Personalised Wellness Profile

When it comes to completing a individualised wellness profile, Genomic testing is at the forefront of being able to offer us a clear insight to our inner wellness. (DNA) Wellness Profiles analyses multiple genetic markers known to impact health, metabolism, exercise and energy use within the human body.

These tests examine specific genetic markers to give you personal insight about how your body processes sugars, fats, vitamins and nutrients. The final laboratory report should always include a detailed analysis on how your body responds based upon your genetics, identifying mutations or variants, in your DNA. Providing an individualised road-map of strategies and recommendations, testing guides you towards optimal health.

This article will describe the purposes and types of genetic testing, the health conditions it may help detect, and what you may want to consider when talking with your healthcare team about this type of testing.

Purpose of Genetic Testing

People often turn to genetic testing to investigate possible health conditions that run in families or even explore their own family history and heritage. Genetic testing looks for genetic changes, sometimes called mutations or variants, in your DNA. Some genetic changes can cause disease or other health conditions, along with offering a clearer picture of nutritional profile needs. You inherit your DNA from your parents, so any genetic changes they have can be passed down to you.

With advancements in technology, genetic testing is becoming more precise and more affordable than before. This opens it up to a wider range of people seeking answers to questions about their personal health and ability to manage their wellness more effectively.

One of the major advantages for healthcare professionals, is the ability identifying people with high-risk gene variants, assisting them to make more informed decisions about future health. Tests can reduce the risk and enable early detection and prevention disease/illness. Around 98% of people tested in DNA Screen will not have high-risk gene variants.

Of note: Since 2022 The Australian Department of Health and Age Care, have been running a National DNA screening study with Monash University. The DNA Screen national pilot study offers preventive DNA testing to healthy young adults aged 18-40. The study tests for gene variants that increase the risk of hereditary diseases, including:

• Breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer and melanoma

• Lynch syndrome, which causes bowel and other gastrointestinal and endometrial cancer.

These conditions are fairly common in the population but are chronically underdiagnosed. Improving detection rates is an unmet need in public health, and emerging opportunity for genomic prevention.

Types of Genetic Tests

There are many different kinds of genetic tests. There is no single genetic test that can detect all genetic conditions. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what genetic test is right for you based on your medical and family history and the condition for which you're being tested.

Single gene testing

Single gene tests look for genetic changes in only one gene. Your healthcare provider might recommend single gene testing if you or your child have symptoms of a specific condition or syndrome that is usually or always caused by changes in the same gene. Examples include Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sickle cell disease. If there is a known genetic change (mutation) in your family, your healthcare provider might recommend single gene testing to check for that change.

Genetic testing panels

Genetic testing panels look for genetic changes in many genes in the same test. Your healthcare provider might recommend a genetic testing panel if you or your child have symptoms of a disease or condition that can be caused by genetic changes in many different genes. Examples include primary immunodeficiency, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Your healthcare provider might also recommend a genetic testing panel to check for genetic changes that make you more likely to develop a disease such as breast cancer or colorectal (colon) cancer, especially if the disease runs in your family but a specific genetic change that might be causing the disease in family members has not yet been identified.

Large-scale genomic testing

There are two different kinds of large-scale genomic tests, which look for genetic changes throughout a person's DNA:

• Exome sequencing looks at all the genes in the DNA (whole exome) or just the genes that are related to medical conditions (clinical exome).

• Whole genome sequencing is the largest genetic test and looks at all of a person's DNA, not just the genes.

Your healthcare provider might recommend exome sequencing or whole genome sequencing if you or your child has a complex medical condition, or if other testing has not found a genetic cause for a disease or condition. For example, your healthcare provider might recommend whole genome sequencing if you have a rare disorder that appears to have a genetic cause, but none has been found using other tests. If your child has autism spectrum disorder, your healthcare provider might recommend whole exome sequencing if other testing does not find a cause.

Large-scale genetic tests can have findings unrelated to why the test was ordered in the first place. These are called secondary findings, and they can include genetic changes related to adult-onset conditions in children. For example, a child may have exome or genome sequencing to provide a genetic diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder, and a secondary finding is that they have a genetic change that makes them more likely to develop breast cancer as an adult.

Before you Test

Before you go off ordering DNA tests, its important to figure out what you want to know and identify the correct test or tests to meet those needs. Once you have a solid game plan in place for the outcomes you wish to achieve, research to identify a reputable clinic to help facilitate these test/s on your behalf and most importantly a clinic that offers quality Genetic Counselling to better assist you once the results come in. Genetic Counselling should always involve clinical geneticist and be staffed by passionate and empathetic genetic counsellors, with the focus to inform, educate and empower patients to assist them with understanding and making informed decisions regarding their genetic health.

Genetic Test Informational Profiles

Early Detection of Genetic Disorders, One of the significant advantages of DNA testing is its ability to detect genetic disorders early. Early diagnosis can lead to timely interventions, significantly improving health outcomes. For instance, identifying a genetic predisposition to certain cancers can prompt regular screenings and early treatment, potentially saving lives.

Customised Nutritional Needs, Understanding how your body metabolises different nutrients can be transformative. DNA testing can reveal how your genes affect your response to various foods, helping you create a nutrition plan that maximises your health benefits. Whether you’re looking to manage weight, improve energy levels, or boost overall health, a DNA-informed diet can make a big difference. There is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to diet and supplements. Your genetics play a role in how well you absorb and utilize nutrients.

Optimised Fitness Regimens, Everyone’s body responds differently to exercise. DNA testing can identify the types of workouts that are most effective for your genetic profile. Whether you need more strength training or cardio, knowing your genetic predispositions can help you design a fitness routine that optimises results and minimises injury risk.

Informed Medication/Supplementation Choices, Pharmacogenomics, a field within DNA testing, examines how your genes affect your response to medications. This information can prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure you receive the most effective treatments. By tailoring medication choices to your genetic profile, healthcare providers can enhance treatment efficacy and safety.

Risk Assessment for Chronic Diseases, Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s have strong genetic components. DNA testing can assess your risk for these conditions, allowing you to take proactive measures. Early lifestyle changes and monitoring can help you manage or even prevent the onset of these diseases.

Family Planning Insights, For prospective parents, DNA testing offers valuable information about potential genetic conditions that could be passed on to children. Understanding these risks can guide family planning decisions and prepare you for any necessary interventions or treatments.

Mental Health Management, Genetics can influence mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. DNA testing can uncover genetic predispositions to these conditions, enabling earlier and more targeted mental health interventions. This proactive approach can improve treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

Preventative Health Strategies, Armed with knowledge from DNA testing, you can implement preventative health strategies tailored to your genetic risks. From regular screenings to specific lifestyle changes, these strategies can help you maintain health and prevent disease more effectively than generic advice.

Biological Age, Research suggests that genetics play a significant role in ageing and longevity. DNA testing can provide insights into your genetic factors related to ageing, helping you adopt practices that promote healthy ageing and longevity. This might include specific dietary supplements, exercise routines, and lifestyle modifications.

Methylation profile & MTHFR, The MTHFR gene, technically referred to as Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, is a key enzyme required to metabolise homocysteine. Mutations of the MTHFR gene may cause elevated blood levels of homocysteine. This occurs in 5-10% of the population and these individuals are predisposed to developing high blood levels of homocysteine, particularly when their diets are low in folate. A very important profile to check for preconception, autism, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, stroke and cardiovascular disease risk.

Oestrogenic profile, Oestrogen test is suitable for women and men who suffer from oestrogen-dominant conditions and who have higher lifetime exposure to oestrogens such as HRT and oestrogen-based contraceptives, oestrogen metabolites and other carcinogens.

Conclusion

DNA testing is revolutionising the field of preventative health and wellness. By offering personalised insights and tailored recommendations, it empowers you to take control of your health like never before. Whether it’s understanding your genetic predispositions, optimising your diet and fitness, or managing potential health risks, DNA testing can be a valuable tool on your journey to better health. Explore the possibilities today and take the first step towards a healthier, more informed future.