Stride Genetic & DNA

Optimal Duo

A bundle combining Stride's 110-gene DNA & Methylation test with its Optimal Biome stool microbiome test and an expert consultation. Suits people wanting a combined genetic and gut health picture in one purchase.

  • At-home test
Sample
Mixed
Collection
At-home cheek swab, posted to the lab + at-home stool sample, posted to the lab
Results in
10–25 days
Biomarkers
110
Doctor reviewed
No
Tests for
  • ADNOS3
  • BHMT
  • CBS (C699T)
  • COMT
  • DHFR
  • FUT2
  • GSS
  • MAOA
  • MAOB
  • MTHFD1
  • MTHFR (A1298C)
  • MTHFR (C677T)
  • +48 more

Test specifications

Provider
Stride
Sample type
mixed
Collection method
at-home cheek swab, posted to the lab + at-home stool sample, posted to the lab
Turnaround time
10–25 days
Biomarkers tested
110
At-home test
Yes
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

60 biomarkers as listed by Stride, of 110 in total.

Methylation

  • ADNOS3
  • BHMT
  • CBS (C699T)
  • COMT
  • DHFR
  • FUT2
  • GSS
  • MAOA
  • MAOB
  • MTHFD1
  • MTHFR (A1298C)
  • MTHFR (C677T)
  • MTR
  • MTRR
  • PEMT
  • SOD2ORA2A
  • TCN2
  • VDR

Nutrition

  • ACE
  • ADH1C
  • ADRB2
  • AGT
  • ALDOB
  • APOA2
  • APOA5
  • APOC3
  • APOE
  • BCMO1
  • BCO1
  • CAT
  • CBS
  • CETP
  • CLOCK
  • CYP1A2
  • CYP4F2
  • EPHX1
  • FABP2
  • FTO
  • GPX1
  • GSTT1
  • HFE
  • HLA DQ2/DQ8
  • IL6
  • INSIG
  • LCT/MCM6
  • LEPR
  • LIPC
  • LPL
  • MC4R
  • NBPF3
  • PLIN
  • PPARG
  • SLC23A1
  • SOD2
  • TCF7L2
  • TF
  • TFR2
  • TMPRSS6
  • TNF
  • ZPR1

About this test

This is a bundle of two separate Stride tests: the 110-gene Optimal DNA & Methylation test, covering methylation, nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress and skin genes, and the Optimal Biome stool microbiome test, covering gut bacteria balance and related markers. You provide two samples, a cheek swab and a stool sample, both collected at home and posted to the lab.

On genetics alone, its 110-gene count places it among the deepest DNA panels we track. Because it is a bundle rather than a single-category test, there are no directly comparable products in our data, so its £460.85 price cannot be benchmarked against competitors, though it is close to Stride's own Vital Duo bundle at the same price point.

It scores at the top for clinical depth on the strength of the DNA component, and well for clarity given Stride describes both tests and what each covers. Collection convenience is lower than single-sample tests because it combines a swab with a stool sample and the slower 20-to-25-day gut turnaround. Results and follow-up sit in the middle, reflecting the included consultation against results that are not doctor-reviewed.

Who is it for?

This suits people who want both a detailed DNA readout and a gut microbiome test together, and are willing to provide two samples and wait for the slower of the two turnarounds. It is a bigger commitment, in cost and time, than either test on its own.

If you only want the genetics, Stride's standalone Optimal DNA & Methylation Test covers the same 110 genes for £207.35. If you only want the gut test, the standalone Optimal Biome test is available separately. If you would rather pair the DNA test with blood markers instead of gut markers, Stride's Vital Duo bundle costs the same £460.85.

How it works

You provide two samples: an at-home cheek swab for the DNA test and an at-home stool sample for the gut microbiome test, both posted to the lab. The DNA results are returned in around 10 working days and the gut results in around 20 to 25 working days. A one-to-one consultation with a Stride dietetics expert is included, though results are not reviewed by a doctor.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Combines a 110-gene DNA panel with a stool-based gut microbiome test in one purchase.
  • Both samples collected entirely at home, no needle involved.
  • Includes a one-to-one consultation with a Stride dietetics expert.

Cons

  • Overall turnaround stretches to 25 days because of the slower stool-based portion.
  • No comparable bundles in our data to check whether £460.85 is good value.
  • Results are not reviewed by a doctor.
  • Two separate samples to collect rather than one.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Combines Stride's DNA and gut microbiome tests in one bundle
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

Optimal Duo bundles Stride's 110-gene Optimal DNA & Methylation test with its Optimal Biome stool microbiome test and a one-to-one consultation, for £460.85. It combines two of Stride's deepest single-category tests into one purchase, though there are no comparable bundles in the data to check whether that price is good value. Turnaround stretches to 25 days because it includes the slower stool-based portion.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 10.0/10

    110 biomarkers, placing it in the 95th percentile of genetic dna tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 6.0/10

    A finger-prick sample you take at home; results in around 25 days, slower than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 6.0/10

    A one-to-one consultation is included in the price, though results are not doctor-reviewed; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 7.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.7 from 148 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS accredited labs); trading 22+ years.

  • Value for money 6.0/10

    £460.85; no comparable tests to benchmark against yet.

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

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