Vitl Overview: Nutrition Plans With a Sales Pitch
Founded in 2015, Vitl is one of the newer healthcare startups offering free consultations to determine your nutritional needs based on your DNA. Knowing the best approach for your body could save you time and money by not having to experiment with diets and workouts that won’t work for you.
If you don’t yet have a nutrition plan, you could consider taking a Vitl DNA nutrition test, but beware the subtle sales pitch for its non-synthetic vitamin supplements (with vegan and vegetarian options available). It’s vital that you know the ins and outs before you take Vitl’s test, so let me take you on a tour.
How Vitl Works: A Simple Way to Send In Your DNA
One way in which Vitl stands out from other DNA tests is in its presentation. The test arrives in a bright yellow box that slides open when you pull a ribbon on the front, which makes it feel more like a gift rather than a scientific test.
Whether it’s your first at-home test or your fiftieth, the process is straightforward and painless:
- Order online, for delivery to the USA, UK, and most European countries
- Register your kit using the enclosed code
- Collect your cheek swab sample
- Return the sample in the prepaid envelope provided
- Wait for notification that your results are ready
You can collect your sample at any time of the day, just be sure not to eat or drink anything for at least an hour before taking the test.
5 Standout Features of Vitl
1. Find Workouts That Fit Your Muscle Composition
Understanding your body composition can be beneficial when deciding on an effective exercise routine. Vitl’s DNA Nutrition Test can provide vital insights into how your body stores fat and puts on muscle so that you know what speed and strength-based exercises will work best for you.
2. Discover What Micronutrients Your Body Has Difficulty Absorbing
Genes play a part in how well your body absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat. There are even deficiencies that can interfere with your ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. The Vitl test can tell you if your body is likely to have trouble absorbing key micronutrients, such as iron, omega 3, and vitamin D.
3. Learn What Effects Coffee and Alcohol Can Have on Your Health
Drinking coffee or alcohol can change a person’s behavior or complexion, potentially leading to adverse effects. Vitl’s DNA test can reveal traits related to popular beverages, such as flushing from alcohol or getting anxious after a cup or two of coffee.
4. Access Health Reports Backed by Scientific Evidence
Many of the insights provided by Vitl’s DNA test relate to food intolerances (e.g., gluten) or sensitivity to fruit sugars. It’s interesting to note that Vitl doesn’t report on things like lactose intolerance, because there’s not currently sufficient evidence to back up the role that genetics play. All of Vitl’s labs – whether for blood testing or DNA testing – have the highest accreditations and certifications.
5. Get Personalized Recommendations from Nutrition Experts
Vitl’s tests are accompanied by expert advice on how to get the most out of your results. The in-house team can tell you what to do with the results discovered from your DNA, which could form the basis of your new diet and fitness plan. A customer support team is also readily available to answer any questions you have along the way (more on that in just a bit).
Snapshots of Genetic Traits in Multiple Categories
It takes only two to three weeks for Vitl’s Illumina-certified lab to analyze your DNA and notify you that your results are ready. From a simple cheek swab, Vitl generates a wealth of personalized information that is neatly organized into six categories:
- Diet and Intolerance
- Hair and Skin (Beauty)
- Fitness
- Pregnancy
- Sleep and Energy
- Vitamin Levels (Health)
Diet and Intolerance
This category focuses on how your DNA can affect your digestion. The reports cover:
- Appetite and binge eating
- Use of dietary saturated fats
- Alcohol flush
- Gluten intolerance
- Sweet tooth dental decay
- Sweet tooth tendency
- Colon transfer
- IBS and GERD
- Fructosuria
- Caffeine-induced anxiety
Hair and Skin (Beauty)
This category focuses on how your DNA can affect your skin and hair appearance. The reports cover:
- Skin antioxidant capacity
- Premature greying (men)
- Acne
- Eczema
Fitness
This category focuses on how your DNA can affect your ideal workout routines and how to best reach your fitness goals. The reports cover:
- Glycolytic capacity in strength training
- Lipid and glucose metabolism in speed sports
- Fat vs. muscle composition
Pregnancy
This category focuses on how your DNA can affect your body during pregnancy. The reports cover:
- Omega 3 and 6 during pregnancy
- Vitamin B12 in pregnancy
- Pregnancy weight
- Folate during pregnancy
Sleep and Energy
This focuses on how your DNA can affect your sleep habits. The reports cover:
- Caffeine metabolism
- Sleep bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Sleep behavior
- Sleep movements
Vitamin Levels (Health)
This category focuses on how your DNA can affect your nutrient absorption. The reports cover:
- Vitamin A
- Omega 3 & 6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Folate
How Vitl Compares Against Other Companies
| Vitl | MyToolbox Genomics | Self Decode | InsideTracker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Personalized nutrition and wellness solutions | Genetic testing for personalized health and wellness | Genetic testing for health, longevity, and biohacking | Personalized blood-based biomarker analysis for health optimization |
| DNA Testing | Yes – Analyzes genetic markers related to nutrition and metabolism | Yes – Genetic testing for personalized health | Yes – Comprehensive genetic testing for various health factors | No – Focuses on blood-based biomarker analysis |
| Personalization | Yes – Personalized vitamin subscriptions based on health assessment | Yes – Provides personalized health recommendations | Yes – Offers personalized insights based on genetic data | Yes – Provides personalized recommendations based on blood test results |
| Dietary Restrictions | Yes – Considers dietary restrictions in personalized vitamin subscriptions | Varies – Depends on testing options chosen | Varies – Depends on testing options chosen | Varies – Depends on blood test results |
| Privacy | Committed to data privacy and security | Privacy practices in place, review policy for details | Privacy practices in place, review policy for details | Privacy practices in place, review policy for details |
| Additional Services | Offers wellness products and supplements | Focuses on genetic testing for personalized health | Offers comprehensive genetic testing and biohacking insights | Provides blood-based biomarker analysis for health optimization |
| Customer Support | Yes – Provides customer support | Yes – Should provide customer support | Yes – Provides customer support | Yes – Provides customer support |
Vitl Privacy: Destroys Samples After Analysis
Vitl takes user privacy and data security seriously. They are committed to safeguarding the personal information collected from their customers and ensuring its confidentiality. When users provide personal information during the sign-up process or when using Vitl’s services, it is handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Vitl employs industry-standard security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. This includes encryption protocols, secure servers, and regular monitoring of their systems for any vulnerabilities or threats.
The personal information collected by Vitl is used to provide personalized recommendations, improve their products and services, and communicate relevant updates or promotions to customers. They do not share personal information with third parties for marketing purposes without explicit consent. Your sample will be destroyed after analysis and if you want the data deleted as well, you can submit a request via email.
Vitl’s privacy policy provides transparency regarding the types of personal data collected, how it is used, and the rights individuals have over their data. Users have the right to access, rectify, or delete their personal information, and they can manage their communication preferences through their Vitl account settings.
Vitl Pricing: One DNA Test, One Price
If we disregard its separate Vitamin and Cholesterol Blood Test, Vitl offers just one DNA test at a single price.
For a report of comparable detail, you’ll pay a similar price if you go with a competitor like Vitagene. These vendors, however, also offer a greater range of tests (at various prices) to choose from.
It’s also worth noting that Vitl regularly has sales, which can equal greater value at the end of the day. More good news is that you’ll only have to submit a sample once, even if more reports are made available in the future – this is because your DNA data will never change. However, please keep in mind that you won’t be able to upload raw data from another company. This is usually the cheaper option, but with Vitl, it’s not available.
You will have to pay for the shipping of your Vitl test kit, but the return postage for your sample is prepaid. You can pay by Apple Pay or with any major credit card.
Vitl Customer Support: Satisfactory Support That Almost Answered All My Questions
Vitl’s website is clean, organized, and not overwhelming. For additional information, it includes links to an informative blog and an FAQ page:
Since these resources didn’t answer all my questions, I contacted the company via email (from the UK) and received an initial reply within about six hours (from the US). We then interacted a few times on the same email thread.
While the representative didn’t answer all my questions about the traits Vitl tests for, she did tell me which countries the test kits can be shipped to:
Consider a Test to Start Feeling Your Best
Vitl’s DNA test only reports on the parts of your genetics that are vital for diet and fitness, so it doesn’t provide the ancestry and congenial risk reports that competitors like MyHeritage and 23andMe offer. This said, it costs less and provides more targeted information in this specific category, so you get what you pay for.
The real value is in discovering what your DNA says about your body’s likely responses to diet and fitness before engaging with a nutritionist, finding a fitness coach, or embarking on your own ill-informed adventures into self-improvement.
FAQs About Vitl
What is Vitl’s personalized vitamin subscription?
Vitl’s personalized vitamin subscription is a service where individuals receive a monthly supply of vitamins and supplements tailored to their specific needs. Upon signing up, users complete a health assessment that covers factors such as age, lifestyle, diet, and health goals. Based on this information, Vitl creates a customized blend of vitamins and supplements, which are conveniently delivered to the subscriber’s doorstep each month.
How does Vitl’s DNA testing kit work?
Vitl’s DNA testing kit is designed to provide insights into an individual’s genetic makeup related to nutrition and metabolism. The kit contains a simple saliva collection tube, and users provide a saliva sample which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. The lab examines specific genetic markers and variations associated with factors like nutrient processing, diet response, and overall health. The results are compiled into a comprehensive report that offers personalized dietary recommendations based on the individual’s genetic profile.
Are Vitl’s products suitable for everyone?
Vitl’s products are designed to be suitable for a wide range of individuals; however, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation or making significant changes to your diet. Certain health conditions or medications may require additional guidance, and a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs.
Can I use Vitl’s services if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Y
es, Vitl takes dietary restrictions and allergies into account when creating personalized vitamin subscriptions. During the health assessment process, users can specify any dietary restrictions or allergies they have. Vitl then formulates the vitamins and supplements accordingly, ensuring they are free from any ingredients that could cause an adverse reaction or conflict with dietary restrictions.
How long does it take to see results from using Vitl’s products?
The time it takes to see results may vary depending on the individual and their specific health goals. While some people may experience noticeable improvements in energy levels, well-being, or other areas relatively quickly, others may require more time for the effects to become apparent. Consistency in using Vitl’s products and following the personalized recommendations is key to achieving optimal results.
