Self decode has given me amazing information to better my health. I especially love the wellness reports! I highly recommend self decode!!!
Rachel K.
SP
Sarah P.
Posted
Impressed
Very happy with everything! I recommend!
JE
Jeremy
Posted
Hands down, the BEST
Hands down, the best gene analyzer out there! The personalized blog and reports are stellar. You can see a lot of thought goes into them, and the recommendations.
The recommendations and the explanations of why they are being recommended is my favorite feature that is unique to SelfDecode.
VC
Valued C.
Posted
Never a final word, always science based.
I much appreciate all the links to science-based analysis at the end of your reports. This shows how serious you are in approaching the evidence and open to new research. Keep up the good work!
Response from SelfDecode· Jul 24, 2020
Thank you for your wonderful review!
RO
Robert
Posted
Great
Great Product and reports
VC
Valued C.
Posted
A comprehensive resource
Detailed, impartial, comprehensive.
VC
Valued C.
Posted
I'll be honest
I'll be honest. Some of the reports have overlapping snps to specific genes that can be harmful for 1 thing, yet good for another. So in the end, i'm not sure if i want that specific enzyme or genetic expression increased or not. Ex: Providing tips on how to slow a COMT down even more (as to further enhance dopamine) might not be a good idea for someone with panic disorder, sleep issues, etc. If one has chronic insomnia, that can contribute to brain degradation, as their stress hormones are still stimulating them due to a slow breakdown. It can also add to brain inflammation, etc etc (that's one example out of many) - Compound that with an existing slow MAOA and a DRD2 that is less inhibitory and so many existing issues are exasperated. Too much dopamine is just as bad as not enough. It can also become toxic at high levels and if that person has poor detox mechanisms or not enough inhibitory neurotransmitters. (gaba, serotonin, etc)
I felt the APOE report was missing some other vital information that the mood & cognitive had. (which was disappointing - there are other genes that affect APOE & snps of other genes - that was a weak report - yes, i know i have one copy of APOE4..but let's mention the other snps that could influence this, etc) When I reviewed the cognitive one, there were a few snps that had no information whatsoever (on self decode, the linked source, or in scouring the internet) for the specific snp selected that would increase or decrease cognition. There was no "why" as to how it affected anything at all. I felt very frustrated with that & could provide examples. It made me feel as if the report was not entirely factual.
All told, I really feel that what you get is quite sub par and an attempt to get you pay more for other reports that will have the same overlapping information or weak reports (such as APOE). The reports present very well at first glance & even appear quite comprehensive, until you go through each & every snp. (as I did) - That's when I realized that the quality was a 2 to 3 in relation to what I paid. It felt more "dazzle" vs informative. As a person who is a tech writer by trade, I can sniff that out rather quickly. I have received the same information from some of the free sites out there (like genetic genie) - In fact, i found genetic genie to be a bit more helpful and to the point.
Response from SelfDecode· Jun 17, 2020
Hi, the issue you brought up with regard to genes being harmful for one thing and helpful for another is not a bug, it's a feature. SNPs that are categorically bad would be weeded out of existence generally speaking. By its nature, the fact that they are common variations in the population mean they have some good aspects. There are traits or conditions where lower COMT is better, whereas higher COMT can be better for other traits or conditions. This is why we separate reports by the condition or category.
For example, lower COMT is better for cognitive function, which is why our DNA Cognitive Enhancement report would show the gene if you're a higher COMT producer. On the other hand, lower COMT could be worse for mood disorders, which is why our DNA Mood Report would speak about it differently.
Hence, you want to use the reports based on which problem you are trying to solve, rather than focus on the gene itself.
In addition, our reports also have a prioritized list of suggestions to make it clearer which suggestions should be explored first.
I'm sorry you felt that way for the APOE4 report. It is the most comprehensive report on the market, but it's possible that there was some information that wasn't included.
In the reports, we try to write about the most impactful information because it can feel like information overload for a lot of people. We try to strike a balance in providing very thorough information, while also not going overboard to create information overload.
JN
Justin N.
Posted
Very Impressed!!
Self Decode is fantastic! I’ve been interested in genetics testing for years now and have used many different services, often feeling disappointed in the lack of any real in-depth analysis or, more importantly, actionable insights. However, I am very happy with what I’ve learned from Self Decode! The health reports are extremely thorough, and there are specific recommendations given throughout. From nutritional supplements to lifestyle interventions. I also LOVE the personalized health blog! Definitely one of the coolest features I’ve ever seen on a health and wellness website. I highly recommend this service to anyone and will also be recommending it to my clients!
