DNA Sport examines various biological areas that impact training responsiveness and sporting performance. These include soft tissue and bone formation and remodelling; inflammation; oxidative stress; oxygenation influenced by blood flow and respiration; energy and fuel production; and metabolism during exercise. Knowledge of gene variations that influence these key biological areas can be used to exploit any genetic advantages and identify any weaknesses that need to be supported, through diet and the training strategies.

Clinical Value

Suitable for the recreational athlete and the elite performance athlete, it provides information to optimise:

• Power and endurance – physiological factors
• Structural integrity – tendon pathology and injury risk
• Recovery – training patterns and nutrition

The DNA Sport Test Report provides:

• The level of impact of any genetic variants identified
• An explanation of their impact on sport performance, injury and recovery risk
• Appropriate nutritional and lifestyle recommendations in relation to health and sports  performance, including power and endurance, athletic potential and key training principles, injury and recovery

Tests for:

Genetic markers for athletic fitness and performance

Analytes measured:

Power and Endurance

AGT:  An essential component of the renin-angiotensin system. It influences exercise and training methods for best results.

ACE: Responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II – influencing vasodilation  and vasoconstriction. VEGF An endothelial cell proliferator involved in blood vessel growth to increase oxygenation and thus impact VO2max. BDRKB Influences the communication between the renin-angiotensin and kainin-kalikrein systems impacting thirst and fluid loss.

ACTN:  An actin-binding protein that influences the function of fast-twitch muscle fibres.

ADRB2:  Associated with blood vessel growth to meet the needs of the active tissue and so influencing oxygenation and VO2max.

NRF-2:  Improves respiratory capacity and increases ATP production during exercise.

PPARGC1A:  Associated with the mediation of the initial phase of exercise and increasing mitochondrial biogenesis.

PPARA:  Associated with lipid and glucose metabolism.

TRHR:  Thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulates the release of thyroid stimulating hormone and metabolic rate.

VDR:  Has a profound influence on bone density.

IL-6:  Plays a crucial role in inflammation by regulating the expression of C reactive protein (CRP)

Injury and Recovery

GDF5:  Plays a role in the development and healing of the skeletal system and soft tissues.

COL1A1:  A collagen protein found in tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

COL5A1:  Forms one of the minor fibrillar collagens of tendons and ligaments.

Il-6:  Influences cytokine induced inflammation.

CRP:  Raises the inflammatory response in the body.

IL-6:  Plays a crucial role in inflammation and regulates expression of C reactive protein (CRP).

TNF-A:  A pro-inflammatory cytokine, secreted by both macrophages and adipocytes, which has been shown to alter whole body glucose homeostasis.

SOD2:  Superoxide dismutase a potent antioxidant enzyme.

Test type:

DNA: Genes, genetics, fitness, performance

Sample required:

Buccal swab

Average processing time:

18-21 days

Privacy policy:

The DNA and the original sample material are destroyed after 3 months, so that there are no names or other identifiers on the samples. The samples are analysed only for the SNPs that are included in the tests at DNALife, and no other research or analyses are performed without a separate permission from the patient. We do not give or sell the results to any third parties.