5 biggest misconceptions about genetic testing
Until very recently most people associated DNA tests with mostly unpleasant or uncomfortable circumstances. Genetic tests were commonly used in paternity tests or in many instances with court cases relating to either crime, or immigration testing as means to establish parentage. or to detect certain genetic diseases.
As the science has developed substantially, genetics can now be used to help make our lives better and enhance our wellbeing by providing us with more knowledge about ourselves.
Genetics helps us to understand what makes us who we are, what is good for us and where do we come from. Genetics now empowers us as the consumer to make better choices about our lifestyle on a whole new level. I always say ‘its better to know it, and not need it, then need it and not know it’.
There’s plenty of Direct-To-Consumer genetic testing companies which claim to help people understand their ‘genetic potential’, but there is still a lot of myths and misconceptions associated with DNA tests. I attempt in this article to dispel some of these misconceptions, and list 5 of the most common;
1. Not all DNA tests are the same even though they are marketed accordingly.
It’s a common mistake for the consumer to assume that a DNA test with one particular company is the same as another. The same applies for genetic associated to nutrition, fitness or health reports. If a you’re making a choice on which genetic testing company to go for, then closely compare the number of genes tested. The information related to each gene or SNP can be researched on google scholars or on academic sites (such as www.pubmed.com). Check to see that the genes tested are verified in multiple studie (no less than 3) to make sure the science is legitimate. You should also check if the study related to a particular genes have been performed on humans not animals.
This is a scary thought and the reality is that companies try and sell tests to people based on often questionable the science.
If you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone who wants to understand your nutrition needs, then have a look at fitness and nutrition genetic testing or google “NutriGenomics” to get more information on this emerging science. If you’re looking to find out more general information about yourself, you can have a look at such tests as 23andMe. Looking for more information about your ancestors? Ancestry.com might be able to help you.
Whichever test you decide to purchase, be confident that the company you choose is not only a great brand, but also has a thorough scientific backgorund to support the claims.
2. Your genes are inherited
Most people think that your genes are inherited and the environment has no effect on your genes. This is not exactly true; I agree that that genes are inherited — your DNA is very similar to your parents but the activity of your genes can be influenced by your environment. It’s therefore important to note that your lifestyle and habits are equally important for your body as they can affect the activity of your genes.
3. If your genes say you’re good at something, you have to do it
We get asked this question frequently here at DNAFit. We test for a panel of genes that are placed within a genetic scoring based system. The scoring based system then directs our clients into a percentile that indicates a % of power vs. endurance. This gives our clients an indication of the type of focus area that should be applied to training interventions, and pleased to say that our clinical research demonstrates that this does provide benefit.
This however should not be the sole reason you switch to doing something you might not enjoy, as our genetic do not tell us what we should do, or what position we should play, or what sport to excel at, its more about giving you a layer of information that you can use to enhance your exercise regime.
We have the on going debate about the art of sport vs. the science of sport. It’s my belief that you need both, the vision and the technique. Technique can be learned and the science is currently here to support your vision and determination for success.
Of course we do know that eating or training to your genetics can provide some excellent results, but this is only one part of the whole puzzle.
4. Direct-To-Consumer testing can substitute medical tests
It is possible to see if you are genetically predisposed to certain diseases but it’s not a diagnosis.
At DNAFit, we test for a variety of genes associated with nutrition. For example, we can see if someone has more sensitivity to salt or caffeine and should consume less of it. But this is in no way a medical test. If someone with hypertension treats it as that, it might be potentially harmful. It’s merely a way to help you adjust your lifestyle but it is not the same as consultation you’d get from a medical professional. Genetic tests should never replace a medical screen or consultation with a medical professional.
5. Your genetic information isn’t safe
When giving a DTC genetic testing company access to your DNA, you’re giving them access to some very personal information. It’s natural to be slightly wary and careful when giving someone permission to look into what you’re made of. But a respectable genetic testing company will always follow a strict code of practice and data protection laws which will ensure that your information is safe with them. And they will never be afraid to answer any questions you might have, giving you access to all the information they gather from your sample.
It’s always worth to check if the company you’re giving your information to has any code of practice in place and if it adheres to all legal requirements. That way you will know that your data is safe with them.
DTC genetic testing is gaining popularity but it is still very much an emerging field. There’s a lot of misconceptions about it coming from not enough information provided for everyone to see. If we as an industry are transparent with customers and make sure that we provide as much information as possible, this is very likely to change in the next few years.
If you’re curious about DTC genetic testing but not sure if you should order a test, do your research. Make sure that you always go to a business that works closely with scientists and has a very strict code of ethics. That way you’ll know that you’re not wasting your money and your data will be safe.
