Обзор Living DNA 2024 — насколько точен этот ДНК-тест?

Наш рейтинг:
9.4
9.4
Тип сбора ДНК:
Ротовой мазок
Гео-регионы:
150 регионов
Тип теста ДНК:
Аутосомная, mtDNA, YDNA
Время получения результатов:
6-8 Недели
  • Происхождение
  • Diet & Nutrition
Автор — Мосс Штерн, 11 марта 2020 г.
  • Происхождение
  • Diet & Nutrition

LivingDNA Overview: Health and Ancestry Insights in One Test?

LivingDNA offers a thorough examination of your ancestry and health with three testing options: Ancestry, Well-being, and a combined test that includes both. These tests provide detailed insights, from tracing your ancestral roots across 80 regions to assessing how your genetics may influence your health.

A key feature is the ‘Family Networks’ option, which allows you to connect with relatives who have also taken the test. This makes LivingDNA one of the most comprehensive genealogy DNA services available. Whether you’re focused on exploring your family history or understanding genetic health risks, LivingDNA offers a test suited to your goals.

However, it’s important to note that LivingDNA is not without its flaws. Improvements could be made, such as faster turnaround times for results. I plan to explore these aspects and more in an upcoming review. Stay tuned for a detailed analysis of what LivingDNA has to offer.

Get Started With LivingDNA

Features

DNA-based ancestry reports typically offer insights into your ethnic heritage and geographical origins, primarily based on autosomal DNA inherited from both parents. Some services, including Living DNA, go further by analyzing Y-DNA for males and mitochondrial DNA for individuals of any sex, providing information about ancient paternal and maternal lineages. Additionally, these companies often leverage their databases to compare your DNA with others, potentially helping you discover relatives.

Now, let’s delve into what Living DNA specifically provides in these aspects and assess its effectiveness, starting with an exploration of their Recent Ancestry section.

Recent Ancestry

By “recent ancestry,” Living DNA doesn’t just mean a few generations; this report includes familial information for the past 500 years! In addition to telling me that I am 32.4% Germanic and 13.4% Northeast European/Baltic, the results also indicated that 28% of my ancestors came from the Near East (especially Turkey):

Living DNA Ethnicity Estimate Results

This is strange since other DNA tests have told me that I’m about half European (fine), half Ashkenazi Jewish (not identified here), and 3% Asian (not indicated at all). I know that my father’s side of the family is pretty much 100% Ashkenazi Jewish. There’s also plenty of anecdotal evidence that I have some East Asian heritage, which has been corroborated by other DNA tests I’ve taken.

For these reasons, I doubt the precision of Living DNA’s ancestry assessments. However, it’s important to note that Living DNA analyzes far fewer geo-regions than some of its competitors. AncestryDNA and 23andMe’s ethnicity estimates include 1,000+ geo-regions, while Living DNA’s reports only have 150. This is likely why these results seemed less accurate than what I had received in other reports.

One thing I really appreciated about Living DNA’s reports was the storytelling and historical context. You can click on any of the listed ethnicities to learn more about those historic populations. If you’re interested in your Neanderthal ancestry, you can get an upgrade and find out more about your history. 

Maternal and Paternal Migrations

Analysis of my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) associates me with maternal haplogroup H (subclade H2a) which identifies ancestors who migrated around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

This agrees with analysis by 23andMe, so I conclude that both companies are probably correct.

My Y-DNA analysis places me in the paternal haplogroup J2 (subclade J-M92), tracing ancestral migrations across Iberia, the Middle East, and Africa. This finding is consistent with results from 23andMe.

I like the Living DNA’s visual representation which combines a textual historical narrative (on the left) with very clear pictorial population migration lines (on the right). 23andMe does something very similar with its presentations of maternal and paternal migration paths.

DNA Matches

This section, which Living DNA calls “Family Networks,” shows which other Living DNA customers appear to be biologically related to you (and how). You can view more details for each potential relative or attempt to contact them, but only if you’ve opted in for this service via the single-click opt-in button on your dashboard. LivingDNA’s Chromosome Browser is a tool designed for users to visually explore their genetic data across chromosomes. It allows you to compare your DNA segments with those of family members or others in the database, aiding in understanding genetic connections and ancestry.

LivingDNA’s Shared Maps feature provides users with a graphical representation of where their matches’ ancestors come from, enhancing the understanding of geographical and ethnic backgrounds. The Match Box tool in LivingDNA offers a space where users can view and manage their DNA matches, enabling them to see how they are genetically connected to others in the LivingDNA database. This tool aids in the exploration of familial relationships and ancestral connections.

My Story in Print

You have the option to purchase a printed book containing your Living DNA ancestry report along with contextual information. While 23andMe offers a similar service at a lower cost, most other companies don’t provide this option.

My book looked like this:

Living DNA Printed Ancestry Book

It would be an understatement to say that I was disappointed. The structure of the book partially parallels the online ancestry report, but advises “for the full list of your regional percentages, visit the Living DNA portal.”

What this means in practice is that the recent ancestry portion of my report focused on the “Near East” ancestry that I think Living DNA got wrong for me. The sections on my maternal and paternal haplogroups were pretty much the same as what was shown online.

The remainder of the book is the same for every customer. It discusses the history and science of DNA sequencing, the history of human divergence out of Africa, the story of the discovery of DNA, and the history of Living DNA. Naturally, I’d prefer more personalized content.

Value-Added Features

  • Tests autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y-DNA. Many companies do not offer the latter two or charge separately for them.
  • Includes migration routes and accompanying historical context.
  • You can order a printed report, which you can’t do with most other companies.

See Living DNA Deals

Other Kits Available

  • You can also buy a Wellbeing Kit (discussed next) either separately or combined with the Ancestry test.

How It Works

Taking any of Living DNA’s tests couldn’t be easier:

  1. Order a test kit. Choose from one of the available options, depending on what you want to learn. 

  2. Create an account online. Follow the steps to create your own account where you’ll receive results.

  3. Swab the inside of your mouth (having not eaten, drunk, or chewed gum for at least 30 minutes), then mail in your sample. That’s it!

After about six to eight weeks, you should receive an email telling you that your results are ready, which is a bit longer than it takes many competitor companies to tell you the same thing.

If you’ve already had your DNA tested by 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage, you can upload your raw DNA data to get a limited selection of Living DNA reports for free! That’s pretty cool. At the very least, you’ll be able to compare the different companies’ findings.

Plans & Pricing

Living DNA offers five purchasing options to choose from:

  1. The Ancestry Kit.
  2. The Wellbeing Kit is cost-competitive with other companies. The companies that cost more tend to provide greater insight and features, such as meal and exercise plans.
  3. The combined Wellbeing and Ancestry Kit is of good value compared with other companies’ combined tests. This package includes all of the information from the full ancestry and wellbeing kits.
  4. A raw DNA data upload option gives you results for free. However, you only get your ethnic data broken down into eight world regions and the ability to match with potential relatives. Nutrition and fitness reports are both listed as “coming soon.”

When it comes to Wellbeing, I think the report is worth the price. As for Ancestry, I would personally prefer to spend more for greater accuracy.

If you decide to purchase one of Living DNA’s test kits, you can pay via PayPal or using your Visa/Mastercard/American Express credit card.

Support

If you have any questions about Living DNA’s tests, the Support Center page looks to have more detailed, scientific answers than many other DNA testing companies. If you can’t find answers to your questions, you can call the company, send an email, or submit a support request.

Completing the form can be somewhat tedious, especially with the need to navigate through multiple CAPTCHA challenges. Despite this, I persevered and managed to submit my inquiries.

My first question was about the countries to which Living DNA ships their tests. The response I got was rather broad, suggesting I check the list of countries on their website for the information.

Regarding my last query, which concerned the delay in receiving my Wellbeing report, it was discovered that my DNA sample and Wellbeing test order had been misplaced by the company. As a resolution, they sent me a new test kit, allowing me to begin the process anew.

In summary, I’ve had better support experiences with DNA testing companies that have answered my questions more thoroughly and that have not lost my orders or samples.

Bottom Line

Living DNA offers some of the most affordable test kits on the market.

The Wellbeing report appeared to be pretty accurate and included an affordable summary of how your DNA might influence your diet and fitness regimes.

Unfortunately, the Ancestry report left me unsatisfied, thanks to its apparent inaccuracies regarding my heritage. It was disappointing, especially when you compare the report to what you would get with Ancestry. However, if you’ve already received a DNA test from AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or 23andMe, there’s no harm in comparing your results for free.

In summary, while I probably wouldn’t order the ancestry test again, I would invest in the Wellness report.

FAQ

How accurate is Living DNA?

The accuracy of Living DNA’s ancestry test results depends on who is taking the test. The company is based in the U.K., and a large percentage of its customers live in the U.K. and Europe. Since DNA from those regions is very well represented in its customer base, Living DNA is able to estimate European ancestry with a high level of accuracy.

However, some populations are not well represented, and consequently are less likely to be identified accurately. For instance, half of our reviewer’s ancestors are Ashkenazi (i.e. European) Jews, and Living DNA completely missed this fact in its ethnicity estimate – while claiming that he had a significant amount of Turkish ancestry, when in fact he has none. 

For its Wellbeing test, Living DNA looks at certain genetic markers known to be associated with traits such as propensity for weight gain, likelihood of having a particular vitamin deficiency, or likelihood of being lactose intolerant. While these findings may help you to better understand your body and more effectively achieve your wellness goals, they should be taken with a grain of salt. Having a marker for a particular trait doesn’t mean you definitely have that trait, and lacking a marker for it doesn’t mean you definitely don’t have it.

Can you upload raw DNA data to Living DNA?

Yes, Living DNA allows you to upload your raw data from AncestryDNA, 23AndMe, MyHeritage, and FamilyTree DNA. Once you’ve done so, you can access their family matching service for free, but will have to pay a small fee to receive certain other reports based on your data.

How do you interpret Living DNA data?

Living DNA’s ancestry report includes an estimate of which ethnicities lie in your family’s background, as well as which maternal and paternal haplogroups you’re most likely descended from. The company’s wellbeing report analyzes your genetic predispositions for endurance, exercise, diet, nutrient absorption, and other genetic traits.

How long does it take to receive results from a Living DNA test?

Once Living DNA has received your genetic sample, your results should be ready within 6-8 weeks. Our reviewer’s Wellbeing report took more than 11 weeks! By contrast, 23andMe promises results within 2-4 weeks, and our reviewer received his in a little more than one week.

Who should consider taking a Living DNA test?

If you’re looking for a thorough but affordable ancestry test, Living DNA may be an excellent choice. Unlike most other vendors, Living DNA’s ancestry test not only includes an ethnicity estimate but also traces your maternal and paternal haplogroups back hundreds of thousands of years. With that said, our reviewer’s ethnicity estimate from Living DNA was way off base, so it may not produce satisfying results for everyone. You might be better off with other top ancestry DNA tests, including MyHeritage and AncestryDNA

Living DNA’s wellbeing test gives you a reasonably thorough analysis of how your DNA may affect your endurance, exercise, diet, nutrient absorption, and other genetic traits. Our reviewer found his wellbeing results far more accurate than his ancestry report. 23andMe’s health report covers many of these same wellness traits, but also explores your risk of getting certain diseases or passing others on to your children.

A Detailed Look at the Diet and Fitness Test

DNA tests for diet and fitness typically explore how your genetic traits influence your energy levels, food tolerances, plus your ability to lose weight, build muscle, and absorb nutrients. Some also provide personalized meal plans, exercise routines, and recommendations for supplements.

Let’s see how well Living DNA’s Wellbeing Kit stands up to its competitors in this category.

Wellbeing Report

This report is structured very differently from the ancestry report. You can choose a focus (healthy eating, longevity, digestion, strength, flexibility, stamina, weight management, energy) to see the relevant DNA results:

Living DNA Wellbeing Report Sections

There’s some overlap between the focuses. For example, the healthy eating, weight management, and energy focuses all include my genetic tendency to not metabolize vitamin D very well. Also, some of the information seems to be categorized wrongly. For example, I don’t believe lactose tolerance/intolerance is relevant to weight management.

The “All Reports” section provides a good “unfocused” overview of your fitness-related traits:

Living DNA Wellbeing Report Nutrition and Fitness Results

You can click through for more detail in any particular area, such as “Maximum strength”:

Living DNA Wellbeing Report Maximum Strength Results

A lot of this information is in-line with my personal experiences, and it confirms a genetic basis for why I just can’t bulk up. I’ve lifted weights on and off throughout my life, with little effect, so it’s good to finally learn that “Pushing yourself with heavy weights may not be optimal for your muscle type.”

Since I’m genetically incapable of becoming a bodybuilder, I can now save myself a lot of toil, tears, and sweat in the gym.

Another thing that Living DNA got right about me is the fact that my tendons may be more prone to injury due to my genes. I do have ongoing issues with the tendons and ligaments in my ankles, and I tore my biceps tendon a few years ago only by opening a window with one hand. It was no fun at all, and emergency surgery ensued!

Summing Up the Wellbeing Report

While I have some issues with the way the information is presented, it appears to be accurate. It is consistent with my own lived experiences and with what other companies’ diet and fitness DNA tests have told me.

The fact that Living DNA puts your genetic traits in the context of how they may affect your diet and fitness goals also has some value. However, it’s important to remember that just because you have a genetic predisposition doesn’t mean you will definitely experience a certain trait or condition. It’s just helpful to know what you should look out for.

It’s not all good news. Unlike Vitagene (for example), Living DNA doesn’t provide personalized meal plans, exercise routines, or nutritional supplement regimens.

See Living DNA Deals

Value-Added Features

  • View your genetic traits in the context of how they could affect your wellness goals.
  • Includes actionable insights that can inform your exercise routine.
  • Provides recommendations for nutrients that you may be lacking.

Other Kits Available

  • Living DNA also offers a separate ancestry test (which was discussed above) and a combined ancestry and wellbeing kit

Similar Tests to Consider

  • Vitagene gauges your genetic predispositions for diet, exercise, and nutrition responses. Plus, it provides customized meal plans and fitness regimens. An ancestry report is also included at no extra charge.
  • Orig3n offers a “Fitness and Nutrition Bundle,” which explores your genetic tendencies concerning exercise recovery, metabolism, muscle strength, hunger and weight, food sensitivities, nutrient absorption, and more.
  • HomeDNA has a “Healthy Weight” test that offers you diet and exercise strategies tailored to your genotype.

Competitive Pricing, with Free Results from Raw DNA Data

Living DNA offers five purchasing options to choose from:

  1. The Ancestry Kit is priced pretty much the same as the MyHeritage ancestry test and less than the cost of the ancestry tests from 23andMe or AncestryDNA. The printed version is more expensive than 23andMe’s similar offering.
  2. The Wellbeing Kit is cost-competitive with other companies. The companies that cost more tend to provide greater insight and features, such as meal and exercise plans.
  3. The combined Wellbeing and Ancestry Kit is of good value compared with other companies’ combined tests. This package includes all of the information from the full ancestry and wellbeing kits.
  4. A raw DNA data upload option gives you results for free. However, you only get your ethnic data broken down into eight world regions and the ability to match with potential relatives. Nutrition and fitness reports are both listed as “coming soon.”

When it comes to Wellbeing, I think the report is worth the price. As for Ancestry, I would personally prefer to spend more for greater accuracy.

If you decide to purchase one of Living DNA’s test kits, you can pay via PayPal or using your Visa/Mastercard/American Express credit card.

Somewhat Variable Support

If you have any questions about Living DNA’s tests, the Support Center page looks to have more detailed, scientific answers than many other DNA testing companies. If you can’t find answers to your questions, you can call the company, send an email, or submit a support request:

Filling out the form is a little time-consuming. You have to go through several CAPTCHA challenges, but I battled through a few times to submit some questions.

I asked a question about which countries Living DNA ships tests to, and I received a generic answer advising me to browse the country list on the website.

My final question related to my Wellbeing report, which I was still waiting to receive after several months. It turns out that the company had lost my DNA sample and my order for the Wellbeing test. In the end, I was mailed a new test kit so that I could start all over again.

In summary, I’ve had better support experiences with DNA testing companies that have answered my questions more thoroughly and which have not lost my orders or samples.

Wellbeing, Pretty Good. Ancestry, Fairly Flawed.

Living DNA offers some of the most affordable test kits on the market.

The Wellbeing report appeared to be pretty accurate and included an affordable summary of how your DNA might influence your diet and fitness regimes.

Unfortunately, the Ancestry report left me unsatisfied, thanks to its apparent inaccuracies regarding my heritage. It was disappointing, especially when you compare the report to what you would get with 23andMe, which – as well as being more accurate – also included a percentage Neanderthal assessment. However, if you’ve already received a DNA test from AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or 23andMe, there’s no harm in comparing your results for free.

In summary, while I probably wouldn’t order the ancestry test again, I would invest in the Wellness report.

See Living DNA Deals

FAQ

How accurate is Living DNA?

The accuracy of Living DNA’s test results depends on who is taking the test. Some populations are much more well represented in the company’s database than others, and if your ethnic background doesn’t match Living DNA‘s most well-represented populations, your ethnicity estimate isn’t likely to be very accurate.

Can you upload raw DNA data to Living DNA?

Yes, Living DNA allows you to upload your raw data from AncestryDNA, 23AndMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTree DNA, Illumina, and Geno 2.0. Once you’ve done so, you can access their family matching service for free, but will have to pay a small fee to receive certain other reports based on your data.

How do you interpret Living DNA data?

Living DNA’s ancestry report includes an estimate of which ethnicities lie in your family’s background, as well as which maternal and paternal haplogroups you’re most likely descended from. The company’s wellbeing report analyzes your genetic predispositions for endurance, exercise, diet, nutrient absorption, and other genetic traits.

How long does it take to receive results from a Living DNA test?

Once Living DNA has received your genetic sample, your results should be ready within 6-8 weeks.

Who should consider taking a LivingDNA test?

Living DNA is a good choice for those looking for a thorough but affordable DNA test. Unlike most other vendors, LivingDNA’s ancestry test not only includes an ethnicity estimate but also traces your maternal and paternal haplogroups back hundreds of thousands of years. The company’s wellbeing test gives you a reasonably thorough analysis of how your DNA may affect your endurance, exercise, diet, nutrient absorption, and other genetic traits.

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Мосс Штерн
Мосс Штерн
Автор
Мосс Штерн — профессиональный писатель, который увлекается музыкой, фантастикой, любит кататься на велосипеде, играть в Скрабл, обожает науку и медицину. Проживает рядом с Филадельфией (Пенсильвания, США).

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