Draft:DnaPower

• Comment: No improvement in sourcing since my first decline. The "Be Naturally Fit" is not reliable - self-published and does not seem to have undergone any sort of review. (Eg: lots of very obvious grammar mistakes throughout.) Anerdw (talk) 02:39, 21 June 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: I'm not seeing any independent, reliable sources that establish the company's notability. Blogs are not reliable, and most of the non-blog articles look like paid contributions. Also, the article currently reads more like an advertisement than an encyclopedia entry. The "Reception...", "Privacy...", and "Industry Context..." sections are probably original research and should be revamped or removed. Anerdw (talk) 18:08, 19 June 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: You need more sources with significant coverage about dnaPower. I count three sources that talk about it. The testing process section seems more like an advert or promotion for the company. WP:NCORP is the guideline for notability. CF-501 (talk · contribs) 23:52, 18 June 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: Although some sources here are potentially reliable and independent (most notably the academic papers), they do not delve into full significant coverage of the subject (dnaPower Inc.). In order to be considered notable, multiple independent and reliable sources have to significantly cover (not just have a passing mention of) the subject. — 3PPYB6 ^{(T / C / L)} — 19:59, 13 June 2025 (UTC)

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dnaPower Inc.

dnaPower Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company based in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 2008 by Dr. Lois Nahirney, the company offers direct-to-consumer genetic testing focused on lifestyle-related traits such as diet, exercise, detoxification, and cognitive function. According to the BBB, dnaPower Inc. has been located in North Vancouver since at least 2015.

Overview

The company’s services involve analyzing over 250 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through saliva samples collected via cheek swab. The tests are intended to provide customers with personalized reports that include genetic insights related to nutrition, physical activity, and other wellness factors. dnaPower also offers consultations with health professionals for clients seeking assistance in interpreting their results.

History

dnaPower was founded in 2008 by Dr. Lois Nahirney, who was motivated by personal health challenges. In a 2017 interview, Nahirney stated that after suffering from years of unexplained symptoms and undergoing unsuccessful medical treatments, she turned to DNA testing to better understand her genetic predispositions. This experience inspired her to create a company focused on empowering individuals to take control of their wellness through lifestyle-based genetic insights.

Products and Services

In January 2025, dnaPower announced a major update to its suite of DNA testing reports, introducing new features aimed at providing deeper insights into nutrition, fitness, and brain health. The enhancements included expanded analysis in its dietPower, fitPower, and brainPower reports, covering areas such as lactose tolerance, cognitive resilience risk, exercise response, and many more. According to the company, these updates are designed to deliver more personalized and actionable health recommendations based on genetic data.

Here is a list of their product offerings:

• totalPower: A comprehensive test that brings together results from four subtests—dietPower, healthPower, fitPower, and brainPower—to provide a broad overview of genetic factors linked to nutrition, fitness, detoxification, and mental health.
• dietPower: Focuses on genetic markers related to how the body processes carbohydrates and fats, as well as sensitivities to lactose and gluten. The test also includes information about vitamin and nutrient absorption.
• healthPower: Analyzes genes involved in detoxification, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone regulation.
• fitPower: Examines genetic variants associated with muscle type, aerobic capacity, and the body’s response to physical training and recovery.
• brainPower: Evaluates genes that may play a role in stress response, mood regulation, attention, and memory.
• metalPower: According to the company, this test assesses how the body may respond to exposure to certain heavy metals.

• skinDNA: Analyzes genetic variants linked to skin aging, UV damage response, and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Testing Process

dnaPower’s testing process involves several steps, beginning with at-home sample collection and concluding with the delivery of a genetic report.

1. Order a DNA Test Kit

Customers can request a dnaPower kit through the company’s official website.

2. Collect Your DNA Sample at Home

The kit includes a swab for collecting a saliva sample. Once completed, the sample is mailed to the laboratory using the provided prepaid packaging.

3. DNA Analysis in a Certified Lab

Upon arrival at the laboratory, the DNA sample is processed using genotyping methods. The analysis targets over 250 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with various traits, including metabolism, exercise response, detoxification, cognitive function, and dermatological characteristics. The process typically requires two to three weeks.

4. Receive Personalized Reports and Recommendations

Once analysis is complete, individuals receive access to a detailed report through an online platform. The report outlines genetic insights related to lifestyle factors. Follow-up consultations with health professionals are optionally available for those seeking further interpretation.

Partners

dnaPower collaborates with a range of health and wellness professionals including naturopathic doctors, fitness coaches, and nutritionists who use genetic testing to support personalized lifestyle planning. These partnerships are generally focused on helping individuals improve their overall well-being, rather than diagnosing or treating medical conditions.

In November 2024, dnaPower announced a strategic partnership with Bettr Life, a metabolic health and wellness company, to integrate genetic insights with personalized metabolic health programs. The collaboration aims to help individuals make informed lifestyle and nutrition choices tailored to their DNA profiles. The partnership combines dnaPower’s genetic analysis with Bettr Life’s six-week digital protocols to support goals such as weight management, improved energy, and inflammation reduction.

Another example is the Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre in Vancouver, which offers dnaPower testing as part of its individualized care programs. According to the clinic, the genetic insights help inform decisions about diet, supplementation, and detoxification strategies tailored to a patient’s genetic predispositions.

Nunu Bioceuticals, a wellness clinic with a focus on natural therapies, promotes dnaPower as a way to better understand how an individual's genetics may impact nutrient processing, inflammation, or heavy metal sensitivity. The service is positioned as part of a broader integrative approach that includes consultations and targeted health recommendations.

These examples show how dnaPower’s reports are being used in real-world wellness settings to help tailor health and lifestyle recommendations. However, because the information comes from affiliated practitioners and service providers, it reflects their experience rather than independent evaluation.

Reception and Scientific Validity

The use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for lifestyle and wellness purposes has drawn mixed responses from researchers and health professionals. While companies like dnaPower promote the use of genetic insights for personalized health planning, critics have questioned the scientific basis for many of the claims associated with these tests.

A 2019 publication raised concerns about the reliability of SNP-chip technology used in many commercial tests, noting the possibility of false positives and the limited clinical relevance of many reported variants. Researchers have also pointed to inconsistencies between different companies’ interpretations of genetic data, suggesting that the predictive value of individual SNPs may be overstated in consumer reports.

In a 2018 NBC News article, journalist Sarah Nir compared several direct-to-consumer DNA testing services, including dnaPower. The author underwent tests from multiple companies and evaluated the reports based on clarity, actionability, and overall usefulness. dnaPower's report was described as “fascinating but vague,” with the reviewer noting that while the visual presentation was clean and the information appeared comprehensive, it lacked the scientific depth needed to make confident lifestyle changes. The article concluded that reports like those offered by dnaPower are best viewed as general wellness tools rather than sources of definitive medical advice, and recommended that consumers approach such services with healthy skepticism.

A feature in The Georgia Straight profiled dnaPower as one of several companies emerging in the growing market for personalized genetic wellness. The piece included interviews with both company founder Dr. Lois Nahirney and external experts. While Nahirney shared anecdotes of clients who made beneficial changes after reviewing their genetic reports, the article also highlighted expert opinions expressing caution. Genetic researchers interviewed in the story emphasized that many of the gene-trait associations used in these reports have not been strongly validated in large-scale studies. The article acknowledged the appeal of using DNA as a roadmap for wellness, but underscored the importance of distinguishing between lifestyle advice and evidence-based clinical guidance.

The Globe and Mail also covered dnaPower in a broader article on the rise of DNA-based diet services. The story explored how consumers are turning to genetic tests to make more informed decisions about nutrition, fitness, and weight management. While dnaPower was mentioned as an example of a company offering detailed, consumer-friendly reports, the article featured several interviews with registered dietitians and genetic counselors who questioned the reliability of basing dietary choices solely on DNA data. Experts cited in the piece pointed out that genes represent only one part of the equation, and that environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and gut microbiota often play larger roles in determining nutritional needs. The article concluded that while DNA testing may offer interesting insights, it should not replace traditional, personalized health assessments guided by qualified professionals.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations

Privacy and data security have been central topics in discussions about the growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing industry. While companies like dnaPower outline privacy policies stating that customer data is not sold or shared, the broader industry has faced criticism for a lack of regulatory oversight and inconsistent standards around consent and data usage.

dnaPower’s publicly available materials emphasize that genetic data is handled with care and stored securely. However, unlike clinical laboratories subject to medical privacy laws such as HIPAA in the United States, or equivalent health privacy legislation in Canada, many DTC services—including dnaPower—operate outside of formal healthcare systems and are not required to follow clinical data protection standards.

A 2023 review on consumer genomics noted that many customers are unaware of how sensitive genetic information can be, and may not fully grasp how their data could be stored, re-identified, or accessed in the future. The review pointed to the importance of stronger consent frameworks and greater transparency, particularly in cases where data could be reused for research or commercial purposes.

As of now, dnaPower’s privacy practices have not been subject to external audit or peer-reviewed evaluation. Its approach appears to follow industry norms rather than independently validated data governance frameworks.

Industry Context and Regulatory Landscape

The regulation of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing in Canada remains limited compared to that of clinical diagnostic testing. Although Health Canada provides oversight for certain medical devices and laboratory operations, wellness-oriented genetic services such as those offered by dnaPower typically fall outside of formal clinical frameworks. As a result, these services operate in a space with fewer regulatory controls.

A 2019 analysis published in The BMJ raised concerns about this regulatory gap, noting that many DTC genetic testing companies offer health-related insights without medical supervision or validated clinical relevance. The authors argued that this can lead to misleading interpretations and emphasized the need for stronger consumer protections.

Both Health Canada and the Competition Bureau have issued guidance cautioning consumers about the use of genetic testing for health-related decisions, particularly when such services are marketed directly to the public. In practice, companies like dnaPower are subject primarily to consumer advertising laws and general business regulations, rather than medical standards or health-specific data protection rules. This distinction has contributed to an ongoing debate about how wellness-focused genetic testing should be classified and monitored within the broader health and technology sectors.

Awards

dnaPower has received multiple awards and commendations that recognize its innovation and excellence in DNA testing, health technology, and regional business leadership:

Canadian Business Awards – Best DNA Testing Specialists (2024)

dnaPower was named "Best DNA Testing Specialists 2024" in the Canadian Business Awards, celebrating its leadership in lifestyle genetics and personalized wellness services.

Canadian Business Award – Prestigious Winner (March 2024)

Earlier in 2024, dnaPower was honored with a prestigious Canadian Business Award, highlighting its growing influence and innovation in health and biotech.