40 Percent of Consumer DNA Tests Are Inaccurate

According to Ancestry.com, they claim the largest DNA database with more than 7 million people's DNA stored. In combination with other companies collecting DNA data, the industry estimates over 12 million DNA profiles are on file. David Mittelman, consumer genetics entrepreneur and cofounder of DNAGeeks, “The inflection point started in the summer of 2016 and from there it's gone into the stratosphere.” However, while highly advertised and an incredibly popular way of determining your ancestry, these at-home tests may provide false health information and place your privacy at risk. What’s Being Tested? DNA identification is a relatively new science. Before testing was available, other biological tools were used to help identify people and determine relationships. One of the first of those tools was blood typing. In the early 1920s, scientists were able to identify four different blood types. It wasn't until the mid-1970s when scientists discovered ways of tissue typing using the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) protein present on all tissue except red blood cells. Fast forward to 2010 and researchers are now using next-generation sequencing or massively parallel sequencing as the newest technique for genetic analysis. When a direct-to-consumer DNA test is requested, often what is tested is autosomal DNA, or one of 22 pairs of chromosomes inherited from your parents. Also called genetic genealogy, DNA testing is used together with documentary evidence to define relationships between individuals. This genealogical DNA testing first became available on a commercial basis in 2000. Since then a number of companies have established private testing labs and databases, promising to help identify individuals in your family tree up to five generations back using data points compared against others in their database. DNA may potentially be used to map your family tree, determine the ancestry of your dog, solve crimes or help your physician identify genetic components to a health condition, such as whether or not a woman carries the HER2 gene, knowledge of which will help focus the correct treatment. However, while solving crimes and identification of specific proteins to drive treatment protocols are completed in highly regulated labs set up to protect your privacy, direct-to-consumer DNA tests are not. High Percentage of At-Home DNA Tests Provide False Results In a limited study completed by Ambry Genetics, a small medical lab in California, researchers discovered using at-home DNA tests to assess for risk of certain diseases or other nonphenotypic traits resulted in a 40 percent false positive reading. The information evaluated was about genetic makeup; looking for ancestral linkage was not the issue. Ambry processes DNA for doctors and research institutions and found nearly 40 percent of test results from at-home DNA tests contained false positives. In other words, the direct-to-consumer test indicated there was a genetic variant increasing the individual's risk for disease, but according to Ambry’s genetic sequencing, there wasn't. The study does not discount DNA testing, but rather points out raw data from consumer testing companies may not be as accurate as consumers hope. What Ambry found was consumer labs test genotype DNA rather than sequencing it, and use just one method. Although this method is cheaper and quicker than clinical sequencing, it also is less effective and accurate than the clinical laboratory method of sequencing and using another test to confirm a positive variant. A spokesperson from 23andMe, an at-home DNA test company, discussed the study with a reporter from Gizmodo, telling them 23andMe customers receive a warning the raw data is not necessarily accurate or appropriate for medical use. Contained in their terms of service is a warning that may not be entirely clear to consumers: “This data has undergone a general quality review; however, only a subset of markers have been individually validated for accuracy.” Clinical Confirmation Necessary Before Making Medical Decisions Although these at-home genetic tests are popular as a relatively inexpensive way to track your ethnicity and genetic history, they are not intended for medical use. This means the data you are given is not a replacement for a real medical diagnosis, nor should the information be used to guide medical treatment. This warning refers to raw DNA data many companies send, containing a complicated list of genetic abnormalities implying you may have a greater likelihood to develop a disorder. The authors of the featured study noted false results about genetic disorders might lead people to better preventive care, but may also create needless anxiety over a nonexistent issue. The authors believe it is vital further testing is used to confirm a condition prior to designing a treatment protocol. For instance, while you may have a genetic marker for a health condition, you may never develop it and vice versa. Genetics plays a role in disease development, but in many cases your lifestyle choices and environment play a larger role. How Home DNA Testing Works It appears the increase in interest for direct-to-consumer DNA testing could be a result of how much these companies are spending on advertising. In 2016, Ancestry.com spent $109 million on TV and other advertising and was on track to spend even more in 2017. Most of the at-home kits work in a similar fashion. Since the company uses both documented evidence and DNA evidence to find your ancestry links, you'll first answer a few questions about yourself. Once the kit has arrived you collect the sample as directed. Some DNA test kits use a vial of saliva, while others use scrapings from the inside of your cheek. Before sending the test kit back, you must register it online with the company. This is an important step as the kit is sent to the company without identifying information. Registering the kit allows you to see your results online. Since some states have laws governing DNA testing by private companies when the tests are related to medical conditions, it is important to check the site's terms of service to see if there are any restrictions in your locale before ordering a kit. Companies keep their own database of DNA so software can search for DNA matches with as many people as share their results. If you're trying to build a family tree or look for relatives, this could be a useful feature. Companies Finding Ways to Monetize Your Information The sheer numbers of individuals who have data in DNA databases may catalyze the growth of other companies who reanalyze the data and monetize your information. For instance, Vinome uses your genetic material to predict the type of wine you may find most tasteful. Other companies use the information to provide a breakdown of nutrition or health risks. Unfortunately, this occurs with little oversight from regulators. In past years, direct-to-consumer DNA companies have worked hard to convince customers testing has value. The rising enthusiasm in genealogy has captured a growing interest in monetizing the platform. Harvard geneticist George Church, Ph.D., founded Nebula Genomics, planning to sequence your DNA for under $1,000, giving you insights about your health and at the same time secure the data. In other words, when you take a DNA test through a direct-to-consumer company, the company has the right to sell your genetic data to third parties without passing you profit. On the other hand, when you pay Nebula to sequence your entire DNA, you own the data and may sell it to earn digital money. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies use large DNA data sets in the development of new pharmaceutical drugs. This data is typically purchased for millions of dollars. Nebula’s goal is to eliminate the middleman so you have the opportunity to sell your own DNA data directly to drug companies and other data buyers. More startup companies are building platforms allowing you to sell your genetic information online, but they are not offering genome sequencing in the package. Although you may be intrigued with the idea of making money from a simple DNA test, it is critical you consider these future repercussions to your privacy. Know This Before You Take a Direct-To-Consumer DNA Test Although scientists are excited about the potential information revealed in a deep dive into DNA data, in an era of genetic research, this poses significant problems for your privacy. Hank Greely, director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences at Stanford School of Medicine, comments: “There is no legal limit on what they could do other than the agreement that you enter into with them which they may or may not choose to follow. If they don’t follow it, the chance you would ever find out is very, very low. You cannot promise people absolute confidentiality. The other side of it is that it’s possible that somebody will hack into a company database that does contain your information. My financial information has been hacked three times in two years. All that stuff is out there.” Your DNA contains sensitive information about your health, personality and family history. In the fine print of nearly every testing company, the company claims ownership of your DNA, allowing third parties to access it and making it vulnerable to hackers. The direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies make it clear in their terms and conditions how they use your DNA, but these firms are not bound by HIPAA regulations, which means your personal information is unregulated. And, as with all data, the more places it can be found, the more chances are it can be leaked. Even without an accidental leak, your genetic information may be used for workplace discrimination or in the acquisition of life insurance, long-term care or disability insurance. And, if you share your genetic information with your personal physician and the results are medically relevant, it may also negatively impact your health care coverage. In fact, one company admitted in 2013 the real goal of the company was not to make money selling DNA testing, but instead to collect massive amounts of data they can use without any further consent. So, while it may be tempting to forgo hours of research into developing your family tree by taking a simple DNA test, this test may turn out to be far from simple and cost far more than the original price in the long run. Source: mercola.com, 4/21/18.

The Top 20 Health Tips From Dr. Mercola

To help commemorate 20 years of offering the most up-to-date health information we can, here are 20 tips to help you on your health journey. The topics are all-encompassing, so while you may not be able to do all of them, beginning with a few will improve your overall health and well-being. What to Do More of to Optimize Your Health: 1. Get eight hours of sleep every night. You’ve heard it since you were a kid but that eight hours of shut-eye is serious business. Adequate sleep can make you smarter, skinnier and happier; it helps you process information on multiple levels. You end up consuming more calories when you don’t get enough sleep. Your memory suffers and your risk for depression increases. Your risk of anxiety rises, and with it, coping mechanisms that often involve food. Even your immune system takes a hit. Protect your hours of sleep like you do your bank account. You’ll be richer for it. 2. Get adequate vitamin D and omega-3s. Deficiencies in these two essential nutrients are causing untold damage to the health of millions of Americans. In fact, 85 percent of Americans aren’t getting enough “D” to help fight bone loss, cognitive decline, rheumatoid arthritis and abnormal cell growth. Regular sun exposure is your best source of vitamin D, but supplementation may also be necessary for some people. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which you need for healthy digestion, blood clotting, memory, muscle strength, vision, heart health and so much more. Excellent sources of animal-based omega-3s include wild-caught Alaskan salmon, sardines, anchovies and krill oil. 3. Get moving. Sitting is a huge part of modern life. The national median of adults with little to no physical activity other than their jobs is 22.6 percent. Walking just one hour a day, the equivalent of about 3 miles, will go a long way toward optimizing your health. You’ll gain greater stamina, more energy along with cutting your risk for several types of disease. Aim for 10,000 steps a day and cut your sitting time to three hours or less daily. 4. Grow your own food. The best way to guarantee you’re eating truly healthy foods like vegetables, herbs and seeds is to produce them yourself. You may be surprised how easy it is to start with organic tomato, beet or lettuce seeds for growing food right at your fingertips. It’s very satisfying, plus you don’t have to worry about genetically engineered (GE) foods laced with harmful pesticides. 5. Get adequate sun exposure. Humans make thousands of units of vitamin D within minutes of whole-body exposure to sunlight, but our jobs keep most people indoors. Regular sun exposure is important not only for adequate vitamin D production but also for boosting your immune system, regulating your circadian rhythm, lowering high blood pressure, improving your mood and even lowering your risk of many cancers, including skin cancer. Always avoid getting burned, but do make sure you spend a sensible amount of time with your bare skin exposed. What to Eat More of to Optimize Your Health: 6. Eat more fiber. It may not make sense until you think about it, but when the foods you eat hang around in your colon for too long, it begins accumulating toxins that can potentially end up causing colon cancer. The foods you eat provide needed nutrients for your body’s health, but then they need to move through your system. That’s where fiber, especially from vegetables, nuts and seeds such as flax and chia seeds — not grains — come in handy. Fiber “sloughs” your intestinal walls to speed up movement. Drinking adequate water helps the process, as well. Fiber is not only beneficial for lowering your cancer risk but also reduces your risk of chronic disease like diabetes and heart disease. I believe about 50 grams per 1,000 calories consumed is ideal. 7. Eat more fish. As you may know, protein is essential for health. You only need to eat 10 - 35 percent of your daily calorie intake from protein. Trading out some of the beef you eat for fish is an excellent way to get adequate protein without getting too much. Larger fish are nearly always contaminated with mercury and other toxins. Exceptions would be wild-caught Alaskan salmon, sardines, anchovies and herring are cold-water fish that offer healthy fats, including omega-3s, without high levels of pollutants. Make sure the fish you eat is wild-caught, not farmed, low in mercury and other pollutants and responsibly harvested. 8. Switch to American grass fed certified. That goes for milk and butter as well as meat, so when you buy these products you know, you’re getting optimal essential minerals and antioxidants, as well as fatty acid composition. Organic grass fed foods are also free of antibiotics and other drugs used in concentrated animal feeding operations. Antibiotic-resistant disease has become a major public health hazard, so buying organic meats is should something you take into consideration. 9. Make fermented foods. Fermented foods provide your body with beneficial microbes, counteract inflammation and control the growth of disease-causing bacteria. All you need is a Mason jar or two to get started. Your gut houses about 85 percent of your immune system, mainly because 100 trillion beneficial and pathogenic bacteria live there and play important roles in your body’s functions. When your GI tract is not properly balanced, a wide range of health problems can appear, including allergies and autoimmune diseases. 10. Grow sprouts. If you haven’t heard about the incredible health benefits of eating sprouted broccoli, bean or sunflower sprouts, it might be helpful to learn that, compared to the considerable vitamins and antioxidants in full-grown vegetables, the micro version (i.e., sprouts) is like veggies on steroids. Sunflower seed and pea shoots are about 30 times more nutritious than organic vegetables. Best of all, growing your own is super easy, quick, cost effective and doesn’t require a lot of space. What to Avoid or Reduce to Optimize Your Health: 11. Avoid lectins. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins you find in wheat and other grains, beans and similar legumes, and nightshade veggies such as tomatoes and peppers. Many are proinflammatory and neurotoxic, and may increase blood viscosity, interfere with gene expression and disrupt endocrine function. That’s why dried beans must be carefully cooked, and never eat them raw. Sprouting and fermenting will also dramatically reduce the lectin content of foods. 12. Avoid fluoride. In the U.S., 57 percent of youth between the ages of 6 and 19 years have fluorosis, a condition in which your tooth enamel becomes progressively discolored and mottled due to overexposure to fluoridated drinking water. Dental fluorosis is an outward sign that fluoride is damaging the body. A forethinking chemist asserted that water fluoridation was tantamount to committing “public murder” back in 1937, sadly confirmed with a sharp rise in cancer deaths implicating fluoride soon after the practice started. Choose non-fluoridated toothpaste and consider a fluoride-removing water filter. 13. Avoid microwaves, especially with plastic containers. Depending on what product you’re using, your plastic might contain phthalates, a type of “gender-bending” chemical causing males of many species to become more female, along with many others. Microwaving food in a plastic container puts your food in contact with phthalates and other chemicals that have leached out during the heating process. Instead, use a glass container and cover your food with a paper towel, a coffee filter or a glass lid set on at a slight angle for steam to escape. Microwaves heat food by causing water molecules in it to resonate at very high frequencies and eventually turn to steam, which heats your food. While this can rapidly heat your food, it also causes a change in your food's chemical structure and destroys many vital nutrients. 14. Limit your protein intake. Protein is essential for health because it helps build muscle, maintain healthy cells and regulate your metabolism, to name a few of its many functions, which is why it’s called the “building blocks of life.” But Americans consume the most meat per capita in the world — more than 175 pounds of pork, poultry and beef per year, which exceeds what is wise for optimal health. People whose protein consumption is 20 percent or more their total caloric intake have a 400 percent higher cancer rate, and a 75 percent higher risk of mortality. Protein is important, but balance is important, too. For optimal health, I believe most adults need about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of lean body mass (not total body weight), or 0.5 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass. 15. Reduce EMFs. No doubt about it: Exposure to EMFs, or electromagnetic fields, is a given if you use a cellphone. Lower your exposure to all electronics whenever possible, but use particular care with your cellphone, portable phone, Wi-Fi router and modem. You can reduce your exposure by shutting off your Wi-Fi at night, keeping cellphones in airplane mode unless using them, using the speaker phone when talking on your cellphone. Things to Eliminate to Optimize Your Health: 16. Give up nicotine for life. You probably already know smoking causes cancer, and other forms of nicotine and tar are every bit as dangerous. But did you know it is one of the factors in the development of Alzheimer’s? In fact, one study showed smokers to have a 45 percent higher risk of developing dementia than nonsmokers. 17. Get rid of nonstick cookware. Here’s why: poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used to create these surfaces are toxic, both in your body and in the environment. You may have noticed bits that come loose when you’re stirring, and realized they’re going into someone’s body, and toxic fumes, even if you can’t smell them, are, too. Instead, use ceramic or enameled cast iron pots, pans and skillets to do your cooking. 18. Consider getting rid of your mercury fillings. But maybe you should first consider what mercury fillings may be doing to wreck your health. The amalgam fillings put in place by dentists in the U.S. are 50 percent mercury, the vapors of which pass through cell membranes, across your blood-brain barrier and into your central nervous system. Studies show they cause serious psychological, neurological and immunological problems. 19. Give up soda. Countless individuals are making strides toward a healthier lifestyle, but one of the smartest things you can do if you haven’t already is ditch soda. There’s a link between soda consumption and obesity, as well as liver damage, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Making the switch to water could be the most influential health decision you’ve ever made. 20. Avoid sugar. Evidence suggests excess sugar is a foundational cause of diabetes, obesity and most chronic degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, not just an exacerbating factor. Once you more fully appreciate the dangers of sugar, you may finally be more motivated to mostly eliminate it from your diet. It may be difficult in the beginning, but once you cut down on added sugars and other net carbs (total carbs minus fiber), which will allow your body to start burning fat as its primary fuel again, the sugar cravings will disappear. Research stevia as an alternative. What’s in It for You? It’s unfortunate that along with all the options we’re offered in grocery stores, many of them are manufactured with something else in mind besides your health. Our aim is to expose corporate, government and media misinformation that diverts you away from what’s truly best for your health. Unless you actively pursue alternative answers for health and well-being, you’ll most likely be swept into corporate America’s loudest, most persistent answer to every problem, from headaches to obesity to cancer: drugs and medical procedures. We’ve partnered with key organizations also dedicated to educating the public on important health issues, and even push for initiatives that will better public health and the environment while helping you improve your health, naturally. Source: mercola.com, 4/2/18.