Read this before taking a DNA test

It can be overwhelming when choosing a genetic test that is right for you. Here I explain the different types of tests on the market and what you need to look out for when deciding to go ahead with testing.

Historically, genetic tests have been used to identify rare metabolic and genetic conditions like PKU or Down’s Syndrome. But recently, as research and technology have evolved, commercially available genetic tests have become available online with the click of a button!

The unspoken truth

What you may not know is that there isn’t any regulation in place that ensures testing companies only test scientifically validated genes or that their dietary and lifestyle recommendations are based upon robust science. What’s the problem you ask? They are over-promising dietary and lifestyle recommendations based on hundreds of genes that don’t have the science to back them. Your result? A waste of time, money, and a clouded opinion of the area because you didn’t receive the miraculous changes in your body they advertised.

What types of genetic tests are available?

Let me break it down for you in very simple terms. There are three main categories of genetic tests:

1. Disease Risk Genetic Tests
   Disease risk genes are very useful when it comes to diagnosing rare metabolic and genetic diseases at birth or even before birth. However, when it comes to non-communicable or chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, or cancer, these tests are only anxiety-provoking.These chronic diseases are what we call multifactorial, meaning they happen as a result of many factors including environmental, dietary, physiological, and genetic factors. This is why we can never determine the “actual risk” of developing these diseases. Testing for these genes will make you feel upset and worry about something that may or may not happen.I would not recommend this!
2. Epigenetic Tests
   Epigenetics is a branch of genetic sciences that studies how and when genes switch on and off in response to dietary and environmental factors. As exciting and promising as this field sounds, it is absolutely still in the research phase. There just isn’t enough science to suggest we can start testing the epigenome in normal clinic practice! The only way to test for epigenetics currently is to have biopsies taken for all over your body, from each organ. This is because genes switch on and off differently in each area of the whole body!
   Don’t fall for the tests online offering you epigenetic testing from a single sample of saliva or a swab, it’s just not possible!
3. Nutrigenomic Tests
   Imagine finally understanding how your body works on the inside, discovering your individual genetic variations that determine your unique requirements! Specific areas of your DNA called ‘modifier genes’ alter your body’s response to the nutrients that you consume within the food, beverage, and supplements you consume. Understanding your unique variations of these genes will allow you to uncover actionable steps you need to be taking in your daily diet to support optimal health, wellness, and weight loss and amongst many other things. The DNA Way methodology proudly uses The University of Toronto’s Nutrigenomic test to ensure gold-standard scientific rigor.

Following dietary advice based on The DNA Way can improve your:

• Risk of disease
• Body composition / fat loss
• Gut health
• Energy
• Sleep
• Immune system
• Mood
• Memory
• Concentration

You may be thinking, how is this different from a disease risk genetic test?

This test won’t diagnose any risk of disease because that’s only anxiety-provoking and is never actually a definitive risk! We only test for genetic variations that tell us more about your metabolism and absorption of nutrients in order actionable dietary advice, personalised to you can get you to your goals quicker.

Book your FREE discovery call to find out more!