Understanding Your DNA: The Basics of Genetics and Health

What is DNA?

DNA is like the instruction manual for every living thing, including you. It contains all the information needed for your body to grow, function, and stay healthy. Think of DNA as a long sequence made up of four building blocks represented by the letters ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’, and ‘T’. These letters are like a code that tells your body how to work.

You inherit half of your DNA from your mom and half from your dad, which is why you may have traits similar to both. This combination of inherited DNA is what makes you unique.

What is Genetics?

Genetics is the study of genes, which are tiny units in our bodies that carry the information that makes us who we are. These genes influence everything from your eye color to hair type, and even how your body functions every day. You can think of genes as instructions or recipes that tell your body how to grow, develop, and work.

Each gene is a specific region of your DNA that provides the "recipe" for making something called a protein. Proteins are incredibly important because they do most of the work in your body—they help build tissues, keep your immune system strong, and allow your organs to function properly. Your body can adjust how many of these proteins it makes by turning certain genes "on" or "off," a process scientists call gene expression.

What are Genetic Variants?

Here's where it gets interesting!

Even though we all have the same basic set of genes, each gene can come in different versions

Genotypes vs. Alleles

An allele is a version of a gene, represented by the letters A, C, G, and T. For each gene, you have two alleles—one from your mom and one from your dad. These alleles can be the same or different, depending on what each parent passed down.

Your genotype is the specific combination of these two alleles, like having two cards from a deck. For example, your genotype could be AA, AG, or GG. Together, your genotype plays a role in determining your traits, such as eye color or how your body responds to certain nutrients.

"Do I have this gene?" vs. "Do I have this genetic variant?"

If you're just diving into your genetics and what they mean, you might have questions like, “Do I have this gene?” or “Do I have this genetic variant?”. We'll explain the difference and what those questions mean below:

"Do I have this gene?"

• If you are wondering whether you have a certain gene, the answer is yes. It's more likely that you are wondering if you have a certain variant of the gene. Every human has the same basic set of genes, but the differences between individuals lie in genetic variants (also known as alleles). These variants are small changes in the DNA sequence of the genes, which can affect how the gene functions.
• For example, everyone has the COMT gene — this gene helps us break down dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and cognitive function. So, when your raw data shows that you have the COMT gene, it confirms you have the same foundational set of instructions as everyone else. What matters more when it comes to your health is whether you have a specific version or variant of that gene, which can influence how effectively it functions.

"Do I have this genetic variant?"

• A genetic variant refers to a specific change in a gene that can impact how it works. These variants can influence traits like your mood or response to stress.
• For example, the COMT gene has a variant linked to a specific position in the DNA called an rsID, or SNP. In the case of anxiety, rs4680 is the location that matters. Depending on what your genotype is (either AA, AG, or GG) at this position (rs4680), your body may break down dopamine at different rates compared to others.
  • For example, if your genotype is GG at rs4680, you may be more prone to higher anxiety compared to someone with the AA genotype. Someone with AG may have average or typical risk of anxiety. Understanding your genotypes for each variant can help you learn more about your genetics and how they affect your health.

Keep the bigger picture in mind...

In summary, knowing whether you have certain genes or variants can help you understand your health better. If your DNA results show that you have a variant linked to a higher risk of a health condition, you can take steps to manage that risk.

Remember that when you are reviewing your genetic data, it's usually best not to focus too heavily on the population frequency of individual SNPs. Instead, the DNA Health Reports provide a more comprehensive assessment of health risks, as they consider multiple genetic variants together, rather than just one. We make personalized supplement, dietary, and lifestyle recommendations that you can implement in partnership with your healthcare provider.

In most cases, a single genetic variant is unlikely to determine a health risk on its own; it's the combination of multiple SNPs that influences health outcomes. The Health Reports are designed to capture these complexities and offer a more accurate understanding of genetic predispositions. Of course, if you have any specific health concerns, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.