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Millions of people around the world are spitting into the vial in hopes of learning more about their genes. But they’re not just looking for information about their ancestors.
People are increasingly interested in exploring how their genes influence their health, nutrition, fitness potential, and injury risk.
The global market for these direct-to-consumer genetic tests is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, jumping from $1.9 billion in 2023 to $8.8 billion by 2030, according to a market analysis report from Grand View Research. . According to the analysis, North America leads the way with 60.5% of the market share, while Europe is expected to be the fastest growing market over the next six years.
In 2013, about 20 companies offered consumer genetic testing for sports performance and injury risk. By 2019, that number had grown to about 70 companies, according to one research review. Additionally, a 2020 study published in the Indian Journal of Orthopedics found that while Uzbekistan and China are using genetic testing in their Olympic athlete identification programs, Australia’s national rugby league players , reported using DNA testing to tailor workouts for sprints and explosive powerlifting.
Despite this buzz, many researchers say there’s too much hype and too little solid science behind these tests. One such skeptic is Dr. Timothy Caulfield, a professor in the Faculty of Law and Public Health at the University of Alberta, Edmonton.
“I’ve been following this field since the late 1990s, but there hasn’t been much progress,” Caulfield said.
There was a lot of excitement about genetic testing when scientists discovered the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in 1994 and 1995, respectively. It turns out that a woman with a mutation in one of these genes has a lifetime risk of breast cancer of between 60% and 80%. Furthermore, mutations in BRCA1 implied a lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of 40% to 50%, and mutations in BRCA2 conferred a lifetime risk of 10% to 20%.
“The hope was that we would find many genes like this that were highly predictable and that we could take steps to make changes to our health,” Caulfield said. “But it didn’t really work out that way.”
Instead, he said, scientists have discovered that how our genes work is a complex topic, especially when it comes to fitness and sports. For example, Caulfield underwent genetic testing, which revealed that he was unlikely to excel in sprinting. However, he had a talent for sports, and he continued to compete from his childhood until his college years.
“There’s no question that genes are important, but the question is how much?” Caulfield said. “If you look at Olympic-level long jumpers, who need explosive movements, they don’t all have the sprinting gene. If it’s really important, everyone has to have it. I guess.”
In fact, scientists say there are so many additional factors to athletic talent and success, including diet, sleep, training, motivation, socio-economic background, and even in-utero experiences. Similarly, there are countless variables when it comes to injury risk.
Eva Katalin/E+/Getty Images
Many factors are important in how talented a person is at a sport, including diet, sleep, training, and motivation.
Another concern for researchers is the scientific validity behind these tests. Dr. Dylan McKay, assistant professor of nutrition and chronic disease at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, says that while the accuracy of actual genetic tests is probably good, the science behind how companies interpret the results is unclear. said there may be a problem. .
“Often these tests are based on associations rather than randomized controlled trials looking for cause and effect,” McKay says. “For example, watermelon consumption is associated with drowning, because more people swim during the same season as they eat watermelon. But that’s just an association.”
The advice companies give based on test results is also often vague or standard. Mr Caulfield’s results showed he was at risk of certain cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
“What was my advice for staying healthy? Eat well, exercise regularly, don’t smoke and drink alcohol in moderation,” Caulfield said.
Despite these issues, many people are still interested in DNA compatibility testing. Devin Meyer, co-owner of Balance Gym in Washington, D.C., is one of them. Balance Gym recently partnered with FitnessGenes, a UK-based company that sells genetic tests to help clients achieve better results in their workouts.
Although the test doesn’t give precise instructions on how to become healthier, Meyer said he believes the test could be helpful. One of his clients was trying to build muscle by lifting heavier weights with fewer reps. His test results showed that his muscular build would benefit from high-intensity training, so Meyer instructed him to switch to lifting lighter weights for more reps. Within 1-2 months, the client saw the desired muscle gain.
These tests can also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can address them, Meyer said.
“You may not have the genes to be a great endurance athlete, but if you want to run a marathon, we can help you train better to run a marathon. ” he said.
Meyer said he believes there is a lot of potential in this area as well.
“Our DNA hasn’t changed, but the science and information has and will continue to change,” Meyer said.
Time and further scientific advances may shed more light on whether DNA compatibility testing is or could be useful. But McKay still has doubts.
“I’ve been in this field for a long time, and genetic tests are getting better and better, but there are no groundbreaking new discoveries,” he says.
Mr Caulfield said he hoped parents would not use these tests to force their children to participate in, or keep their children away from, certain sports or activities.
“Genes don’t determine whether you like a sport or are good at a sport,” he says. “You should do what you love. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be with genetic testing.”
Melanie Rajicki McManus I’m a freelance writer specializing in hiking, travel, and fitness.
