How We Get Nutrition Insights From Your DNA
Learn how we process your DNA sample to create your personalized GenoPalate food and nutrition recommendations.
Step 1
Release Your DNA
Once our lab receives your sample, we break open the cells in your saliva to release your DNA. Then, we put your sample in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins your sample very fast so that we can separate cellular debris and other solids form the liquid that holds your DNA. From here, we can carefully remove the liquid containing your DNA and place it in another tube - voila! No more solids to worry about.
Step 2
Separate DNA From Liquid
Next, we take your DNA out of the liquid by adding ethanol to the DNA solution, which forces your genetic material out of solution and into a solid form. After this process is completed, it's back to the centrifuge. This time the DNA falls to the bottom and we can remove the liquid.
Step 3
Separate Your DNA Strands
Now we move on to denaturing your DNA, or separating it into two complimentary strands. Then, it is chopped up into smaller pieces and labeled with a fluorescent dye. This process still keeps your genetic code intact - the smaller pieces make the next step easier!
Step 4
Highlight The Genetic Variants
Next, scientists add your sample to a microarray. A microarray is a very small chip with hundreds of thousands of tiny spots with short, synthetic DNA strands attached to them. These synthetic strands act as probes for genetic variants in your sample. When your DNA is added to the microarray, the pieces that correspond to each variant will bind to these probes, which causes the tiny spots to change colors.
Step 5
Interpret The Genetic Variants
The microarray then gets passed through a machine that reads the colors of all the tiny spots and translates those colors into your genetic code. This machine generates a file containing all of your genetic results and sends it back to us at GenoPalate, so we can analyze your results.
Step 6
Personalize Your Nutrition
We match your results against our constantly-growing database of genes and look at how each genetic variant contributes to your nutritional needs and metabolism. We use this information to create your personalized food and nutrition recommendations that help you understand exactly which nutrients your body needs.
Once your sample completes its journey, then your journey to eating for your genes begins. You'll receive your results filled with actionable steps you can take to eat healthier.