There are so many different companies that offer genetic analysis to any interested client. One such company, 23andMe, offers some interesting features for those who use its services.

It provides insight into a user’s ethnic history and even breaks down parts of their genetic codes to explain how DNA influenced their appearance or senses. In addition to these easy-to-understand hereditary summaries, it also gives clients a copy of their "raw data."

Here, we'll go over what tools you can use to interpret your 23andMe raw data, and we'll define what exactly raw data is.

What Is Raw Data?

dna data

To understand raw data, you need to know a little bit about how DNA works. DNA is something we inherit from both of our parents and, subsequentially, all previous ancestors. Unless you have an identical twin, your genetic code is unique to you. Understanding what your "genetic code" is can help you learn about raw data.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a molecule that dictates everything that makes us, us. It contains codes for everything from our basic biology to personalized features. While all humans share a majority of the sequence, humans experience small differences in base pairs, which may influence everything, such as our appearance, behavior, and predisposition to diseases.

Base pairs are the "building blocks" of our genetic makeup. When looking at a model of a DNA double helix, they are those little "steps" of the ladder. Each step is comprised of one of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T), and its complementary base pair (A and T or G and C).

man dna

When you send your tissue sample over to 23andMe facilities, scientists perform a process called genotyping. As opposed to sequencing, where technicians attempt to calculate the exact sequence of a given length of DNA, genotyping offers an accurate (and cost-effective) shortcut.

Our genetic code is very long, and there are huge chunks of information we can’t do anything with yet. Genotyping is a far more effective process for getting useful data for clients.

The process scans genetic code to look for specific gene variants that are very popular or ones that we already know about. 23andMe takes these datasets and transforms them into an easy-to-understand infographic.

What you'll see is a neat little printout letting you know where your ancestors originated from. What the scientists behind the scenes see is a printout containing various locations and a whole bunch of As, Gs, Ts, and Cs. This printout is your raw data that 23andMe sends you with your results.

Related: The Best Ancestry Tracing Sites

How Can You Read Your Raw Data?

23andMe raw data

Your raw data may seem like a jumbled mess of characters, but it’s incredibly useful information. Although 23andMe offers some insight into the genetic information it analyzes, it doesn't explain everything.

The raw data offers tons of surprise information that you can use. This information isn’t just interesting from a historical perspective; the information also offers insight into your health and can be a useful genealogy tool for you and your loved ones.

To access this information, you need to find how to "read" this information. Luckily, you don’t need to be a renowned geneticist to take that raw data and do something with it.

The Best 23andMe Raw Data Analysis Tools

While you could theoretically search through journals and try to analyze your raw data yourself, there are a couple hundred thousand markers to sift through. The best way to make the most out of your raw data is to utilize one of the many available tools online.

With countless platforms to chose from, it may be challenging to pick out the best one for you. Consider what information you want to learn from your raw data before you choose an analysis tool.

1. Xcode Life

XCODE Life

Xcode Life offers a variety of packages, so you can order exactly what you want. With many different reports to chose from, you can customize the information you want, as well as find options to fit your budget. It displays its findings in an easy-to-read format for everyone to enjoy.

There are over 15 options to choose from, including Gene Sleep, Traits and PersonalityGene Allergy, and more. There are also different bundles available so you can save money. Its packages start at $20.

2. DNA Land

DNA Land Results

If you are interested in finding extended ancestry information and basic health information, DNA Land offers free assessment packages.

Although it doesn't go into as much detail as some of the paid contenders, it offers great added insight at no extra charge. DNA Land will even use your anonymous submissions to further scientific research.

3. Nutrahacker

Nutrahacker raw data

Nutrahacker takes gene analysis one step further. It designs your reports so that you can "empower yourself" with the newfound information.

Its specialized assessments determine an optimized list of supplements and fitness information for you, in addition to general health data. While its packages start at $25, it also offers some free basic assessments.

4. Promethease

Promethease

If you are on a tighter budget, Promethease offers more inexpensive health reports. It anonymously cross-references your raw data with SNPedia, a human genetics wiki. While it gives you a lot of information for the price, the process is not as straightforward as other options.

You don’t need to be an expert, but many find the platform a bit more technical. However, having a super basic background in statistics should suffice. Health reports start at $12.

Genomelink

Research continues to advance every day, and Genomelink makes a point to keep its dynamic options updated by the week. It offers over 200 analysis options to investigate everything from your personality and career strengths to your health vulnerabilities and longevity.

If you're on a budget, Genomelink also has over 20 free analyses. These come with the option to order premium reports delivered via straightforward infographics.

Is It Worth Looking at Your 23andMe Raw Data?

There is so much information to learn from your genetic makeup. With so many easy and accessible tools to further explore the data you already paid for, why not make the most of what you have? It only takes a few clicks of a button to receive a comprehensive health report that is both interesting and informative.