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Buyers urged to beware of popular DIY DNA tests

Tuesday, 22 April 2025

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  • Photo of the actor Chris Hemsworth waving

    Chris Hemsworth was found to have two copies of the gene APOE4, connected to an elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease

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Buyers urged to beware of popular DIY DNA tests

Globally millions of us have sent our DNA off to be tested, mostly to companies offering insights into our ancestry, disease risks and traits. Research shows there is a growing interest in DNA tests claiming to reveal information on factors like nutrition, fitness, fertility and weight management to be proactive about their health and address modifiable risk factors. Demand is increasing for people wanting to know if they are at risk of diseases such as diabetes, coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and more.

When Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth underwent DNA testing and discovered in 2022 that he had an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, it sparked significant public interest in genetic testing and raised awareness about the potential for personalised health strategies. Chris Hemsworth was told he carried two copies of the gene APOE4, which is connected to an elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease, but it is not causative of the disease.

Professor Simon Laws, Director of the Centre for Precision Health at Edith Cowan University is concerned "this widespread access to personal genetic information — without the knowledge of how to interpret results — can lead to an array of problems ranging from misinterpretation to emotional distress. It could even lead to unnecessary procedures being carried out," he said.

"Genetic testing is a complex field and requires a trained professional, ideally a clinical geneticist or a genetic counsellor, to interpret the results and discuss next steps. There are many people who carry these genetic factors who never develop Alzheimer's disease."

Professor Laws said these tests can also be fairly limited in scope when it comes to variants they test for and their sensitivity to predict risk.  "They are not designed as a diagnostic tool and there may be more sensitive tests available to address your specific concern and these should be discussed with your GP or a clinical geneticist before first doing an at-home DNA test," he explained.

Professor Laws added: "There is some genetic screening that can be done that will determine for certainty whether you have Huntington’s Disease, for example, but this is not what a DIY test would be used for as they are looking for more general health-related associations.”

Credit: This article was originally published in the West Australian Buyers urged to beware of popular DIY DNA tests | The West Australian

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