Overview
- Products: SelfDecode provides end-to-end DNA testing services, in-depth reports, personalized health recommendations for each user, the world’s first precision health GPT, ancestry reports, and a variety of other tools to explore one’s own biology. It also has a Pro plan for clinicians who hope to use DNA testing to improve their diagnostic process and patient treatment plans.
- Cost: Start free. SelfDecode has a variety of pricing options for users to choose from. Subscription costs include access to continuously updated health recommendations, over 650 detailed health and trait reports, and access to lab analysis, lifestyle assessments, precision health GPT, and other tools.
- Reports: SelfDecode reports are extremely comprehensive. Users can access a wide selection of specialized reports based on health areas, topics, or ailments. Some examples include weight, insomnia, and gut inflammation. SelfDecode also provides ancestry composition, mitochondrial ancestry, and other detailed reports.
- Raw Data Access: SelfDecode supplies users with their raw genetic data as well as accepting DNA files clients might already have from other genetics testing services (23andMe, Ancestry, etc.).
- Privacy: SelfDecode makes a promise to its users to never sell or share their private information with other companies without explicit consent. In addition, the service collects as little identifying information as possible and protects what information it does collect with strict security measures.
- Alternatives: 23andMe (ancestry and wellness-focused genetic testing, customer information is sold and shared with other companies), MyHeritage (testing is exclusively focused on ancestry), Promethease (DNA analysis service, no test kits provided, research-oriented).
Pros
- SelfDecode’s test reports are unmatched in terms of the topics they cover as well as the level of detail provided within them. Each specific report provides users with all of their relevant genetic variations, risk assessments, integrated wellness instruction, and genetic comparisons rooted in hundreds of scientific studies.
- Unlike other DNA companies that only take into consideration a limited number of SNPs, SelfDecode uses genetic imputation to accurately predict and analyze up to 200 million genetic variants from a typical DNA file.
- SelfDecode accepts uploads of DNA files from several other genetic testing companies so users who already have access to their genetic information won’t have to pay for a separate test kit.
- Users have access to the world’s first precision health GPT, an AI health coach that analyzes DNA, labs, lifestyle, symptoms, and health goals to provide tailored recommendations and detailed insights into a user’s health.
- SelfDecode offers cutting-edge ancestry testing that includes ancestry composition, mitochondrial ancestry, and other detailed reports.
- The SelfDecode Pro plan is available for professionals who wish to incorporate precision health into their practice.
Cons
- SelfDecode does not offer psychotropic testing. For individuals looking to use genetic testing to assess their possible response to certain antidepressant medications, SelfDecode isn’t positioned to be a good resource.
- The reports that SelfDecode provides to individuals are oriented towards risk assessment, disease prevention, education, and lifestyle optimization. That is to say, they are not diagnostically focused and are not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. That being said, all of the research, suggestions, and information SelfDecode includes in its reports is backed up by clinically valid and peer-reviewed scientific research.
About SelfDecode
SelfDecode was founded in 2016 by current CEO Joe Cohen, then owner and founder of the lifestyle and health-based genetics blog site SelfHacked.
As a child, teen, and young adult, Joe experienced a litany of gene-related issues such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, brain fog, and after being frustrated by the lack of accessible and scientifically valid tools to combat these afflictions, he set out to create a set of comprehensive resources to help himself and others like him deal with their genetic calamities.
Since then, SelfDecode has grown to become an exhaustive resource for individuals seeking to live more biologically sound and superior lifestyles. The team at SelfDecode has been growing steadily for the last four years and includes over 60 highly skilled scientists, MDs, NDs, pharmacists, and software engineers all of who are committed to helping people live healthier lives and grasp the full potential of their genetics.
SelfDecode, SelfHacked, and Lab Test analyzer, another clinically aimed analysis service started by Joe, are amalgamated under parent company Genius Labs, a cloud-based software design service intended for biotech businesses.
Overview of SelfDecode Testing and Platform
SelfDecode’s testing processes are entirely comprehensive for every single user. The service doesn’t specialize in testing based on a health topic or subject area, rather, they conduct all-inclusive testing for every single user and give individuals options for specialization with respect to the wellness reports they choose to investigate.
For every single person who uses the Self-Decode testing service, over 750,000 SNPs in their genes will be identified. However, by using a process called genetic imputation, SelfDecode is able to accurately predict and analyze up to 200 million genetic variants from a typical DNA file. For users who upload their raw DNA data, they will also receive this comprehensive analysis of their genetic file.
Individuals who already had their DNA tested with another company can sign up for a free account at SelfDecode to gain access to 3 DNA health reports and 7 trait reports, or build a plan with SelfDecode.
With subscription access, users can review their results with respect to any health area they choose which not only decreases long-term costs but also gives clinical professionals who use SelfDecode’s service a deeper, more detailed range of information with which to assess their patients.
Immediately after logging in to their account, users will be able to interact with the world’s first Precision Health GPT, an AI health coach available to users anytime, anywhere. Users simply need to ask a question, and the Precision Health GPT will analyze their DNA, labs, lifestyle, symptoms & conditions, and health goals to provide tailored recommendations and detailed insights into their health.
From their dashboard, users will also be able to see and interact with their dynamic health score. These scores are calculated based on DNA results, lifestyle assessments, and lab testing.
SelfDecode also offers an AI-powered Smart Recommendations Engine to deliver the most precise and personalized health guidance available, which provides prioritized recommendations, listed from most to least effective based on the five key health areas. By clicking on any recommendation, users are able to see how it helps their specific risks and health goals. SelfDecode has a database of over 20,000 recommendations.
Users can also turn on Biohacker Mode for more in-depth insights and recommendations without clinical trials.
Review of SelfDecode Test Reports
SelfDecode Health Reports
Self Decode users can generate health reports of their genetic analysis that focus on weight, sleep, gut health, heart health, mood, inflammation, and more. Users can easily see all reports available by navigating to the My DNA tab after they log in to their account.
When accessing the interactive reports page, users will be able to visualize their DNA risk, lifestyle risk, and labs that are out of optimal range. Each report, while focusing on a different subject area, is structured similarly.
Below you can view a sample Anxiety Report. Users can view their risks for this condition, turn on Biohacker Mode, and navigate to their personalized recommendations.
As readers scroll through their reports, they will reach their genetic predisposition score for the particular health topic and even more information to help them better understand the subject, with all scientific references included for easy access for those who wish to explore deeper. In fact, scientific studies are embedded throughout the entire report.
Users can view the number of genetic variants analyzed per report. In this particular case for the Anxiety Report, SelfDecode looks at 807,582 relevant variants to generate the results. Considering all the reports, SelfDecode analyzes up to 200 million genetic variants.
Following this, users can view their lifestyle assessment risk and lab results related to the report topic, where they can input results and learn how each marker affects their health.
After this, the Recommendations section begins. Here, customers will find their personalized diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations to help them address their health issues. Not only are these recommendations personalized to the user’s unique DNA, labs, symptoms and goals, but they are also prioritized by taking into consideration what is most likely to work for them based on their health data.
As shown in the sample report below, SelfDecode provides detailed explanations of how each recommendation can help a particular health issue. At the end of each recommendation section, SelfDecode explains which gene variants play a role in the health issue and how users may benefit by implementing the suggestions. Users can also see how each recommendation may help with specific lab markers and health goals.
Another standout feature from SelfDecode is the ability for users to add their recommendations to their regimen directly from their DNA reports. To do this, all they need to do is click on the “Add To Action Plan” button (shown above). To access the recommendations added to their regimen, customers can navigate to the My Action Plan tab, where they can view and customize each one based on what works for them.
Each recommendation can be easily edited to fit the user’s health regimen. By clicking on Set Frequency And Duration (shown above), a popup window appears for customization. This way, it becomes incredibly easy to keep track of all health recommendations suggested by SelfDecode.
SelfDecode users can also use a personalized meal plan builder to plan their meals for the week based on their DNA results.
SelfDecode goes beyond DNA testing and analysis. When signing up, users also receive access to the lab analyzer tool, where they can input their lab results or purchase lab tests from SelfDecode to receive health insights.
This feature goes beyond telling users if their labs are in the normal range. SelfDecode categorizes results in such a way that users can know how far their results fall from their optimal range. Customers will receive a detailed analysis of each marker and personalized recommendations aimed at optimizing their labs.
SelfDecode Ancestry Reports
SelfDecode analyzes over 200 million genetic variants to give users an in-depth ethnicity percentage breakdown, as well as a color-coded map that can help them discover where they’re from.
In addition, SelfDecode’s AI-backed technology allows for the analysis of more data points than other ancestry companies, which provides a more accurate ancestry breakdown.
Users are able to trace their maternal lineage back through the ages, learning where they started in the world and their journey. Users can also learn more about the history and culture that is connected to their DNA through extensive reports that help them get an even better understanding of their roots.
SelfDecode Cost
SelfDecode operates with a Build Your Own Health Plan model.
Step 1: Subscribe to SelfDecode ($9.99/month, billed annually) – Subscribe to the Health Insights Membership from SelfDecode to gain access to:
- Over 650 DNA health & trait reports
- Precision Health GPT
- Lab analyzer and tracker
- Lifestyle risk analyzer
- Personalized health recommendations
- Personalized meal plan builder
- Health scores
- Precision Health Regimen Builder
- Genotype results for 200 million SNPs
- And more!
Step 2: Analyze your DNA
- Upload your DNA file for $199 (one-time payment)
- Order a SelfDecode DNA kit for $298 (one-time payment)
Step 3: Choose your add-ons (optional)
- 1:1 Consult & Medical Health Reports ($199): Includes a 15-minute 1:1 consultation with a qualified SelfDecode DNA health coach to review your disease predisposition reports.
- Ancestry DNA reports ($79): Learn more about your ancestors and heritage with a complete ancestry composition breakdown and mitochondrial ancestry reports.
SelfDecode also provides users with the opportunity to try the platform before committing to a plan. If you already have your DNA file, you can sign up for a free SelfDecode plan and upload your DNA for free to receive access to 3 DNA Health Reports and 7 Trait Reports.
SelfDecode Pro is free for practitioners. Health professionals can refer clients to sign up for a SelfDecode plan and connect with them to view their results at no cost to them and earn a 25% commission on every new customer they refer.
How exclusive is the service SelfDecode provides?
SelfDecode’s model, which tests each individual exhaustively and then generates reports based on this single test, rather than requiring different tests for each report, means that users can gain immediate access to further genetic analysis at any point.
Some services opt to specialize within their tests, pricing them separately, which adds additional waiting time between the user’s decision to find out more and their reception of test results on different health topics. In short, SelfDecode’s users have direct potential access to their entire body of genetic data as soon as they purchase the service. This system design is entirely unique to SelfDecode.
While most companies offer a limited analysis of their customers’ DNA by only looking at one or two SNPs, SelfDecode goes beyond. By using AI, SelfDecode is able to analyze up to 200 million genetic variants. The scope of this analysis is not something that can be easily found in most direct-to-consumer DNA tests.
Beyond this, SelfDecode offers an extensive number of reports assessing a diverse range of health topics, and provides other tools to help customers achieve optimal health. Among these is the world’s first Precision Health GPT, a 24/7 personal AI health coach, which users can access to discover more about their health.
Something else which sets SelfDecode apart from other DNA testing companies is their lab analysis tool, which is included with all subscription levels. By also taking into consideration lab results to make their recommendations, SelfDecode allows users to receive the most complete picture of their health.
SelfDecode’s cutting-edge ancestry analysis also stands out, providing users with an in-depth ethnicity percentage breakdown, as well as a color-coded map that can help them discover where they’re from. Users are able to trace their maternal lineage back through the ages, learning where they started in the world, and their journey. Ancestry Insights is only available with a SelfDecode DNA kit.
SelfDecode Health Recommendations
The health recommendations that SelfDecode provides are illustrated in the health reports which is pictured above. The suggestions are expansive, that is, they can include very basic behaviors and habits that can be easier to integrate into one’s daily routine.
While practices like getting plenty of regular exercise and increasing one’s exposure to natural sunlight might seem mundane, they can have legitimately profound effects with respect to certain health issues, especially for people who have favorable genetic variants for these recommendations.
Conversely, much of the wellness instruction SelfDecode provides is of a less self-evident nature, and indeed, wouldn’t even be identifiable without a detailed genetic analysis. These sorts of recommendations include specific supplementation advice which is given precisely because it pertains to the gene variations of the user. Most individuals wouldn’t think to supplement their daily intake with n-acetyl cysteine, but a SelfDecode health report can tell them just how beneficial such supplementation might actually be.
The way SelfDecode prioritizes recommendations to their users gives them real direction in terms of the actionable steps they can take towards bettering their health. The list organization, which corresponds to priority, lets users know, for example, that increasing their regular cognitive stimulation could be more urgently beneficial than seeking out cold exposure therapy.
SelfDecode members can also search through their database of 20,000 diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations to discover how they may affect their genetic predispositions and lab results.
Finally, the ability for users to add their recommendations to their action plan directly from their DNA reports offers an easy way for them to view, edit, and keep track of all of their health suggestions and modify them to fit their routine. Users can also ask the Precision Health GPT for any question to receive personalized insights and recommendations based on their health data.
SelfDecode Privacy and Security
SelfDecode takes the security of its users’ information very seriously. As a general precaution, the service asks users to enter as little personally identifiable information as is necessary to create accounts and collect payment data. The small amount of personal data that SelfDecode does collect is used primarily to improve the services it provides to its clients and to optimize their genetic assessment of users, as is the case with the collection of demographic data.
As already mentioned, SelfDecode makes a strict commitment to never share nor sell the information of its users to other companies, a practice which is unfortunately common in the realm of biogenetics. The only scenarios in which user information is shared are those in which its transmission is absolutely necessary to execute SelfDecode’s service provisions (ex. third-party payment vendors). In these cases, the involved third parties are strictly bound to maintain user confidentiality.
As far as the protection of user data is concerned, SelfDecode goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of information stored in the cloud and on its servers.
Summary of SelfDecode Features
- SelfDecode offers a huge variety of health and wellness recommendations which are personalized to the user’s health data and are adaptable to new research as it becomes available.
- SelfDecode provides users with all the tools needed to help them achieve optimal health, such as the world’s first Precision Health GPT, a smart recommendations engine, a lab tracker and analyzer, and more.
- The company clearly illustrates the science that backs up all of the health and wellness recommendations that it makes. In every health report, SelfDecode provides exhaustive citations that link directly to the papers. A critical aspect of every recommendation made is that it shows the causal link between the evidence and the instruction.
- SelfDecode gives specific priority to the health recommendations that it assesses as being most critical to clients’ lifestyles. The most pertinent suggestions available to users will be the first ones they see.
- SelfDecode takes an authentically holistic approach to genetics-based health. Well-being is about a balanced totality of factors, not just one lifestyle aspect or another. Accordingly, the information SelfDecode offers is meant to be applicable to users’ lives as a whole.
- SelfDecode’s algorithm is able to predict and analyze up to 200 million genetic variants from a typical DNA file. This level of detail is reflected in the health reports that are provided to SelfDecode users.
- SelfDecode supports all of the evaluations and conclusions it offers to individuals by backing them up with peer-reviewed science and clinical research. Clients will never have to wonder if a health report is giving them lip service, because the data is at their fingertips.
- SelfDecode offers cutting-edge ancestry testing that includes ancestry composition, mitochondrial ancestry, and other detailed reports.
- SelfDecode will never share its clients’ data with other companies without a user’s explicit consent. The company understands that a thorough understanding of one’s own genetics shouldn’t come at the expense of privacy.
Comparisons
SelfDecode | InsideTracker | GenoPalate | Promethease | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Personalized & holistic health recommendations | Yes | No | No | No |
Genes & genetic variants analyzed | Up to 200 million genetic variants | 261 SNPs | 100+ SNPs | 100,000+ SNPs |
Products | Free DNA & lab analysis, DNA testing, health reports, precision health GPT, research-based health recommendations, professional plans for clinicians, ancestry | DNA testing, wellness reports, lab tests | DNA testing, diet and nutrition reports | DNA analysis, SNP variation assessment, links to scientific research |
Raw data access | Yes | Yes, for $499 | No | N/A |
Cost (USD) | Start Free
Plans from $319 |
$49 – $589 | $79 – $149 | $0 – $12 |
SelfDecode Reviews
Trustpilot – 612 Customer Average Rating of 4.8 of 5 Stars
SelfDecode reviews on Trustpilot feature, almost without exception, clients who are extensively satisfied with the quality and quantity of information they’ve been able to access through the service. Some users were even surprised at the value of the reports provided to them because of less satisfying experiences with other companies.
Read what people are saying about SelfDecode on Reddit
SelfDecode’s co-founder has engaged in some positive exchanges with Reddit users on the 23&Me subreddit.
Read what people are saying about SelfDecode on Twitter
Some Twitter users made interesting comparisons between results they received from SelfDecode and those from other DNA testing companies.
Alternatives to SelfDecode
23andMe – 23andMe opts to provide customers with tests that focus both on ancestry information as well as health and wellness analyses. The minimal wellness recommendations they provide aren’t personalized to clients and they also, unfortunately, choose to sell some client information to other companies.
Promethease – Promethease is a less inclusive DNA analysis program which is usable by individuals who’ve already gained access to their raw genetic data through a different service. It is focused on analyzing user SNPs and makes direct use of clinical research.
SelfDecode Review Summary
Biotechnology is an exploding industry right now, and it’s only going to keep growing. There are now so many companies that provide DNA testing services, why choose SelfDecode among all the options?
First, because the SelfDecode team of over 60 highly skilled scientists, MDs, NDs, and software engineers has spent the last 4 years optimizing everything, their product, support network, service, and structure, all with client experience as the focal point.
The reason the company’s subscription model is structured to give clients immediate access to reports, which are accessible, understandable, and meticulously detailed, is because these are components which make the experience of individuals who use SelfDecode the most rewarding.
Second, SelfDecode was created for the same reason that present-day users seek out its service: understanding one’s own biology is the key to becoming the best version of oneself. There are lots of strategies you can employ to try to balance and structure your life, in other words, to optimize your lifestyle. However, the basis of this process has to begin with a proper grasp of what tools you have to work with, and those tools are your genetic predispositions. The significance of this idea is that where other testing services hope to keep you merely entertained and engaged, SelfDecode’s entire program is about utility and user agency.
Another feature that sets SelfDecode apart from other DNA companies is that SelfDecode uses predictive algorithms to analyze 200 million genetic variants (up to 1 million+ per DNA report), giving users the most accurate health & ancestry data based on genetics. SelfDecode’s cutting-edge Precision Health GPT offers customers the ability to simply ask a question and receive tailored insights based on their health data.
Finally, SelfDecode’s smart recommendations search engine was built to help members truly understand which health strategies work for them based on their DNA, labs, lifestyle, symptoms & conditions, and health goals.
If you already had your DNA tested, you can sign up for a free plan with SelfDecode before committing to a paid subscription, or build your plan with SelfDecode.