The pros and cons of testing your DNA
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should test your child’s DNA, you’ll find this information on genetic tests useful.
In countries, it’s standard practice to test every newborn baby for various genetic disorders. This is because conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Tay-Sachs disease, phenylketonuria, and thalassemia, which are caused by a single gene mutation, can respond well to early treatment and prevent potentially serious complications or permanent disability.
In other countries, compulsory DNA testing was overruled after being challenged in court, in favour of protecting the right to personal liberty and privacy. However, few diseases are the result of a single genetic mutation. Instead, multiple genes interact with each other and, along with environmental factors, can influence your child’s risk of illness, and its severity.
What this means, according to nutrigenomics specialist Dr Christa North is that it is possible for us to influence whether or not these conditions will manifest.
Hereditary diseases
“Every parent at some stage worries about whether they have passed on a hereditary disease to their child,” says Dr North, “and the truth is that their susceptibility to those conditions is indicated in many of today’s DNA tests.” While some might argue they don’t need all this “doom and gloom”, Dr North says the focus of precision medicine, which includes DNA testing, is for parents to use the information to avoid these conditions setting in. Prevention, she argues, is far more effective once you know the risks! “Genetic tests can help parents to make informed lifestyle choices for infants and young children. For example, these tests can help identify the likely cause of digestive issues, to avoid further symptoms and promote healthy digestion” she says.
6 Things lifestyle DNA testing can reveal
- The risk of nutritional deficiencies can be identified in DNA test results. This way you can work out exactly which nutritional supplements should be given to your child.
- Which food types are best suited to your child’s system and which should be avoided.
- DNA tests explain a child’s circadian rhythm and give insights regarding their optimal sleep times and needs.
- DNA tests can explain whether your child’s body is better positioned for anaerobic (power/ strength) or aerobic (endurance) sports, as well as how well their body will respond to exercise. This can help guide you on how to manage this aspect of your child’s development.
- New DNA tests identify the strengths and weaknesses of each person’s immune system and give indications of how these can be addressed for optimal health.
- The onset of diabetes in children has increased tremendously in the past decade. Testing your child’s DNA helps explain their predisposition for this condition so that you can structure their diet accordingly, and know what signs to watch out for.
What genes can indicate
Here are a few of the genes that are tested by South African DNA testing company Geneway and what they indicate:
| MTHFR – Switching genes on / off | Sometimes your child’s focus is great, other days s/he has major anxiety, complains about headaches, or is simply just grumpy. Even autism is a possibility. |
| COMT – “laid-back or tense?” | The gene that determines whether your child is cheerful and focused or quickly irritated, impatient, has a high pain sensitivity and sleep is a challenge. |
| DAO – “sensitivity to certain foods” | You know your child is allergic to ‘something’ or sometimes you feel like he/she is allergic to ‘everything’, but cannot figure out what? |
| GSTs – “Detox issues” | Chemicals and smells make your child feel sick and they probably will develop grey hair early. In addition, they are more vulnerable to DNA damage. |
| MAO-A – mood swings & carb cravings | This gene helps govern the levels of dopamine and serotonin, brain chemicals that affect mood, aggression, productivity, vulnerability to addictions, self-confidence, sleep, and carb cravings! |
| NOS3 – heart issues | Are heart problems on the way? Cold hands and feet can indicate that blood flow and blood vessel formation are affected. |
| PEMT – liver and brain issues | No! Your child is not made to be a vegetarian! In addition, gallbladder problems and muscle pain are common. |
| APOE – want to play rugby? | The ApoE gene promotes repair and growth in brain cells after traumatic injuries such as concussions. Contact sports are not a good idea. |
| HFE – “iron man” | Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, however, the opposite, an iron overload, can have far more devastating consequences. Too much iron in the body causes liver disease, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain and has an effect on normal puberty development. |
| F2 & F5 – blood clotting issues | Blood clotting disorders, heart disease, and strokes. Diseases that start young but are often only diagnosed when too late. |
Deciding whether to test your child’s genes
It’s argued that the information obtained in DNA tests can be used to dramatically improve your child’s quality of life if it’s accompanied by proper medical interpretation and thorough recommendations. This means that you, as a parent, will be in a position to make more informed choices regarding their health, wellness, sport, and diet if you are equipped with detailed information.
What is important is to ensure that a qualified healthcare provider interprets and presents the results to you. DNA reports are highly detailed, and while some international companies do offer a test and report (without consultation), a professional consultation is highly recommended to ensure that both you and your child gets the full benefit of the test.
