Does Ethnicity Affect Scores?

• Just as certain genetic variants are more common in some families, there are variants that are more prevalent in certain ethnic groups.
• The genes that control what we consider to be race (i.e. hair, skin pigmentation and face shape) represent only a tiny percentage of our genetic makeup.
• Genetic variants can be expressed differently for different people, and research to date seems to indicate that when it comes to the expression of these traits – ethnic background matters.
• While our DNA is beyond our control, the good news is that in general, our lifestyle choices tend to have a greater effect on our health and abilities than our genetics do.
• Nevertheless, it makes sense to account for these genetic variants when developing health and nutrition plans.

If you have ever taken a DNA test, you may have been asked about your ethnic background. But why? Genes are genes right?

And you’ve probably seen a certain video that went viral a few years ago showing how many people no longer know their true ethnic backgrounds.[i]

Nevertheless, when working out predictive genetic scores, it is important to adjust for ethnicity.

Just as certain genetic variants are more common in some families, there are variants that are more prevalent in certain ethnic groups. The way these genetic variants affect our traits, however, can be influenced by our ethnicity. For example, an individual of African descent might have a variant in common with someone of Asian or Caucasian descent, but it may very well affect them differently.

For this reason, it is extremely important to adjust genetic scores (and subsequent recommendations) in order to take into account ethnicity. Failure to do so would mean having less accurate scores and less effective personal plans.

RACE AND DNA: WE’RE NOT SO DIFFERENT

Believe it or not, there was once a time when it was widely thought that humans of different races were actually different species! But the genes that control what we consider to be race (i.e. hair, skin pigmentation and face shape) represent only a tiny percentage of our genetic makeup.

Most genes in the human population have crossed the boundaries of race and geography. In fact, if the whole of humanity had been wiped out yesterday with the exception of some remote tribe in New Guinea, the survivors would still possess 85% of human genetic variants.[ii]

BUT STILL UNIQUE

As mentioned earlier, genetic variants can be expressed differently for different people, and research to date seems to indicate that when it comes to the expression of these traits – ethnic background matters.

It is well known for example, that certain diseases are more common among some ethnic groups. Those of African ancestry have higher incidences of sickle cell anemia, while those with European background tend to be more likely to be carriers of genes that result in cystic fibrosis.

In other physical traits, ethnic background is also important. Many star Olympic runners, for example, are Kenyan. In particular, they are individuals from a small tribe called the Kalenjins.[iii]

LIFESTYLE INFLUENCES ON HEALTH AND ABILITY

While our DNA is beyond our control, the good news is that in general, our lifestyle choices tend to have a greater effect on our health and abilities than our genetics do.  In other words, if you want to be a star runner, good old-fashioned practice is going to make more of a difference than your genes. Or if you are genetically predisposed to heart disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can trump your DNA. 

Nevertheless, it makes sense to account for these genetic variants when developing health and nutrition plans. And since these variants can be expressed differently depending on ethnicity, this too must be accounted for.

At GeneBlueprint, we strive to provide you with the most accurate scores possible – which is why we take your ancestry into account.

[i] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw7FhU-G1_Q

[ii] https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/side_0_0/ethnicity_01

[iii] http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/genes-and-running-performance