As the demand for DNA tests grows, so does the amount of information surrounding them. If you’re still weighing the pros and cons, this blog post explains the most common dilemmas and debunks the most persistent myths circulating the web.
A DNA test can be an extremely valuable tool, allowing you to synchronise your lifestyle with your individual needs.
But such tests operate with individual’s private and often sensitive information. That is why people are rightfully concerned about the proper use of their data and what will they found out.
Below, we’ve gathered the most common dilemmas reported by our customers. Hopefully, they will clear any potential obstacles preventing you from getting amazing insights into your wellbeing!
“I’m afraid of taking a DNA sample!”
Our MyLifestyle DNA test is painless, simple and non-invasive. The only thing we need from you is a saliva sample!
When you order our DNA test, you receive a DNA sample collection kit with detailed instructions for taking a sample. It’s as easy as filling the collection tube with saliva! After that, the only thing left is to ship the sample and wait for the results.
“The test will tell me I have diseases.”
MyLifestyle DNA test does not reveal or diagnose any diseases. They merely reveal your genetic predispositions for a wide selection of traits relevant to your long-term health. They cover all key areas of everyday life: nutrition, sports, and mental wellbeing.
Certain predispositions (such as predisposition for higher blood pressure, unfavourable response to saturated fats, etc.) can contribute to the development of certain conditions in the long run (diabetes, CVDs, etc.), so knowing your genes today is a cornerstone of tomorrow’s health. But if you are interested in your predispositions for diseases and infections, check MyHealth DNA test.
Having an unfavourable predisposition is not a reason for alarm. It is an incentive to follow your recommendations, which will help you aim your lifestyle towards long-term health and longevity.
“My results are not true!”
The first thing you need to understand about DNA tests is that they reveal your predispositions. A predisposition is, simply speaking, one among many possible outcomes. Based on your genes, it is the most likely outcome, but your environment has a significant contribution.
We’ll explain the influence of genes and the environment on two concrete examples.
Obesity
Your results indicate a higher likelihood of obesity, but you’re thin as a rail. How come? Obesity is a complex condition involving many factors – from genes and metabolism to hormones and your lifestyle. And all of them work together to produce a final result.
You might be lucky to have genes that make it less likely you’ll gain too much weight. But if you turn into a couch potato (who only gets up for another snack and a Coke), even the most favourable genes won’t protect you from obesity and heart diseases!
Lactose metabolism
You might receive a favourable result for lactose metabolism, but in reality, you’re lactose intolerant. Or vice versa! It is rare, but it might happen. Why?
Lactose intolerance occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough lactase enzyme to break down the lactose you’ve ingested with food. A DNA test can fairly accurately predict how much lactase enzyme you produce. Still, it can’t prove if you are (or aren’t) lactose intolerant because we differentiate between primary and secondary lactose intolerance.
Most people with primary lactose intolerance are genetically predisposed to significantly reduced lactase production, which further decreases with ageing. The genetic result can thus only indicate primary lactose intolerance, but rarely, the condition might also occur due to other reasons (secondary intolerance):
– a medical condition (Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis or even stomach flu)
– a surgery that removes a part of the small intestine
It can also develop without a specific trigger. Read more about lactose intolerance and 7 ways to test for it.
If you want to dive even deeper into the effect of the environment, learn about the interaction between genes and the environment here.
“My results will be on display to others!”
Your results are only for you, accessible through our secure online platform or mobile app with your unique username and password. Make sure no one gets access to those, and your results are safe!
Our analyses are performed according to the highest professional standards, focusing on laboratory and data security standards. We adhere to both national and European legislation regarding the protection of your personal information, including GDPR and ISO 27001.
All shipments are traceable, and personal data is stored in controlled electronic safes, located in controlled facilities and accessible only by authorised persons. During the analysis, your DNA sample is marked with a unique code and not your name, ensuring that you cannot be recognised or identified.
“I compared my results to other people’s, and they are mostly the same. “
Don’t worry; your results are not fake. Results for certain analyses are race-related, and thus people of the same race will mostly have the same results.
Alcohol metabolism is a good example. The majority of the Asian population has ineffective alcohol metabolism and experience many negative effects after consuming even small amounts of alcohol (flushed face, headache, nausea). On the other hand, Europeans mostly metabolise alcohol effectively.
“How are my recommendations better than any advice I find on the internet?“
The advice you find on the internet is either very general or highly specific. General advice helps put you on the right track and are great first steps.
But to actually reach your goals, you need to be more specific with how you reach your goals. In other words, you need a personalised approach. For that, you need to know how your body is most likely to function and respond. This is where a personalised approach, understanding your body’s unique needs, really shows its value.
For example, you and your friend both want to run a marathon in a couple of months. It stands to reason that since you’re at the same fitness levels, you can train together and in the same way, right?
Actually, wrong! Suppose one of you has a higher likelihood of injuries and less efficient post-exercise recovery while the other has a predisposition for greater endurance and aerobic potential. In that case, your training regimes should be significantly different! Without considering your predispositions, it will be much harder to reach your goals, not to mention putting yourself at risk of overtraining and even injuries.
“I need a doctor to explain my results.”
The results of our Home DNA tests don’t require medical interpretation. Your recommendations are based on reliable scientific data and general health guidelines, which can benefit your health and wellbeing. They are presented clearly and understandably, informing you about the
There is no need to consult a doctor about your results, but if you wish, you can show them to your MD. It can help in creating tailored preventive advice.
But if you have any medical condition or are taking medications, do not alter, change, or stop any treatment without consulting your doctor first!
Convinced?
You can find more details about the ordering process, shipping, genetics in general, and more among our most frequently asked questions.
Is there any dilemma we haven’t address? Contact us, and we’ll do our best to give you all the information you need.
If you’re prepared to start discovering your unique genes and use them to help you towards better health and wellbeing, get MyLifestyle DNA test.
