And how they affect health
WITH the five leading causes of death in Malaysia (according to the Health Ministry) being chronic diseases, genetic screening tests can provide insights on protective and risk DNA markers that are linked to an extensive range of conditions that influence one’s health.
In essence, genetic screening provides a deeper understanding of one’s body that can help in maintaining one’s health. Beyond diseases, genetic screening is also able to identify wellness and fitness traits that affect the quality of life. This allows one to be better informed where their diet and lifestyle decisions are concerned, apart from maximising long-term health and wellbeing.
DNA TESTING The latest DNA test in the market is Dtect® Wellness which screens 139 genes for inherited traits and conditions that influence one’s health and wellness. It covers the three most important aspects of preventive healthcare: muscles and bones. It also provides information on one’s body’s ability to metabolise collagen, which is vital for skin and tissue health, and the possibility of developing degenerative conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. This information can help one take precautions to reduce certain injuries, or use appropriate nutritional supplements to strengthen one’s body if required.
ONCE IN A LIFETIME TEST The Dtect Wellness test only needs to be done once as the results last a lifetime. The test itself is simple and painless. It merely involves rubbing a swab similar to a cotton bud against the inside of one’s cheek for one minute to collect a DNA sample. The swab is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are reviewed by a clinical geneticist before being presented in a comprehensive report.
The report, which contains a detailed genetic profile of one’s wellness traits, allows one to work closely with a doctor or health practitioner to develop suitable wellness management programmes. Often these programmes will include personalised diet and exercise plans, and a specific nutritional supplement regime, among other health recommendations.
For example, if your results show genetic variations that result in poor metabolism of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), your doctor may recommend supplements with a certain form of CoQ10 that provide maximum therapeutic benefit to your body. This is important for heart health, especially for patients on statin therapy. This is the scientific and genetic approach of “playing to your health’s strengths”.
Doing a Dtect Wellness test when one is healthy is ideal because it provides one with the necessary information to know one’s needs to maintain or improve health. Since an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, this approach is an effective way to look into one’s genetic strengths and weaknesses. Genetic screening can provide the opportunity to work with one’s doctor to personalise healthcare.
Beyond Dtect Wellness, other Dtect tests are available to screen for genetic risks towards major groups of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, cancers and even developmental disorders. Ask your doctor or wellness practitioner for Dtect genetic screening tests. DNA screening can only be done through a family doctor.