Learning Zone
Guides & the latest science.
Original articles, guides and research from our in-house geneticists, doctors and sports scientists.
Articles

For Professionals
Why Genetics Should Be Part of Every Fitness Professional's Toolkit, And How to Get There
FitnessGenes · 7 min read

Science
Can You Use Your Ancestry DNA Data to Build a Personalised Longevity Plan?
Pierpaolo Zollo · 8 min read

Science
The longevity six: where your DNA fits in
Dr Stuart Grice · 7 min read

About FitnessGenes
Is FitnessGenes Worth the Money? A Geneticist’s Honest Answer
Dr Stuart Grice · 8 min read

For Professionals
Why You Should Integrate DNA Testing Into Your Health and Fitness Business
Pierpaolo Zollo · 6 min read

Testimonial
How a FitnessGenes test helped overcome stalled weight loss and guided strategic blood testing
Kelsey Brown, BSc · 5 min read

About FitnessGenes
How FitnessGenes Compares to the DNA Testing Market‚ And Why the Difference Matters
Pierpaolo Zollo · 6 min read

User Guide
How To Navigate & Read Your DNA Reports
Alex Auld · 5 min read

Exercise
Unilateral vs. Bilateral Training: Is One Better Than the Other?
Finn-Tore Camacho Bjørnsand · 6 min read

Science
Subcutaneous vs Visceral Fat: What Your DNA Tells You
Kelsey Brown · 10 min read

Science
What is the FOXO3 Gene and Why Does It Matter for Longevity?
Dr Stuart Grice · 7 min read

Science
You’re Blood Testing Regularly. Here’s What You’re Still Missing
Dr Samantha Decombel · 7 min read

Testimonial
What FitnessGenes customer, Adam, learned from his results
Pierpaolo Zollo

Supplements
Does Your DNA Determine Which Probiotics Work for You?
FitnessGenes · 5 min read

About FitnessGenes
You Have Done ZOE. Here Is Why You Also Need a DNA Test.
Geraldine Campbell · 9 min read

User Guide
What Is DNA Fitness Testing and How Does It Work?
Kelsey Brown · 7 min read

Nutrition
Nutrigenomics: Can Your Genes Tell You What to Eat?
Dr Stuart Grice · 18 min read

Science
Can a DNA Test Tell You Your Biological Age?
Dr Stuart Grice · 8 min read

Science
Can a DNA Test Explain Your Hormone Imbalances?
Kelsey Brown · 10 min read

Supplements
Does Creatine Work for Everyone?
Kelsey Brown · 6 min read

Science
What does the APOE gene actually tell you about your long-term health?
Dr Stuart Grice · 9 min read

Science
Why Is My DNA Driving Inflammation As I Age?
Dr Stuart Grice · 9 min read

Science
Rhabdomyolysis - Are You Genetically More at Risk?
Geraldine Campbell · 15 min read

Exercise
Does Your DNA Affect How Fast You Build Muscle?
FitnessGenes · 10 min read

Science
Why Is My Vitamin D Always Low? The Genetic Reason Nobody Tells You About
Dr Samantha Decombel · 12 min read

Science
The ACTN3 Gene: Are You Built for Power or Endurance?
Geraldine Campbell · 12 min read

Science
How Losing My Dad in His 50s Taught Me the Secrets to Living Longer
Dr Samantha Decombel · 24 min read

Science
Why Two People Can Do the Same Training and Get Completely Different Results
Dr Stuart Grice · 8 min read

Supplements
How You Can Use Zinc to Your Muscle Building Advantage
Dr Stuart Grice · 6 min read

Testimonial
How DNA Personalisation Transformed Alex’s Triathlon Performance
Kelsey Brown · 6 min read

User Guide
What is FitnessGenes: The Complete Guide
Kelsey Brown · 10 min read

Testimonial
Megabox Fitness: Using DNA Testing To Complete The Performance Picture
Alex Auld

Science
How Your DNA Influences Your Alzheimer’s Risk (And What To Do About It)
Alex Auld · 6 min read

Nutrition
What are the benefits of eating pumpkin?
Kelsey Brown · 3 min read

Nutrition
Is there a healthy type of sugar?
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Nutrition
The best food sources of omega-3 and omega-6
Kelsey Brown · 4 min read

Exercise
How do I measure my heart rate variability?
Kelsey Brown · 3 min read

Traits
New Report: Resting Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability
Alex Auld · 5 min read

Nutrition
How can I make snacking more healthy?
Kelsey Brown · 3 min read

Nutrition
What happens if I eat too much salt?
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Nutrition
How can I get enough protein from a plant-based diet?
Kelsey Brown · 4 min read

Exercise
How too much sitting reduces your muscle mass
Kelsey Brown · 4 min read

Science
The Foundation of Bone Strength: Osteoblasts and Bone Remodelling
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Science
Eero Mäntyranta: A Champion Skier with a Unique Genetic Mutation
Alex Auld · 3 min read

Nutrition
Iron-Powered Performance: A Guide for Endurance Athletes
Alex Auld · 3 min read

Supplements
How Spirulina Can Boost Your Endurance Performance
Alex Auld · 3 min read

Exercise
How Multicomponent Preventative Training Can Help You Stay Injury Free
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Testimonial
How Alex Uses His Results To Optimise His Training
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Science
What is genetic variation and how does it occur?
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Testimonial
How Geraldine Uses Her Results To Manage Her Eating Habits
Geraldine Campbell · 5 min read

Science
The role and function of DNA
Alex Auld · 5 min read

User Guide
Important questions to ask before taking a DNA test
Alex Auld · 5 min read

Exercise
How the 80/20 approach can improve your endurance performance
Kelsey Brown · 3 min read

Nutrition
The Heart Health benefits of Dark Chocolate
Kelsey Brown · 3 min read

Exercise
Can I change my muscle fibre composition?
Haran Sivapalan · 16 min read

Exercise
Should you do cardio and weights in the same workout?
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Exercise
How does inflammation affect your ability to build muscle?
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Traits
Is your IL-6 activity enhancing or limiting your muscle growth?
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Exercise
How do I measure my VO2 max?
Kelsey Brown · 4 min read

User Guide
How to save and follow your recommended actions
Alex Auld · 4 min read

User Guide
How to access your free lifestyle-based reports
Alex Auld · 3 min read

Exercise
How DNA affects your running performance and training response
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

About FitnessGenes
Kickstart your 2023 fitness goals with free, personalized fat loss advice
Alex Auld · 3 min read

About FitnessGenes
5 major changes we’ve made to the Members’ Area for 2023
Alex Auld · 5 min read

Traits
Trait: Daytime napping and morningness (HCRTR2)
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Plague susceptibility and autoimmunity (ERAP2)
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

Traits
Trait: Caffeine metabolism and heart health
Haran Sivapalan · 21 min read

Traits
Trait: Bone mineral density (VDR)
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Musculoskeletal soft tissue injury risk (COL5A1)
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Adiponectin levels (ADIPOQ)
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Lactose tolerance
Haran Sivapalan · 21 min read

Traits
Post-exercise recovery rate
Haran Sivapalan · 16 min read

Traits
Trait: Magnesium levels (MUC1)
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Traits
Trait: BTBD9 and sleep movement
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Traits
Trait: Caffeine and endurance performance
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Nutrition
An avocado a day keeps the doctor away?
Haran Sivapalan · 17 min read

Exercise
How to utilise lactate to build more muscle
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Traits
Trait: Lactate clearance and building muscle (MCT1)
Haran Sivapalan · 18 min read

Traits
Trait: AHSG and body fat
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Behaviour
Does watching television with meals cause you to overeat?
Kelsey Brown · 4 min read

Traits
Trait: BDNF, memory and overeating
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Supplements
How much caffeine should you take before a workout?
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Traits
Trait: Caffeine and muscle building
Haran Sivapalan · 16 min read

Exercise
How UCP2 can enhance your endurance performance
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Nutrition
Could you be eating too much saturated fat without realising it?
Kelsey Brown · 5 min read

Nutrition
Is saturated fat bad for you?
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Nutrition
4 ways to reduce your saturated fat intake
Alex Auld · 3 min read

Traits
Trait: Healthy blood pressure and exercise (NOS3)
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Improving insulin secretion (KCNJ11)
Haran Sivapalan · 22 min read

Traits
Trait: Protecting your heart (PRSC1)
Haran Sivapalan · 22 min read

Traits
Trait: Seasonal variation in appetite (NPAS2)
Haran Sivapalan · 25 min read

Traits
Trait: Lowering risk of blood clots
Haran Sivapalan · 25 min read

Traits
Trait: Reducing Norovirus Infections (FUT2)
Haran Sivapalan · 22 min read

Traits
Trait: PTPN2 and gut health
Haran Sivapalan · 22 min read

Traits
Trait: ATR1 and blood pressure
Haran Sivapalan · 16 min read

Traits
Trait: DNA repair and longevity (TP53)
Haran Sivapalan · 22 min read

Traits
Trait: Bitter taste sensitivity
Haran Sivapalan · 24 min read

Traits
Trait: ATM and DNA damage
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

Traits
Trait: GNB3 and cardiometabolic health
Haran Sivapalan · 18 min read

Traits
Trait: LPA and heart health
Haran Sivapalan · 21 min read

Traits
Trait: MC4R and obesity
Haran Sivapalan · 21 min read

Traits
Trait: Insulin processing (PCSK1)
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Oxytocin and overeating (OXTR)
Haran Sivapalan · 16 min read

Traits
Trait: Infection susceptibility (MAL)
Haran Sivapalan · 19 min read

Traits
Trait: PCSK1 and overeating
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Zinc and insulin secretion (SLC30A8)
Haran Sivapalan · 17 min read

Traits
Trait: SIRT1 and neuroprotection
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

Traits
Trait: Alcohol metabolism (ALDH2) and health
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait: TNNI3K and fat intake
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: FOXO3 and longevity
Haran Sivapalan · 19 min read

Traits
Trait: Fat taste sensitivity (CD36)
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

Traits
Trait: Sugar consumption (GLUT2)
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Traits
Trait: BCAA metabolism and muscle building
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: MTHFR and blood pressure
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: IL-10 and anti-inflammation
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Traits
Trait: Dopamine and impulsive eating (DRD2)
Haran Sivapalan · 17 min read

Traits
Trait: Pain Sensitivity (FAAH)
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Protection against reactive oxygen species (UCP2)
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin D conversion (CYP2R1)
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: C-reactive protein levels (LEPR)
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Telomere-linked ageing (TERC)
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

Traits
Trait: Compulsive overeating (FAAH)
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait#87: Basal Metabolic Rate (UCP2)
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait: BCAA breakdown
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Overeating risk (APOA2)
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin K Breakdown
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin E Breakdown
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin D Level (GC)
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait: High Blood Pressure Risk (FURIN)
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Sex hormones and visceral fat
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin B6 Level
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Blood Fat Level (APOA5)
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Master Trait: Fat Intake
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Fat Metabolism (β-oxidation)
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Metabolic Efficiency (UCP1)
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait: Obesity Risk (FTO)
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Saturated Fat Response (APOA2)
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: ApoE and inflammation
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Thyroid Function
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin C Level (SLC23A1)
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Behaviour
5 tips for returning to the gym after a long break
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Traits
Trait: Oxidative Stress Risk (NQO1)
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Gut Inflammation Risk (NOD2)
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin A Requirement
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Traits
Trait: BCAAs and Insulin (PPM1K)
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Nutrition
Is it too late for dinner?
Haran Sivapalan · 5 min read

Traits
Trait: Detoxification Rate (NAT2)
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Traits
Trait: Detoxification Rate (NAT1)
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Nutrition
Which is the best diet for weight loss and heart health?
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Traits
Trait: Cholesterol and Ageing
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Muscle Damage (TNF-α)
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Science
The importance of optimising your vitamin D levels
Alex Auld · 5 min read

Traits
Trait: Insulin Secretion (TCF7L2)
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Traits
Trait: Cardiovascular Health (GLUL)
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Science
What are the health risks of low testosterone?
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Traits
Trait: Oxidative Stress Risk (GPx-1)
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Traits
Trait: Vitamin B12 Absorption
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

Traits
Trait: Cortisol Sensitivity
Alex Auld · 5 min read

Traits
Trait: BDNF Activity and Cognition
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

User Guide
How our monthly reports are calculated and delivered
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Traits
Trait: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Sleep/Wake Cycle
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Sleep and Weight Gain
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Oxidative Stress Risk (SOD2)
Haran Sivapalan · 6 min read

Traits
Trait overview: IGF-1 and muscle growth
Alex Auld · 4 min read

Traits
Trait: APOE and Health
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Inflammation and IL-6
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min read

Traits
Trait: Betaine Requirement
Haran Sivapalan · 9 min read

Traits
Trait: Choline Metabolism
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait: Muscle Performance (ACTN3)
Haran Sivapalan · 14 min read

Traits
Trait: Muscle Growth (IGF-1)
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Traits
Trait: Fuel Usage (UCP2)
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Muscle Hypertrophy (mTOR)
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Mitochondria and Energy
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Serotonin Synthesis
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Dopamine Metabolism (MAO)
Haran Sivapalan · 6 min read

Traits
Trait: Dopamine Metabolism (COMT)
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: Adrenaline Acute Response
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Traits
Trait: Adrenaline Baseline Level
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Estrogen Production
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Fasting Blood Glucose
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait: Blood Flow and Calcium
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Leptin Resistance
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Exercise
Optimizing cortisol for exercise and recovery
Haran Sivapalan · 10 min reaed

Science
Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction
Haran Sivapalan · 11 min read

Traits
Trait: Blood Calcium Level
Haran Sivapalan · 12 min read

Traits
Trait: Melatonin, Sleep and Glucose
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Nutrition
The truth about eggs and cholesterol
Haran Sivapalan · 5 min read

Traits
Trait: Testosterone Level
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Traits
Trait: BH4 Synthesis and Recycling
Haran Sivapalan · 6 min read

Science
Your Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and why it’s important
Haran Sivapalan · 15 min read

Traits
Trait: Nitric Oxide and Blood Flow
Haran Sivapalan · 13 min read

Supplements
How much magnesium do I need?
Haran Sivapalan · 8 min read

Exercise
5 effects of exercise on your heart
Haran Sivapalan · 6 min read

Science
Are American Football Players Obese?
Haran Sivapalan · 6 min read

Nutrition
Are you sure you have a food allergy?
Haran Sivapalan · 7 min read

Behaviour
The SMART guide to New Year’s Resolutions
Geraldine Campbell · 5 min read

Science
Are you salt sensitive?
Haran Sivapalan · 5 min read

Behaviour
Prepare to fail
Geraldine Campbell · 7 min read

Exercise
5 mental health benefits of strength training
Haran Sivapalan · 5 min read

User Guide
How To Upload Your Family Tree DNA Data To FitnessGenes
Alex Auld · 2 min read

Science
Decoding the genetics of marathon runners
Haran Sivapalan · 6 min read

Science
Homocysteine and your folate genes explained
Geraldine Campbell · 5 min read

Exercise
What is my lactate threshold?
Geraldine Campbell · 7 min read

Nutrition
Why you should eat whole-grain foods
Haran Sivapalan · 6 min read

Exercise
Working out with PCOS
Geraldine Campbell · 4 min read

User Guide
How To Upload Your Ancestry.com DNA Data To FitnessGenes
Alex Auld · 2 min read

User Guide
How To Upload Your Living DNA Data To FitnessGenes
Alex Auld · 2 min read

User Guide
How To Upload Your MyHeritage DNA Data To FitnessGenes
Alex Auld · 2 min read

User Guide
How To Upload Your Atlas Biomed DNA Data To FitnessGenes
Alex Auld · 2 min read

User Guide
How To Upload Your 23andMe DNA Data To FitnessGenes
Alex Auld · 2 min read

Exercise
Running economy
Geraldine Campbell · 6 min read

Exercise
Does my butt look big in these genes?
Geraldine Campbell · 6 min read

Exercise
What’s the difference between fast and slow twitch muscle fibers?
Geraldine Campbell · 4 min read

Exercise
What’s the difference between bodybuilding, powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting?
Geraldine Campbell · 7 min read

Exercise
Bilateral vs. unilateral exercises. Whats the difference?
Geraldine Campbell · 7 min read

Behaviour
The mind-muscle connection: How to lift with your head
FitnessGenes · 8 min read

Science
Will you experience menopause the same as your mother?
FitnessGenes · 6 min read

Science
How your resting metabolic rate impacts your body composition
FitnessGenes · 8 min read

Nutrition
Borlotti beans - a plant protein powerhouse
Alex Auld · 3 min read

Nutrition
Subcutaneous vs Visceral fat. Which do you carry?
Alex Auld · 6 min read

Nutrition
The health benefits of beetroot
FitnessGenes · 5 min read

Nutrition
What Makes Chickpeas a ’Complete Protein’?
Geraldine Campbell · 4 min read

Nutrition
Grits For Gains
FitnessGenes · 4 min read

Science
The physiology of hidden muscles: Diaphragm
FitnessGenes · 5 min read

Science
Why Do Jamaicans Dominate Sprinting and East Africans Dominate Distance Running?
Geraldine Campbell · 6 min read

Exercise
Performance, genetics and VO2 Max
FitnessGenes · 6 min read

Exercise
How your muscles work: The energy systems used during exercise
Geraldine Campbell · 6 min read

Exercise
What does 3010 mean? Understanding Tempo
Alex Auld · 2 min read

Supplements
4 Essential Reasons Why You Should Be Boosting Your Nitric Oxide Levels!
FitnessGenes · 2 min read

Science
What’s the deal with Myostatin?
FitnessGenes · 3 min read