Genetic Genie alternative
Genetic Genie alternative: a free methylation report that explains your results
Genetic Genie shows your genotype at each methylation and detox SNP. NutraHacker's free Detoxification and Methylation Report covers the same 58 SNPs and adds what each gene does, what your result means, how common it is and possible mitigation strategies.
Genetic Genie vs NutraHacker
| Genetic Genie | NutraHacker | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; donations welcome | Free with every upload |
| SNPs | Methylation and Detox panels | The same 58 methylation and detox SNPs |
| Your genotype | Yes | Yes |
| What the gene does | No | Yes |
| What your result means | No | Yes |
| How common your genotype is | No | Yes, population frequencies |
| Possible mitigation strategies | No | Yes |
| Also free | GenVue Discovery variant tool | Genome imputation and Superhuman traits report |
| Your data | Not stored; upload again each time | Kept so you can add reports later; never sold or shared |
| Whole genome data | WGS/WES VCF files | Full BAM or CRAM files |
| Going further | None | Optional reports, from the Complete Mutation Nutrition Report ($37 one time) to histamine and skincare panels |
Genetic Genie is a well-liked, privacy-friendly tool, and if all you want is your genotypes, it does the job. The difference is what happens after you see a "+/+" next to a gene name: NutraHacker tells you what it means. Our earlier side-by-side review shows both reports.
What "methylation" means, briefly
Methylation is a chemical step, adding a methyl group, that your body uses to make and recycle compounds such as SAMe, homocysteine, glutathione and neurotransmitters. Genes such as MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, CBS and COMT code for enzymes in this cycle. Common variants can make an enzyme a little slower or faster, which is why people look at them alongside diet and supplements like folate, B12 and B6.
Most variants are common and each has a modest effect. A methylation report is a map of where your cycle might need support, not a diagnosis. Read more in our guides to MTHFR C677T and the genetics glossary.
What each result in the free report shows
- The SNP and your genotype, for example rs1801133 (MTHFR C677T) and your two alleles.
- What the gene does in methylation or detoxification.
- What your genotype means: typical, one copy of the variant or two.
- How common it is, so you can see whether your result is rare or shared by much of the population.
- Possible mitigation strategies to discuss with your practitioner.
How to get it
- Use the same raw data file you gave Genetic Genie, or download it again: 23andMe, AncestryDNA.
- Unzip it and upload the .txt or .csv file. It takes about 3 minutes.
- Open the free report in the Report Center. Your data stays on file for any later report.
Comparing more options? See free DNA upload sites or the Promethease alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Genetic Genie methylation report free?
Yes. Genetic Genie's Methylation and Detox panels are free and supported by donations. NutraHacker's Detoxification and Methylation Report is also free with every raw DNA upload.
What is the difference between Genetic Genie and NutraHacker's free report?
Both cover the same 58 methylation and detox SNPs. Genetic Genie lists your genotype for each one. NutraHacker also explains what each gene does, what your genotype means, how common it is and possible mitigation strategies, and keeps your data so you can add more reports without uploading again.
Does Genetic Genie store my DNA data?
Genetic Genie says your data is not stored or shared and no account is needed, so you upload the file again each time you use it.
Which files work with the NutraHacker methylation report?
Raw data .txt or .csv files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, tellmeGen and other microarray tests. For whole genome sequencing, NutraHacker accepts BAM and CRAM files.
What should I do if I have an MTHFR variant?
An MTHFR variant is common and is not a diagnosis. The report explains what your genotype means and lists possible mitigation strategies; discuss changes to supplements, especially folate and B12, with your doctor.