Gene sequencing helps Hong Kong woman know herself better – but not everyone likes how this knowledge is being used
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is a fast-growing industry, allowing anyone to have their DNA analysed, but there are concerns about accuracy, false marketing and how genetics companies use the data they collect
If you’ve ever wondered why you often crave certain foods or have a problem losing weight, the mystery could be unravelled by taking a peek into your genetic make-up. It’s not difficult to do, with an increasing number of companies offering simple and easy genetic tests.
Being curious, I took the “health and wellness” genetic test offered by Advanced Genomic Solutions (AGS), which has offices and a lab in Central. You pay HK$4,300 (I was offered a free media trial), then simply take a swab of your mouth with a cotton bud, and a week later you get a 30-page report on the findings and a consultation.
Rather than providing raw genetic data – as is the case with many direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies – AGS prepares a short summary beside each genotype to explain the implication of your results. Some findings confirm things we already know about ourselves – in my case, an inability to metabolise alcohol and a fortunate tendency not to crave sweet things. Other findings could help me to keep in better physical shape. For example, although I have a low risk for obesity, I do have a genetic predisposition of reduced ability to utilise the B vitamin, folate.
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The AGS package comes with a free consultation, with either a nutritionist or a fitness trainer, who help clients understand their test results. I chose the nutritionist, who recommended that I consume more foods that are rich in folate, such as asparagus, kale and broccoli.
“The test can help direct people on what exercise plans or what nutritional plans may be right for them based on their own DNA,” says Lance Bennett, a managing partner of AGS. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all plan. We can really help them tailor how they should be exercising and how they should be eating.”
These are just a few of the growing variety of commercial genetic tests on the market – including ones on parentage, genealogy and ancestry, and predisposition to diseases – with costs ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars. Some companies even claim they can predict children’s athletic or language abilities.