Limits of a genetic wellbeing test

A genetic wellbeing test may describe some DNA variants and traits linked to lifestyle. It does not diagnose, indicate treatment or measure biological age. The National Human Genome Research Institute’s direct-to-consumer genetic testing FAQ, updated on 14 June 2023, explains lifestyle reports. These reports offer information — and sometimes recommendations — about factors such as nutrition, physical fitness, weight loss, skin or sleep from DNA variations. The same page notes that, because these factors are complex, it is difficult to determine the role of genetics and the usefulness of such recommendations is unclear in most cases. They are often difficult to interpret and commonly have only an indirect relationship with a trait. The source sets out further limits: many of these tests do not analyse all variants associated with a condition, so a result cannot rule it out; a finding with possible clinical relevance needs confirmation with a clinical genetic test; and some traits have no confirmed clinical usefulness, such as the example of which vitamins might suit a person. The FDA, cited on that page, states that results from these tests should not be used to diagnose or to make treatment decisions. This piece does not assess a particular laboratory or recommend taking, or not taking, a test. The free habits assessment is a separate entry point: it organises everyday routines and does not interpret variants.