Do you know your DNA holds powerful information about your health?
Your genes and lifestyle together shape your health, aging, and risk for disease. Genetic and epigenetic tests help you understand how your DNA works and how your habits affect your biological age. With easy home-based kits like the Aspedan DNA + Epigenetics Test and Aspedan Epigenetics Test, you can access personalised insights that guide your health decisions today and in the future.
What Is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is a medical test that examines a person’s DNA, chromosomes, or proteins to detect changes or mutations linked to inherited conditions, genetic disorders, or disease risk. This testing can confirm or rule out a genetic diagnosis, assess the risk of passing on a genetic disorder, and guide personalised medical care.
What Does Genetic Testing Measure?
Genetic tests analyse specific sections of your DNA. They look for gene variants that affect your risk for certain diseases, how your body breaks down nutrients, how you process drugs, and your fitness potential. These results help you understand inherited risks and personal traits.
Most Common DNA Tests and What They Reveal
Common genetic tests include:
- Disease risk assessments: Identify risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.
- Nutrition and metabolism reports: Show how your genes affect nutrient absorption and dietary needs.
- Fitness-related genes: Indicate your potential for strength, endurance, and recovery.
- Drug response (pharmacogenetics): Predict how your body may react to certain medications.
Benefits and Limitations of Home-Based DNA Tests
Home-based genetic tests like Aspedan’s offer convenience and privacy. You collect a saliva sample and send it to a certified lab. The results provide valuable health insights. However, these tests do not diagnose diseases or replace medical advice. They offer risk profiles and personal data to support health planning.
What Is Epigenetics Testing?
Epigenetics testing examines how your lifestyle affects gene activity. Unlike genetic testing, it shows how diet, exercise, sleep, and stress can turn genes on or off. Epigenetic tests can help you track your biological age and guide lifestyle changes.
Epigenetics vs. Genetics: What’s the Difference?
Genetic testing looks at your fixed DNA code. Epigenetic testing studies how external factors influence gene expression. While your DNA does not change, your epigenetic markers can change throughout your life, reflecting your health habits and environment.
What Is DNA Methylation and Why Does It Matter
DNA methylation is a key epigenetic marker. It involves chemical tags that attach to your DNA and control gene activity. Changes in DNA methylation patterns can affect aging, disease risk, and overall wellness. Epigenetic tests measure these patterns to estimate your biological age.
How Epigenetics Testing Tracks Wellness Over Time
Epigenetic tests like the Aspedan Epigenetics Test allow you to monitor your biological age regularly. By testing over time, you can see how lifestyle changes affect your gene expression. Positive changes in diet, exercise, and stress management may slow biological aging.
Genetics vs. Epigenetics Tests – What’s the Difference?
Genetic and epigenetic tests serve different purposes. Both offer important health insights, but they measure different things. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right test for your goals.
Static DNA vs. Dynamic Epigenetic Markers
Genetic tests analyse your fixed DNA code. This code does not change throughout your life. It reveals inherited traits, disease risks, and biological tendencies.
Epigenetic tests examine markers like DNA methylation that change based on your lifestyle. These markers reflect how your habits affect gene activity and aging.
What Each Test Can (and Can’t) Tell You
Genetic tests can show:
- Inherited disease risks
- Nutritional needs
- Fitness potential
- Drug metabolism
Epigenetic tests can show:
- Biological age
- Effects of lifestyle on gene expression
- Progress from health interventions
- Early signs of accelerated aging
Genetic tests cannot track your aging or lifestyle changes. Epigenetic tests cannot predict inherited disease risk but show how your current habits impact your long-term health.
Choosing Based on Health Goals or Curiosity
Choose a genetic test if you want to understand your inherited health risks and traits.
Choose an epigenetic test if you want to track how your lifestyle affects your biological age and wellness.
Aspedan offers both tests, helping you explore your DNA and monitor how your choices influence your health over time.
Can Genetics or Epigenetics Testing Help Prevent Disease?
Genetic and epigenetic tests do not diagnose diseases. But they can give valuable information to help you lower your risk. Understanding your DNA and gene activity helps you make informed choices that support long-term health.
How Genetic Risk Scores Work
Genetic risk scores combine data from many gene variants linked to certain diseases. They estimate your personal risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. These scores help you and your doctor focus on early prevention through screening and lifestyle changes.
Can Epigenetic Changes Be Reversed?
Unlike your DNA code, epigenetic markers can change. Positive habits like healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep may improve your epigenetic profile. Over time, these changes can slow biological aging and lower disease risk.
What Lifestyle Factors Influence Epigenetic Health?
Key lifestyle factors include:
- A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats
- Regular physical activity
- Managing chronic stress
- Consistent, restful sleep
- Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol
Epigenetic testing tracks how these habits impact your biological age and wellness over time.
Health Benefits and Clinical Applications
Genetic and epigenetic tests give practical health insights. They help you identify risks, track progress, and personalise your wellness plan.
Predicting Chronic Disease Risk
Genetic tests identify inherited risks for diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, or certain cancers. Knowing your risks allows you to take preventive steps earlier.
Measuring Biological Age Accurately
Epigenetic tests estimate your biological age based on DNA methylation patterns. This age may be younger or older than your actual age. Tracking your biological age shows how well your lifestyle supports healthy aging.
Personalising Lifestyle Choices Through DNA
Your DNA affects how your body responds to food, exercise, and medication. Genetic insights help you build a diet, fitness plan, and health strategy that match your unique biology. Epigenetic results show how your choices affect your body over time.
Real-World Examples: What You Can Learn from Your Results
Your DNA and epigenetics test results give you personal insights that support better health decisions. These reports turn complex data into simple, actionable steps.
Example DNA & Epigenetics Reports
A DNA report may show:
- High genetic risk for type 2 diabetes
- Slow caffeine metabolism
- Sensitivity to saturated fats
- High endurance fitness potential
An epigenetics report may show:
- Biological age compared to actual age
- Impact of recent lifestyle changes
- Areas for improving gene expression
Common Insights Revealed
Many users learn:
- How food choices affect weight and metabolism
- Which exercises suit their genetic strengths
- How stress levels influence aging
- Early signs of accelerated aging or improvement
How One User Improved Their Biological Age
One user had a biological age 5 years older than their actual age. After improving their diet, increasing exercise, managing stress, and sleeping better, their next test showed a biological age 3 years younger than before. This shows how lifestyle changes can reverse some epigenetic effects.
Aspedan’s At-Home Genetics & Epigenetics Tests
Aspedan offers simple, home-based tests that give you control over your health data. Both tests connect with the Aspedan app, allowing you to track your progress and view clear reports.
What’s Included in Each Kit
Each kit includes:
- Easy-to-use saliva collection tube
- Step-by-step instructions
- Pre-paid return packaging
- Secure lab analysis by certified UK labs
- Access to personalised digital reports through the Aspedan app
How to Collect Your Sample and Submit It
Collecting your sample takes only a few minutes. You provide a saliva sample, seal the collection tube, and send it to the lab using the pre-paid return envelope. Results are delivered securely in the app.
Viewing Results in the Aspedan App
The Aspedan health monitor app shows your genetic and epigenetic results in simple charts. You can track your biological age, see risk profiles, and monitor changes over time. The app helps you set goals and adjust your lifestyle based on your data.
Are These Tests Legitimate and Backed by Science?
Genetic and epigenetic tests used by Aspedan follow strict scientific standards. The labs that process your samples are certified in the UK, ensuring that the results are based on the latest scientific methods. The genetic analysis focuses on well researched gene markers linked to health, nutrition, fitness, and disease risk. Epigenetic testing uses advanced DNA methylation analysis to calculate biological age and gene expression changes. These methods are based on peer-reviewed research and clinical studies. The goal is to deliver reliable, easy-to-understand data that helps you make better health decisions while maintaining scientific credibility and accuracy in every result you receive.
UK Lab Standards and Certifications
Aspedan works with UK-accredited laboratories that meet strict health and safety standards. These labs follow the ISO 15189 standard, which ensures accurate testing and valid results. UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) certification confirms that the lab’s procedures meet national and international quality requirements. The lab technicians use precise equipment and follow controlled protocols to process every sample. This ensures that your test results are consistent and scientifically valid. You can trust that your genetic and epigenetic data come from certified labs that handle your sample professionally and securely, maintaining high-quality standards throughout the process.
How Accurate Are These Tests?
Genetic tests are highly accurate because your DNA remains stable throughout your life. The technology identifies gene variants with precision. Epigenetic tests measure DNA methylation patterns, which can change over time. While small variations may occur, the methods used are based on large-scale scientific studies and offer reliable biological age estimates. The accuracy depends on the lab quality, testing technology, and sample handling. Aspedan uses validated scientific models and regularly updates its analysis methods based on the latest research, ensuring that your results are both reliable and meaningful for personal health tracking.
CE Mark, ISO, and GDPR Data Protection
Aspedan’s testing process complies with strict European standards. The CE mark confirms that the tests meet EU health and safety regulations. ISO certifications ensure that both laboratory operations and data handling meet international quality benchmarks. Data protection follows GDPR rules, which safeguard your personal information. Your test data is encrypted, stored securely, and never shared without your consent. This privacy policy ensures that you have full control over your health data, while the certifications guarantee both safety and scientific validity. You can trust Aspedan to protect your privacy while delivering high-quality, accurate results.
NHS vs. Private Testing – What’s the Difference?
The NHS offers some genetic testing, but mostly for specific medical conditions or family history concerns. These are limited to cases where doctors suspect a genetic disorder or inherited disease risk. In contrast, private services like Aspedan provide broader DNA and epigenetic testing for anyone interested in personalised health insights. Private tests explore nutrition, fitness, stress, biological age, and wellness factors not usually covered by NHS testing. Private testing allows individuals to take control of their health, monitor progress, and make proactive lifestyle changes without waiting for clinical symptoms or medical referrals.
What the NHS Offers (and Doesn’t)
The NHS focuses on diagnostic genetic tests for patients with specific medical indications. These include inherited cancers, rare genetic disorders, or conditions that run in families. NHS tests aim to guide medical treatment, but they do not typically offer tests for wellness, nutrition, fitness, or biological aging. Epigenetic testing is not offered by the NHS. Private tests like Aspedan fill this gap by giving healthy individuals access to DNA-based health information that supports lifestyle optimisation, early prevention, and better long-term health decisions outside of clinical disease management.
Benefits of Private DNA & Epigenetic Testing
Private testing provides broader access to your health data. With Aspedan, you can test at home, receive easy-to-understand reports, and track your biological age over time. You get detailed insights into your nutrition needs, fitness potential, and lifestyle factors influencing your health. Private testing empowers you to take early preventive actions, make personalised health choices, and monitor progress with each retest. It also allows you to explore how your habits affect gene expression without requiring a doctor’s referral or waiting for symptoms to appear.
Can You Share Private Test Results with Your Doctor?
Yes, you can share your Aspedan test results with your doctor or healthcare provider. While private DNA and epigenetic tests do not replace medical tests, your doctor can use this information to support preventive care, early interventions, or personalised treatment plans. Sharing your results may help your doctor better understand your risks, recommend specific screenings, or advise on diet, exercise, and medication options. Open communication between you and your healthcare provider ensures that your private testing data is used effectively as part of your overall health management.
How Often Should You Retest Your Epigenetics or DNA?
DNA and epigenetic markers change at different rates. Your DNA remains the same for life, so one genetic test is usually enough. Epigenetic markers, however, change with your lifestyle, diet, stress, and environment. Retesting your epigenetics every 6 to 12 months helps track your biological age and the effect of your health choices. If you make major lifestyle changes, retesting after 6 months can show early improvements. Regular epigenetic tests help you measure progress and adjust your habits to stay on track. Aspedan allows you to monitor these changes conveniently from home and compare results over time.
How Quickly Do Epigenetic Markers Change?
Epigenetic markers respond to lifestyle changes fairly quickly. Positive habits like exercise, better sleep, stress reduction, and improved diet may affect markers within a few months. However, long-term, consistent changes provide the most stable improvements. Tracking these changes helps you stay motivated and fine-tune your routine.
When to Recheck Your Biological Age
Most users retest their biological age every 6 to 12 months. This time frame allows enough change in epigenetic markers to see meaningful results. After making significant health changes, retesting at 6 months can show early trends. Annual testing helps you track steady, long-term progress.
Is Genetic Testing a One-Time Purchase?
Yes, for most people, genetic testing is a one-time purchase. Your DNA does not change. You only need to test your genetics once to access lifelong insights. Epigenetic testing, however, can be repeated as often as you want to monitor changes driven by your lifestyle.
Can These Tests Improve My Diet, Fitness, or Mental Health?
Yes. Genetic and epigenetic tests offer personal insights that can improve nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management. DNA testing shows how your body responds to certain foods, your vitamin needs, and fitness strengths. Epigenetic testing tracks how your choices affect biological aging. This data helps you create a health plan that works for your body. With Aspedan, you receive easy-to-understand reports that guide your diet, workouts, and mental wellbeing. By using science-backed insights, you can take clear steps to improve your daily health and long-term outcomes.
DNA-Based Nutrition Planning
Your DNA can reveal sensitivities to fats, carbohydrates, gluten, lactose, caffeine, and alcohol. You learn which foods support better energy, digestion, and weight control. With these insights, you can plan meals that match your genetic profile, avoid problem foods, and optimise nutrition.
Epigenetics and Stress/Sleep Tracking
Epigenetic testing shows how stress, poor sleep, and mental health affect your biological age. As you improve sleep habits, reduce stress, and practice mindfulness, epigenetic markers may shift, reflecting healthier gene expression. This feedback supports better mental wellbeing and recovery.
Fitness Genes and Performance Optimisation
Genetic tests identify your natural strengths for endurance, strength, recovery, and injury risk. You can adjust your workouts to match your DNA, improve performance, and avoid overtraining. Epigenetic tests help track how consistent fitness habits slow aging and support long-term health.
How to Choose the Right Test for You
Choosing the right test depends on what you want to learn. Genetic testing is best for understanding inherited traits, nutrition, fitness potential, and disease risk. Epigenetic testing shows how your daily choices affect your biological age and gene expression. If you want full insight, Aspedan’s combined DNA + Epigenetics Test offers both. Compare test features, scientific validity, lab certifications, data privacy, and app integration. Aspedan provides UK-based support, certified labs, and secure data handling, making it a trusted choice for personal health tracking in the UK.
What Are You Hoping to Learn?
If you want to know your risks, strengths, and long-term health profile, start with DNA testing. If you want to see how lifestyle changes affect aging and wellness, add epigenetic testing. Combining both offers the most complete picture.
Comparing Cost, Accuracy, and Features
Look for tests that include clear reports, certified labs, and app access. Cheaper tests may lack accuracy or useful reports. Aspedan offers reliable, UK-certified tests with detailed data, user-friendly results, and ongoing support to guide your health journey.
Trustworthy Brands and Services in the UK
Aspedan is a trusted UK-based brand offering DNA and epigenetic testing backed by science, certified labs, and full data privacy. Other well-known services include 23andMe, MyDNA, and Muhdo. Always check lab certifications, scientific validity, and data security before choosing.
FAQs About Genetics and Epigenetics Testing
Here are answers to common questions people have about these tests:
Can These Tests Detect Disease?
Aspedan’s tests do not diagnose diseases. They identify genetic risks, wellness traits, and biological age markers. You should consult your doctor for any medical diagnosis or treatment decisions. The tests support prevention and lifestyle guidance.
How Accurate Are At-Home Tests?
Aspedan uses certified UK labs that follow strict accuracy protocols. DNA tests provide highly reliable results. Epigenetic tests reflect your current health and lifestyle but can vary slightly based on sample quality and personal habits.
Are My Results Private and Secure?
Yes. Your data is encrypted, stored securely, and never shared without your consent. Aspedan follows GDPR data protection standards, giving you full control over your personal health information at all times.
Unlock Your Genetic Health with Aspedan
With Aspedan’s simple at-home tests, you can take control of your health journey. The ordering process is easy. Select your DNA or Epigenetics Test online, follow the sample collection instructions, and send your sample back to the certified UK lab. Once your results are ready, view them securely in the Aspedan app. Use your personalised reports to build a data-driven health plan focused on nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress management, and biological age tracking. Start your journey today with Aspedan’s trusted science and take clear steps to improve your long-term wellbeing.
References
A summary of key sources and further reading:
- Direct-to-consumer genetic testing: a revised position statement of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Genetics in Medicine (2021). (Highlights the 40% false positive rate).
- Direct to consumer genetic testing. The BMJ (2022). (Discusses the unreliability of SNP-chips for rare variants like BRCA).
- Position Statement on Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing. British Society for Genetic Medicine (2019).
- Notes on direct-to-consumer genomic testing for general practitioners. RCGP & BSGM (2019).
- Biological age estimates from oral samples may be ‘extremely inaccurate’. Penn State University News (2024).
- At-home genetic tests can miss around 80 per cent of BRCA carriers. The Institute of Cancer Research (2022).