What a genetic methylation test shows, and what it can't.

Is this the same as the MTHFR test?

The MTHFR genes (C677T and A1298C) are included, but the test goes much further. It looks at 92 genes in total across methylation, hormones, mental health, nutrients, cardiovascular health and more. MTHFR is one gene in the whole methylation puzzle, and focusing on it alone can mean missing a lot of the picture. Reading it alongside the rest of the pathway is what makes it useful.

How much does a genetic methylation test cost in Australia?

At Wellbeing George the test kit and your full 100+ page report are $449 on their own. The Energy Blueprint, which adds a 60-minute Results Consultation with a Clinical Nutritionist, a personalised protocol and a free 30-day check-in, is $599 until 1 November and $749 after that. Your genes never change, so either way it's a once-off cost, not a subscription. Prices vary between Australian providers, and the main difference is usually whether practitioner interpretation is included.

Does Medicare cover a genetic methylation test?

No. Genetic methylation testing is a private wellness test in Australia and isn't Medicare-rebated, through us or any other provider. There is no MBS item number for it. Some private health extras policies contribute toward practitioner consultations rather than the test itself, so if you have extras cover it's worth checking what your fund allows for a nutrition consultation. The test kit on its own has no consultation attached, so there is nothing to claim it against.

Is a genetic methylation test worth it?

It depends what you want to know. If you want to understand how your body is built to handle nutrients, mood chemistry and B vitamins, it answers that once and for life. If you want your current nutrient levels or a medical diagnosis, blood testing and your GP are the right tools instead, and we'll tell you that honestly on a free call rather than sell you a test that won't answer your question.

Should I get the test on its own, or with a consultation?

If you already work with a practitioner who will read it with you, or you're confident working through a long genetic report yourself, the kit on its own does the job. If you have symptoms you're trying to explain, or you've never read a report like this before, the Energy Blueprint is the better fit: the report runs to more than 100 pages, and the consultation is where it becomes something you can act on. Still not sure? Book a free 15-minute chat and we'll help you decide.

Do I need to stop taking supplements or medications before the test?

No, you don't need to change or stop anything. This test looks at your DNA, which doesn't change based on what you take or what you're exposed to. What supplements and medications do affect is how your genes express themselves in practice, which is exactly why your full health picture is taken into account when your results are interpreted.

What is DNA methylation and why does it matter for my health?

Methylation is a biochemical process that happens billions of times a second in your body. It influences how your genes are expressed, how you produce neurotransmitters, how you process hormones, and how well your body repairs itself. When the methylation pathway is running less efficiently, that can show up in energy, mood and general wellbeing. Testing gives you a picture of where your pathway is likely to be working well and where it may need support.

Is this the same as epigenetic testing?

No. This test reads the gene variants you were born with, which never change. Epigenetic tests, like biological age testing, measure how your lifestyle is switching genes on and off right now. Different tests, different questions. If ageing pace is your question, that's our TruAge biological age test.

How accurate is the test?

Your sample is processed by a NATA accredited Australian laboratory. NATA is Australia's national accreditation authority for laboratory testing. Your results are then reviewed by a qualified Clinical Nutritionist rather than generated by software alone, so you get both laboratory process and human interpretation. Genotyping tells you which variants you carry; it does not tell you what those variants are doing in your body today, which is why results are read alongside your history and blood work.

Can I order from anywhere in Australia?

Yes. Test kits ship anywhere in the country, the kit comes with a pre-paid express satchel to post your sample back, and consultations are held over Zoom so there's no need to travel. The process is the same wherever you live, city or regional.

What kind of insights can I expect from my results?

The report covers over 100 pages across 92 genes and 8 health categories including nutrient metabolism, methylation, hormones, mental health, immune support, DNA repair and cardiovascular health. You'll see things like your optimal protein and fat intake for your ancestry, how your body processes key nutrients like B12, folate and magnesium, your oestrogen processing profile and your neurotransmitter genetics. With the Energy Blueprint, a clinician translates all of that into specific food, supplement and lifestyle recommendations for you personally.

What tests go hand-in-hand with the Genetic Methylation Test?

If you want to dive deep into all aspects of your health, we often recommend the comprehensive microbiome test that looks into what is happening in your gut at a cellular level, identifying any issues with nutrient absorption, digestion, parasites, viruses, fungi, yeasts, bacterial overgrowth, or immune system dysfunction stemming from the gut. Additionally, the stress hormone testing can tell us how well your body is coping with stress and whether you need more support, and at what time of the day. It can also tell us whether stress hormones may be affecting sleep. If you want to package this all together with a thorough blood work analysis, check out our Longevity Deep Dive package.