DNA Test Kits: Worth the Splurge?

You’ve likely seen the ads for DNA test kits from companies like Ancestry or 23andMe. I was curious about how much information a little vial of saliva could give me so I decided to try and find out.Different types of tests are available starting at $99.00. Some will tell you about your ancestry alone while others offer to do a complete health profile, scanning lists of the most common genetic risks. Potential Risks Because I opted for the health/ancestry choice, a disclaimer asked if I had ever suffered with depression as a warning, knowing respondents might be triggered knowing they were vulnerable to certain illnesses. Someone once told me that these tests blew their extended family apart when affairs were revealed.I forged ahead. My kit was just over $200 cdn. and was done through 23andMe.Potential Benefits of having the information are that if you are at risk, you may opt to proactively speak with your doctor about watching for certain symptoms or mitigating the risks of certain illnesses before they would usually begin to manifest themselves. Furthermore, once you know your DNA information, you can research other characteristics common to your bloodlines. More on this below.You have the option of making your information personal or public to others who have taken the test. I made mine open to compare with my sister and a cousin who had also done the testing. A second cousin appeared quite quickly and we began to correspond. I had 1145 DNA relatives on the site.How it works:-You order a test kit online and create an account.-It arrives at your door in about a week. You register your kit.-You follow the instructions and fill a small tube with saliva that you seal and drop in the mail.-Test results are available online within 4-6 weeks.-Information is presented in a clear way. Support, links to genetic counselors, and other services are available on your profile.What I suspected I would find out:Well, quite a few things I wasn't certain about in my ancestry and physical health, for starters.I come from a long line of storytellers on both sides. My Maternal line is said to be the product of a Jewish travelling performer, Adolph, whose family had immigrated to the US from Germany. While touring, he met a young girl named Lillian in Michigan who came to his show and the subsequent day, decided to run away with him. They crossed the border into Canada where they married. The union was short-lived. My grandfather, Robert Stevenson was said to be the grandson of this union; black haired and olive skinned with chiseled features. Turns out I am 0% Jewish. Neither is my cousin (who is very similar physically to my young grandfather) or my sister or for that matter, Adolph. It would have shown up.Remember that direct siblings only share about 50% DNA. My sister and I share 54%. So don’t panic and assume there was a milkman involved in your story. Even identical twins do not have identical DNA, as was once thought. Another similar myth is that 2 blue-eyed parents can only have blue-eyed children. Not the case. I am shorter by far than everyone in my family. I am olive complected. Genetics are diverse.What I did find out:I have Iberian blood (my sister does not). Iberia comprises Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar. Fascinating! Also, that there is a bit of Native American blood in me. I was not a carrier for the 42 common variants that indicate predisposition to disease, nor the 6 genetic health risks tested. These included Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, etc. However I may have age –related macular degeneration later on (eyes).Trait reports will tell you about physical characteristics like skin, hair, freckles, fingers & toes, tastes, caffeine tolerance, etc.Wellness reports confirmed things I already knew about myself but which sometimes go against current beliefs on health. For example, saturated fat intake will not affect my weight; overall caloric intake is more important. I am a light sleeper who doesn’t move around much at night, tolerant of dairy and don’t flush when drinking ( I don’t drink so wouldn’t know that one).My sister helped me go deeper by inserting my raw data into sites that discussed characteristics of my genetic makeup. People in my group tended to be very healthy where major diseases were indicated but often experienced the following:ADHDDepressionAutistic Spectrum disorderLeukemiaCerebral PalsyWheat allergiesRespiratory sensitivity (asthma, etc.)I am the 3rd of 6 children who cumulatively produced 27 offspring. Within this group, we ticked every box for these characteristics.Why I’m glad I did it…When you are raised in a cause and effect environment, life can leave you asking, “Where did I get this? How does my child have this?” Turns out it was nothing anybody did. These things were determined before we even came into existence. You just do your best with what you’ve got, living the healthiest life possible.I found this experience fascinating- the little things that make me who I am are all part of my own map. It gave me a bigger picture of myself and my family. It connected me further back than the present as I looked at eras when my ancestors came from far off places and reminded me that each human being is a marvellous unique puzzle. So for me, it was worth the splurge. Have you done one? What did you find out?