNA’s internationally accredited laboratory, and your DNA will never be sold, leased or rented to any third party – only you can decide if and how your results are shared with others.

Our CircleDNA Results

CircleDNA estimates an 18-day turnaround for results, but in reality they came through much quicker (in just 12 days!). As noted above, results are delivered via the CircleDNA app.

Within the app, the reports are split into key categories, including Diet & Lifestyle, Ancestry, Family Planning, Disease Detection, Health Risks and more, and each category contains multiple focused sub-sections. While endlessly fascinating, it was a little overwhelming to take in at once. But that’s where our one-on-one consultations came in.

It’s at this point that you’re able to book your 30-minute consultations with a health coach and genetics counsellor. Again, this is done via the CircleDNA app. Be aware that current waiting times for a slot are up to a month, but this, in all honesty, is quite useful, allowing you the space to properly read all your reports and to come up with any questions.

Team Sassy’s Overall Impressions Of CircleDNA

Jess

Before learning about CircleDNA, I, like many, thought that DNA testing was only about ancestry, so I had dismissed the concept as something that was not worth my investment. I was incredibly impressed with the myriad of insights CircleDNA offered with their reports though – who knew DNA could tell me my optimum diet, or what kind of exercises I should be doing to see the best fitness results?

When I first got my results, I’ll admit that there were some discrepancies between the reports and my actual lived experience. For instance, CircleDNA said I was likely to be lactose intolerant, even though I had never really had this issue before (FYI, cheese makes up one of my main food groups!). This is where the value of a one-on-one consultation with a genetics-trained health coach came in. In my phone call, they were able to explain that lactose intolerance is something that typically makes itself known with age, which is probably why I haven’t had any obvious symptoms before. On the basis of this assessment, I have slowly experimented with cutting down on dairy (oat milk has become my new best friend), and to my surprise, I do feel a lot less bloated, suggesting that CircleDNA may be onto something after all! While I won’t be ditching cheese completely, the report has made me aware that this is something I should monitor.

Lactose aside, I would say that a lot of my results were more indicative than absolute fact (other factors beyond genetics, such as environmental, will affect reality). That being said, I think CircleDNA is a great starting point for those who are serious about wanting to improve their health. It can be quite daunting to try and make lifestyle changes, especially when you’re not sure where to begin, or if you don’t even know if they will work. CircleDNA takes some of the guesswork out of that, enabling you to make the most effective and strategic decisions that will lead to the greatest benefits.

Nicole

I’ve always been interested in learning more about my ancestry so I was very excited to try out CircleDNA’s services. From what I had heard, their assessments went beyond ancestry and could provide insights on everything from family planning to common health risks and drug response. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about finding out how my health was faring (I’ve admittedly always had a rather non-restrictive diet and fail to exercise regularly…), but I thought it’d be in my best interest to know if there was anything I could do to improve my well-being now to prevent future complications.

The results were incredibly detailed and there was a lot of information to process. One thing that stood out to me was the section on nutrition. I thought looking at what nutrients I lacked would be a good place to start. This was all laid out very clearly, and I could easily see what vitamins and minerals I had higher needs for. My results indicated that my body was likely to have difficulty processing vitamin B12, which explained why I would often feel a lack of energy during the day. I thought my tiredness was due to my late-night Netflix binging session (I’m sure that plays a part), but I never considered there could be other factors involved.

I followed the app’s recommendations to take vitamin B12 supplements and eat more vitamin B12-rich foods such as salmon and yogurt, and almost immediately felt a difference in my energy levels. I also found it easier to concentrate on my work during the day and sleep at night. I’m definitely going to continue to make changes to my diet and lifestyle based on the recommendations provided by CircleDNA, and I look forward to seeing more positive changes in my overall well-being.

Interested in trying out CircleDNA for yourself? Head to the website to order your kit now! And don’t forget to use our exclusive Sassy Perk below.

The first 10 customers can enjoy 33% off sitewide using the code Sassy33.

Brought to you in partnership with CircleDNA.