Frequently Asked Questions

Any woman thinking about getting pregnant, currently pregnant, or currently breast-feeding should consider the Genate Test. By detecting any genetic misspellings (SNPs) that interfere with your body’ metabolism of key nutrients needed for your baby’s brain development, you can work with our dietitians to create a nutrition plan that’s tailored to your needs. And if you need higher amounts of certain nutrients, you’ll know what to look for in a prenatal supplement to make sure it meets your requirements.

The Genate Test was developed from extensive academic research, and it’s the most complete prenatal genetic nutrition test available for women seeking to apply genetic insights to their nutrition plan before, during, and after pregnancy. 

The Genate Test focuses on one carbon nutrients, fatty acid metabolism, and a panel of nine vitamins and minerals. It detects inefficiencies in these nutrient pathways that are caused by genetic mutations called SNPs. Over 70% of women have difficulty either producing or metabolizing the critical nutrients every baby needs for proper brain development. Should your test reveal that your genes are impacting your metabolism of these nutrients, you can take action by following the recommendations contained in the Genate Report. It’s easy, it’s accurate, and it’s all about you.

The Genate Test is a saliva-based test you can take at home in minutes. Simply swab your mouth with the saliva collection device, and return your sample to SNP Therapeutics in the postage-paid box that comes with your test. Your results will be ready in 1–2 weeks. 

The best time to take the Genate Test is three to six months before you begin trying to conceive. But the Genate Test can be taken any time you want to understand how your genes affect the metabolism of key nutrients important for your baby's development. This could be in any trimester of pregnancy or even while breastfeeding.

Your test results are 100% private. Unless you have decided to share your results with a healthcare provider, the only person to see your results will be you. We are building the next generation of prenatal nutrition supplements that are based on maternal genetics. If you opt-in to allow your de-identified data to be used for research purposes, we may share your results, but only with your approval, never with your personal information and never your DNA. Our registration process will give you full control over the use of your data for research.

Absolutely, we encourage you to share this report with your OB/GYN, PA/NP, nurse midwife, dietitian or other healthcare providers.

Proper nutrition is critical for the growth and development of your baby. The efficiency with which your genes metabolize nutrients also affects overall development, including brain and spinal cord development — both now and throughout your child’s life. As a soon-to-be mom looking out for her child before they are even born, one of your first jobs is learning more about nutrition. And the Genate Test gives you knowledge about your genes and your nutrition needs, quickly, easily, and with absolute precision.

One carbon nutrients and fatty acids are critical for brain and spinal cord development during pregnancy and through the first two years of life. Although all nutrients are important, choline, folate, betaine, B 12, the omega-3 fat DHA and oleic acid provide the building blocks that can help ensure proper growth of your developing baby's brain. Research at Cornell and Harvard University has shown cognitive benefits for children born to mothers who received increased levels of these nutrients during pregnancy, showing that nutrition during pregnancy can have lasting effects for your baby. 

SNPs (pronounced snips) are misspellings in genes, and research shows they are fairly common. Genes that regulate how your body processes and shares nutrients with your developing baby can be partially or fully turned off. This can lead to low nutrient levels in your body and your baby not getting enough of what they need.

Yes, all of our counselors are registered dietitians who are qualified to provide nutrition counseling, also called medical nutrition therapy, and recommend diet and supplement changes based on your specific health needs and goals.

It’s ideal to schedule your first nutrition counseling appointment three to six months before you begin trying to conceive. This gives you enough time to make any adjustments to your diet and supplement plan before your body and your baby’s need the extra nutrients.

Our nutrition counseling sessions are all online via a secure web platform, and you can choose between a video session or phone call. Either way, your appointment will last 45 minutes to one hour.

At this time, all of our sessions are virtual.

Yes, it’s a great idea to share your nutrition counseling plan with your doctor or other healthcare provider. This helps them understand the diet and supplement regimen you’re following.