Livewello Review Summary
Summary
LiveWello provides an easy way to upload raw DNA data acquired through a genetic testing company and reveal health information. The cost is reasonable for the data produced. However, the results may be limited to certain conditions.
7 Facts From our Livewello Review
- Type of Service: Digital
- Products: Reports based on raw DNA data that include genetic links to health conditions
- Ordering: Customers subscribe for a monthly fee. Then, they can upload their raw DNA data file to their account so they can access their reports
- Health consultations: The platform does not offer any professional health advice or lifestyle recommendations
- Report availability: Immediately following the raw DNA data upload
- Costs: Three plan tiers starting at $6.95/month or $75/year
- Complimentary products: Nebula Genomics (Whole Genome Sequencing that can be used in consultation with a medical professional)
This review is written with the intent to be as unbiased as possible. However, it represents the opinion of an individual reviewer and is therefore subjective. Furthermore, at Nebula Genomics we seek to educate the public about the benefits of Whole Genome Sequencing. Information about our Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.
January 11, 2024
Table of contents
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a broad range of report analyses based on users’ raw DNA data provided
- Accepts raw data files from any genetic testing firm, despite being specific on easily accessible ones
- The results are easy to navigate
Cons
- Does not offer genetic testing
- Users can only upload one raw DNA data file
- Results are limited
Introduction
Livewello is a raw DNA data analysis company that helps users know more about their genetics. Florence Iwegbue and her husband, a self-taught software developer and a physician founded the company. They built it after their baby boy was diagnosed with autism.
The child’s condition served as an inspiration for the parents, and they both followed their desire for their child to live a better life and for others to know more about their health to build the analysis app or online platform.
Livewello aims to allow people to take control and help understand their health by sharing the details of their diagnosed conditions and genetic predispositions.
The platform works as an app where Livewello users can upload their raw DNA data and get a comprehensive genetic report. The company updates its software regularly to make its reports more efficient, accurate, and useful for prescribed treatment.
The Science Behind Livewello
Livewello is built on the foundation of helping people gain better control of their well-being. The challenges of finding tools to organize their son’s health data led the founders to establish the organization that gives people access to knowing more about their DNA and genes to better control certain conditions or potential ones with healthy lifestyle choices and changes.
The company allows users to access a vast range of information based on their genomics, to facilitate the sharing of health and genomic records, and to adjust their lives based on the report to prevent or manage various medical conditions.
Review of Livewello Products
Livewello offers a range of products:
Gene Variance Reports
Livewello’s major product provides clients with information on their genetic data to help them better understand the cause of disease and if it is related to genetics. The Livewello gene software allows clients to easily translate their raw genetic data into variation reports responsible for the information on thousands of diseases and how they relate to SNPs.
The software compiles information from multiple genetic reference databases and combines it with clients’ genotypes. The combination aids in producing reports on the client’s genetics that a practitioner can review and use to determine the best course of action for treatment.
Some of the best direct-to-consumer genetic services and databases worldwide provide the raw DNA data that serves as the software’s foundation. The associated genetic testing companies where clients can get raw data include the following:
- 23andMe
- Ancestry.com
- Family Tree DNA
- Gene By Gene
Hence, with these databases, clients can enjoy a broad range of data on different reports and identify whether a condition is gene-related.
The Livewello Software provides reports for 600,000 SNPs on average based on user experience. When the report is given, it includes resources to help clients better understand their results.
Features
According to the company, it updates the software when new SNPs are added, and it now includes the following features:
A Free Gene Library
The gene library allows subscribers to create custom health reports at their convenience. It is built from Gene Templates compiled by users using the SNP sandbox and the Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) tools.
Free GWAS tool
The software comes with a GWAS tool that lets clients browse through unlimited gene reports based on their genetics.
Free Gene Template Builder
This tool allows clients to customize their gene reports based on health issues or any genes they choose.
Free Health Data Tracking Tools
The software also allows patients to chart a wellness program that helps them improve their daily lives through routines that limit the effects of their condition.
The company offers other products, which include:
Emergency Health
This product gives clients a unique web address to write on a medical alert bracelet. In the event of an emergency, they can use the link to access their records quickly.
Surveys
The survey offers clients customized assessment tools for collecting health data, and it helps them generate reports for their health practitioners, research projects, and wellness programs.
Health Village
With Health Village, clients can build a community of loved ones with whom they can share health information.
Taking a LiveWello Test
One important fact to note is that Livewello is not a genetic testing company, but a raw DNA analysis firm that provides analyses and a broad range of information based on the data uploaded by its customers from other services. Therefore, subscribers must have downloaded the raw DNA data from recommended firms. The firms recommended by Livewello include:
- 23andMe
- Ancestry.com
- Family Tree DNA
- Gene By Gene
Livewello does not provide test kits or offer advice on genetic testing. Clients that have to upload their raw DNA data file get access to its reports immediately, which are usually broad and diverse compared to most companies.
Review of Livewello Reports
The company generally offers over 20 free reports to customers who have successfully updated their raw data files. Users looking to run their reports using direct data sync with 23andMe must reset their gene app and upload a raw data file. The firm has a single-use gene app reset link for this purpose.
The standard Livewello Gene Variance Report contains only about 300 SNPs out of the thousands that the Livewello App provides. As long as a SNP is in a client’s raw data, with the Minor Allele and rsID, Livewello will generate a Gene Report. With the App, clients can generate their reports with many more genes and learn about the associated diseases and symptoms.
Livewello reports are wide-ranging and categorized into two forms: health reports and the variance reports.
Health reports
The health section is considered one of the most comprehensive parts of the report and is the center from which other analyses branch out. The standard health results include over 20 free reports on various health conditions that users can access to better understand their genes. Many of these free reports focus on pharmacogenetics. They include:
- COMT Gene and Sensitivity to Pain
- Nexium, acid reflux disease and CYP2C19 drugs
- Warfarin Sensitivity
- Plavix, blood thinners, and CYP2C19 drugs
- Hepatitis C Treatment
- Preference for sweet foods
- Tramadol and CYP2D6 drugs
- VDR Taq Gene and Osteoporosis
- STAT4 Gene and Risk of Lupus
- Vitamin B12
- MTHFR and Risk of Depression
- COMT Gene and Personality Traits
- Vitamin B6
- Alcohol tolerance
- Folate and the MTHFR gene
- Caffeine and Anxiety
- Tamiflu and Risk Of Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions
- Kidney disease risk and MTHFS gene
- Vitamin A
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Response to cholesterol-lowering medication
- Sexual Dysfunction due to Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft
- Alcohol abuse and risk of esophageal cancer
- Zofran and CYP2D6 drugs
- MAOA – The Warrior gene
- Metformin
Generally, users will be given the genotype detected and the condition that the genotype is associated with.
Clients may also be invited to answer survey questions based on their reports to help the firm develop better analysis methods. An example of this would be a prompt that asks whether you experience the condition you are predisposed to because of your genes.
Variance reports
The variance results are more complicated and less user-friendly than the health results. However, they also provide more detailed information on each genetic variant.
Tables in this section provide information such as the SNP name, genotype, and phenotype of each condition. Phenotype is provided as a color code:
Green (-/-): Neither chromosome contains the genetic variant
Yellow (+/-): Heterozygous (one chromosome contains the genetic variant)
Red (+/+): Homozygous (both chromosomes contain the genetic variant)
Based on the table below, this individual has one heterozygous variant for a SNP associated with allergy but no genetic variants associated with a different SNP.
Based on current information, different numbers of SNPs are available for different conditions. For example, there are more options available for cleft lip.
The reports also include references to original research and additional tools to explore your genetic information. On the platform, you can print or download your results as a PDF.
Neither the health report nor the variant report offer health recommendations or lifestyle advice based on the genotype results.
You can also compare the results in your profile with up to five other profiles on the platform. It’s important to note that you should not use the information on this website as a substitute for medical advice. You should consult with your doctor if you are concerned about a medical issue or your health care.
Review of Livewello Costs
A monthly subscription costs $6.95 a month or $75 a year. This service provides access to the Livewello app and allows users to view all 132 reports.
Review of Livewello Privacy
The privacy statement and terms of service make it clear that Livewello’s report and information do not constitute medical advice. Also, client- provided data is not sold, rented, or shared without their express permission. The platform states that users can delete their information and accounts at any time if they do not find the services relevant.
All entities covered by HIPAA are required to comply with HIPAA’s rules related to the collection, use, and sharing of your information.
Other Livewello Reviews
Publicly available reviews are limited to other DNA testing review sites.
DNAtestingchoice ranked the company 3 out of 5 stars from 6 customers. Some of these customers reported that the test was inaccurate, different from similar companies such as Genetic Genie, or that the process was too complicated. This site also provides an in-depth report review by editor Craig Macpherson from 2016, who gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Nebula Genomics
Livewello offers a convenient platform to analyze genetic data related to your health. It also provides practitioners and doctors with reliable and handy information on their clients and how they can best set up treatment plans to ensure their recovery.
However, it is not a genetic testing company because it does not provide testing services. Instead, they rely on previously purchased raw DNA from other commercial companies. This drawback means that customers must first buy a DNA analysis from another site before taking advantage of Livewello’s reports.
Nebula Genomics is a genetic testing company that offers 30x Whole Genome Sequencing and, as such, sequences all 20,000 genes and 2 million bases in the human genome. The great thing about Nebula Genomics is that it not only provides raw DNA data but also detailed reports on how those genotypes are associated with your health, traits, and ancestry. The Nebula Research Library is continuously updated as new research is performed. Thus, you can continue to ask further questions about your genes and learn more as additional discoveries are made.
| Livewello | Nebula Genomics | |
| DNA testing method | None | 30x whole genome sequencing |
| Reports | Variant reports including SNP, genotype, phenotype, and associated condition | Continuously updated reports on various traits and conditions based on the latest research |
| Gene Library | Yes | Yes |
| Interpretation of results | No | Users can interpret the results themselves |
| Ancestry reporting | No | Perform deep ancestry reporting with the complete Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing |
| Data access | Not Available | Yes |
| Cost | Subscription plans start at $6.95 per month or $75 per year | $0, $99, $299 |
Did you find our LiveWello review helpful? You can read more reviews on our blog and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.
Other companies
Other DNA upload sites that can expand your knowledge of DNA include:
Ancestry:
- Ancient DNA Origins (DNA upload for comparison against ancient civilizations)
- DNA Land (free DNA upload for trait and ancestry analysis)
- DNA Painter (for genealogy – the first one is free and subscriptions are available for others)
- GedMatch Genesis (free DNA upload and paid advanced options)
- Living DNA (free upload for ancestry)
- MyHeritage (free upload for genealogy)
- MyTrueAncestry (learn your connection to ancient populations)
- WeGene (a focus on Asian populations, cost of reports)
Health:
- BioStatus Health (upload apps for personalized fitness and nutrition)
- Dash Genomics (personalized Alzheimer’s disease risk)
- GeneFood (data upload and a personalized nutrition test)
- Gene Heritage (inherited allele reports)
- Genetic Genie (free for health reporting)
- Genomapp (DNA analysis app and individual reports)
- LifeDNA (upload and health reports, DNA kit, and updates available at an additional cost)
- NutraHacker (DNA upload for reports on certain health conditions)
- Silverberry Genomix (free upload and options to purchase additional reports)
- StrateGene (detailed reports based on biological pathways)
- TrueReport (personalized functional medicine)
- yourDNAportal (free expanded reports on health and ancestry)
If you have whole genome sequencing data, also take a look at YFull for Y-DNA and mtDNA analysis.
