How to understand your DNA test results: all you need to know
For many people, receiving DNA test results can feel overwhelming. Reports often contain unfamiliar terms, detailed tables, and a flood of nutritional or health recommendations. But decoding your DNA isn’t meant to confuse you, it’s designed to empower you with knowledge about your body and how to support it.
In this guide, we’ll simplify the process of understanding DNA test results, highlight the main report types, explain key terms, and show how to use this information to make informed choices about your health and wellbeing.
Why DNA test results can be confusing
DNA reports are usually delivered as digital dashboards or PDF summaries. Depending on the provider, they may include a wide range of information, which often contains:
- Technical terminology – terms like “genotype” or “allele” can be unfamiliar.
- Data overload – pages of food lists, markers, and recommendations.
- Unclear next steps – knowing what’s actionable versus what’s just background information.
Without guidance, it’s easy to feel lost. But once you know how to read the structure, DNA results become a powerful roadmap for personalised health.
Common terms in DNA reports
Understanding a few key terms makes DNA reports far less intimidating:
- Genetic Variants (SNPs) – Small changes in your DNA sequence that can influence how your body processes nutrients or responds to certain health risks.
- Genotype – Your personal combination of genetic variants. Think of it as your body’s “setting” for a particular trait.
- Risk Alleles – Variations in DNA that research has linked with higher susceptibility to health issues, such as difficulty absorbing vitamins or increased cholesterol.
In Smart Salem’s reports, these terms are often paired with clear symbols and colours to show whether foods or nutrients are recommended, limited, or restricted.
Download sample report on this page.
Types of DNA test reports
DNA testing covers a wide range of areas. With Smart Salem, results are grouped into categories that make it easier to apply to daily life:
Health risk reports
Highlight predispositions to certain conditions. For example, the Telomere Genetics Report in Smart DNA – Age Well, estimates biological age at a cellular level by analysing telomere length, helping you understand ageing processes and adopt preventative lifestyle strategies.
Trait reports
Cover physical and lifestyle traits, such as metabolism speed, caffeine sensitivity, or vitamin absorption.
Wellness reports
Focus on broader lifestyle insights like sleep patterns, stress response, and diet optimisation. The Smart DNA Nutrition Package, for instance, produces tailored food lists that indicate which foods to prioritise, reduce, or restrict, based on your genetics.
How to interpret your results responsibly
Receiving a DNA report isn’t about getting a definitive medical diagnosis; it’s about understanding predispositions and tendencies. Here are three golden rules:
- Don’t panic over risk markers – A higher risk allele doesn’t mean certainty, just predisposition.
- Focus on actionable results – For example, adjusting your diet if your results show reduced vitamin D absorption.
- Seek expert guidance – DNA results are most useful when interpreted alongside your medical history, lifestyle, and clinical tests.
Turning DNA insights into action
Looking at the bigger picture
DNA results should be seen as part of your wider health strategy. For example:
- Nutrition – adjusting diet based on how your body absorbs vitamins and minerals.
- Lifestyle – tailoring exercise routines to your genetic strengths.
- Disease risk – using early signals as a prompt for preventative check-ups.
- Ageing – adopting anti-ageing strategies based on cellular health age.
Before making major changes, it’s vital to:
- Consult healthcare professionals – to ensure recommendations are safe and appropriate for you.
- Seek genetic counselling – when results show strong hereditary risks or if you feel uncertain about their emotional impact.
Turning Smart Salem’s results into actions
Smart Salem provides four DNA testing packages that turn complex insights into clear, actionable steps:
- Smart DNA Nutrition Package – Generates personalised food lists with recommendations to increase or reduce certain foods, identifies intolerances (e.g. lactose, gluten), and highlights potential vitamin deficiencies.
- Smart DNA Age Well Profile – Compares your biological and chronological age using telomere length analysis, with supplement and lifestyle recommendations to slow cellular ageing.
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Smart DNA Hair Loss Profile – Identifies genetic factors contributing to hair thinning and loss, with personalised treatment and lifestyle recommendations to support healthier, stronger hair.
- Smart DNA Acne Profile – Pinpoints genetic drivers of acne, with tailored treatment and skincare recommendations to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Conclusion: empowerment through knowledge
Understanding your DNA results is less about decoding endless tables and more about focusing on practical, actionable steps. Your DNA is not your destiny, but it is a valuable tool for making informed lifestyle choices.
With Smart Salem’s accredited testing and expert guidance, DNA insights can be transformed into personalised health and wellness strategies, giving you clarity and confidence about your next steps.
FAQs
What should I focus on first in my DNA results?
Start with actionable insights, such as nutrient absorption, food sensitivities, or wellness recommendations.
Can DNA results be wrong?
DNA sequencing is highly accurate, but interpretation can vary. Always review results with a healthcare professional. This is included in all Smart DNA packages at Smart Salem.
Do I need to share my DNA results with my doctor?
Yes, especially if results highlight health-related risks. Doctors and dietitians can provide clinical context and an expert consultation is included with each package. This is recommended after the consultation at Smart Salem.
How often should I retest my DNA?
Your DNA doesn’t change, so one test is usually enough. However, retesting may be useful as scientific interpretation evolves.
Will my DNA change over time?
No. Your DNA stays the same, but factors like ageing (e.g., telomere length) can change and provide fresh insights.
