Four BIG Misunderstandings About Genetic Testing

Written by: Stephanie Nishek, ND

If you’ve completed or have an interest in genetic testing, chances are good that you’ve had one or more of these questions yourself or have encountered conversation around these topics in popular forums or from influencers. Let’s clear up some common myths and misunderstandings that keep following genetic/nutrigenomic testing around:

Can I change my genes?

NO. Your genetic code is established at the time of conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg).  The sperm cell carried half of your genome, and the egg carried the other half.  When they combined, your full genome was established – every cell of your body contains the same unique genetic code (called your genome) as that first combined cell. 

That said, you CAN influence the way many of your genes behave. Genes can be turned up or down, like a dimmer switch. Dietary and lifestyle intervention can improve function. Epigenetics (the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself) teaches us that there are many factors within our control that can be addressed to positively influence the way we operate.

Here are some examples of factors within our control that influence the messages our genes are sent: 

• What and how we eat
• Adequate sleep
• Stress levels/management
• Substance use
• Chemical exposures
• Exercise/healthy movement
• Time spent outdoors
• Positive human connections

Consistent “healthy and safe” signals result in a more balanced and optimal internal environment than frequent “sick, lacking or in danger” signals.         

Should I call my SNP(s) layout a diagnosis?

NO.  “I’m diagnosed with homozygous MTHFR C677T variants” isn’t accurate.  The word “diagnosis” in medicine is specific to defining an illness, injury or disease – and being homozygous for MTHFR C677T variants is none of those things.  Unlike mutations, SNPs (i.e. single nucleotide polymorphisms – which are single base changes in the DNA strand, like swapping one word in a sentence for a different word) are expected, naturally occurring variations in the genome.  This doesn’t mean that certain SNPs and SNP combinations don’t have untoward effects, they certainly can!  Simply, it is more accurate to say “I am homozygous for MTHFR C677T variants” or “I have homozygous MTHFR C677T SNPs” when discussing the information your testing has uncovered.    

Does having a certain variant or SNP equal a set outcome or set recommendations?

NO.  While it would be very convenient to be able to subscribe to a universal protocol when a certain SNP or SNP combination is identified - and expect a set outcome from doing so - it just doesn’t work this way.  Humans are complex and incredibly adaptable, with a genome containing around 25,000 genes that are constantly working with, on, and even against each other.  This is why having a certain SNP or SNP combination does not mean you WILL have certain symptoms or WILL respond a certain way to any given recommendation - there are far too many other factors (genetic and otherwise) at play. 

Incorporating nutrigenomic information helps you move from general health recommendations towards a plan that is more individualized, but still needs to be kept in context of the bigger picture that is YOU.  

Is there a superior ROUTE of testing (blood test vs. cheek swab)?

NO (again).  A buccal (cheek) swab is no more or less accurate than a blood test.  DNA is extracted from cheek cells the same way it is extracted from blood cells.  At MaxGen Labs, we offer a simple at-home cheek swab collection, for ease and accessibility.  No added lab visit or blood draw expense.   

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