The 31 gene Methylation test from Lifecode Labs is a very popular choice for those looking to enhance and optimise their health and our team are very experienced in reviewing and explaining your results, providing you with either a detailed written summary OR a 30 minute video call OR both! All options include your original lab report and will ensure you have actionable and personalised advice on diet and links to supplements.

Methylation examines genes involved in five sub-cycles - folate, methionine, neurotransmitter, transsulphuration and urea. Genetic results will inform whether someone is likely to be poor or overly efficient at processing cofactors - B6, B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin), methionine, betaine, choline, zinc and magnesium; and inhibitors - chemicals, moulds, drugs, hormones and heavy metals and provide guidance on how to support or bypass bottlenecks or weaknesses. The Methylation DNA test tells you what vitamins and minerals you need. Knowing this helps our practitioner create you a personalised dietary and supplement plan.

GENES INCLUDED

Folate Cycle: DHFR, FOLH1, MTHFD1, MTHFR, RFC1, SHMT1 and TYMS
Methionine Cycle: AHCY, BHMT, CHDH, FUT2, MAT1A, MTR, MTRR, PEMT and TCN2
Neurotransmitter Cycle: COMT, MAOA, MAOB, MTHFR, PNMT, QDPR and VDR
Transsulphuration Cycle: CBS, CTH, GSS, MUT and SUOX
Urea Cycle: BDKRB2, NOS and SOD

FAQ’s;

Q. How do you support me with my results?

This DNA test is not that easy to interpret unless you have genetics training, therefore our team reviews each report and compares this against the personal information you have provided at checkout regarding your current health, diet and supplement / medicine intake. ALL patients will receive a lab report (view lab sample report HERE)

All lab reports include

• personalised, colour coded genotype results

• gene function and SNP impact descriptions

• clinically relevant SNPs

• nutrient and other epigenetic impacts

• links to research evidence

In ADDITION to your lab report we provide the following options which are INCLUDED in your original price;

A) Follow up written report explaining your variants and highlighting dietary and lifestyle advice and links to supplement suggestions included. We do not provide an example of this report as it is personalised to each patient but it usually runs to 2-3 pages of detailed actionable advice with links included to add supplements from our store and checkout online. This is for your convenience. You are of course welcome to purchase supplements elsewhere.

OR

B) Follow up 30 minute video call to discuss your results and answer any questions you have. Once the labs have completed your DNA results you will be sent a link to book a time and day online. You will also then be given the option to upgrade your 30 minute call to a 45 minute call for an additional £30 if you wish. Advice will be given on supplements and lifestyle support. After your call you are sent a short email with supplements & the dose your practitioner advises with links to purchase from our supplements store. This is for your convenience. You are of course welcome to purchase supplements elsewhere.

OR

C) Both zoom call and written report with personalised next steps (Zoom call is first and written report follows).

Q. I am unsure whether to choose a written summary of my results or a video call?

Every patient will get a colour coded lab report - your choice is how to receive your personalised interpretation of this report. You have a choice of a video call or a written summary or both. This includes the cost of a nurse service to your home to take the bloods - suitable for over 18’s only - mainland UK residents only.

The video call is an ideal option if you are new to DNA testing and need it explaining in ‘real’ terms. It also allows you to ask your practitioner questions about your variants and how these may apply to your health now. Zoom calls are recorded (unless you request otherwise) and you are sent a link to download your video after your call so you can refer back to this for years to come as a reminder. We send you your download link on the understanding these calls are not shared on social media / uploaded to public forums etc, this is for your private use (please note zoom links last 2 weeks so please make sure you download and save locally). You will also get a short email after your call with supplement links your practitioner recommends. Calls are provided in English only

The written summary is better for those who struggle with spoken English and want a full written explanation of their variants and links to supplement suggestions. Some patients feel more comfortable with a written interpretation as a document you can always refer back to, but essentially both options will give you the same information just in different formats. Written summaries are emailed alongside lab reports.

Q. How do I take this test?

The test is a simple, non-invasive oral sample (cheek swab). The only requirement is to abstain from eating/drinking for at least 1 hour before testing. The sample is placed in a tube with a stabilising capsule and returned with a signed consent form. Please use our details under ‘practitioner’ on the lab form.

There are no special storage or transport requirements and you can return any day. Each test kit is supplied with a return envelope which is prepaid for returns from within the UK and can be simply dropped into a post box. It is rare but some samples do fail laboratory standards if you do not extract enough DNA onto the mouth swab. Click HERE to view instructions. You can take this test at any time of day, there is no need to stop taking medications or supplements with this test. The most common reason for sample fails is patients forgetting to include the stabilising capsule included in your kit or not returning the consent form. Please DO NOT open the contents of the stabilising capsule, include it whole. Please ensure you do not eat, drink or smoke for 1 hour prior to taking test. You can also watch a video on taking this cheek swab test HERE . In the event your test fails laboratory standards you will receive 1 free replacement kit. UK orders are re-posted at no additional charge however international orders will need to pay additional delivery charges for failed tests - see below.

Q. Should I get my children tested or will they have the same genes as me?

Every human has a slightly different genetic makeup. We inherit our gene variants from both parents so although you may have similar genes to your child you will not have identical gene mutations. Our genes are the same from the moment we are born so you only ever need to do this test once in your lifetime and you will have the data on your gene variants for life.

Q. I want to return my sample via recorded / special delivery - can I do this?

The returns package provided has a freepost address on it so if you live in the UK you can simply pop your sample into any postbox for free returns. We do recognise that some patients prefer to send samples recorded / special delivery for peace of mind. If you choose this option, you will need to use a different address to return your sample; Lifecode Gx, c/o WeWork, Unit 1 Provost & East Building, 145 City Road, London, EC1V 1AZ

Q. I live overseas, can I get this test kit shipped to me?

Orders OUTSIDE UK - Yes we can now ship this test overseas to selected countries. Please select your country at checkout. If you want to order multiple DNA tests for friends or family we can package these together so you only pay one shipping cost. We use UPS for European orders and DHL for other countries, deliveries usually arrive with patients in 3-6 days. The test kits (swab and stabilising capsule) are declared as 'no commercial value' and usually (90% of the time) do not require customs import fees. However, some destination country customs agents may decide (unfortunately, it does seem to be at the discretion of the individual agent) to apply charges, and this is beyond our control and beyond the control of the courier. Usually this fee is around 17 Euro but can vary. In the unlikely event this happens, your courier will notify you if an import fee is due before delivering to you. If you are contacted by customs you should declare the package value as being £2 per test kit which will match the official labs document for a cotton bud swab. We can provide you with a copy invoice for this if required. We provide approved packaging for the return of the sample, but you are responsible for arranging and paying for return postage. The return package is low weight and does not require any special control. Please return your sample via tracked / courier service to the labs directly: Lifecode Gx, c/o WeWork, Unit 1 Provost & East Building, 145 City Road, London, EC1V 1AZ, United Kingdom. For international orders we include 2 swabs per patient so please ensure each patient does 2 swabs. This makes a ‘test failure’ at the laboratory much more unlikely, however in the very rare case that both swabs fail please ensure you note our returns / refund policy

All reports are provided in English.

Q. Should I have any other tests alongside the DNA test?

If possible, we recommend you do have a blood test to check your vitamin and mineral levels to optimise your DNA testing. We can offer a private full blood test HERE - this is available in the UK only and involves having a nurse come to your home / hotel to take your sample. Patients must be over 18 years old for this test. We offer a huge range of testing so when a member of our genetics team is assigned to review your results they may feel you would benefit from other specific testing such as genetic aging testing, hormones (testosterone / estrogen, cortisol , thyroid levels etc), microbiome , leaky gut analysis, food intolerance , amino acids & homocysteine, mould / toxin testing tec. If any additional testing is required, this will be advised in your Zoom call / written report.

Q. How long does DNA last on a buccal (cheek) swab?

As long as cheek swabs are stored in tube provided in the buccal swab kit, samples remain viable for up to 6 months

Q: I currently have a cold / am taking certain medications - will this effect my results?

No. As we're testing the genetic code, which is fixed, the test is not impacted by illness, infections, medication, the food you eat, or supplements you take. To avoid contamination of the sample, please abstain from eating / drinking for at least 1 hour before testing. Continue taking all your prescription medications and supplements as normal but please note them on your patient form at checkout.

Q. When will I get my results and personalised interpretation?

Once you have ordered via our website you will receive an email notification when your kit has been shipped to you via Royal Mail 1st Class service for UK (courier for international orders). Please allow 3 working days for your kit to arrive. You can then freepost your sample back to the labs via Royal Mail 1st class prepaid envelope (note international orders are not free post). We will then email you to let you know your sample has been safely received at the labs and your genotyping has started. Resultsare available in 2-3 weeks. If you would prefer the written summary advice report this will be in approx 4 weeks. You will not hear from us during the time your sample is being processed unless there is an issue with your sample. Please note that we will email lab results to the email address provided at checkout. If you need to change this information it is your responsibility to contact info@mybodyfabulous.co.uk to request results are sent to an alternative email address.

Q. What happens to my DNA after the testing?

Each test is processed in the ISO certified UK laboratory and all physical samples are completely destroyed after 3 months. All client genotyping electronic data is completely destroyed after 6 months. The client report, the data and the DNA sample is never (and will never be) shared with, or sold to third parties.