A new gene testing kit is unlocking the secrets to your potential wellbeing.

People with ‘good skin' or those who ‘age well' are often said to be blessed with ‘good genes'. But until recently, little was known about the role genes play in the health of the skin and the ageing process. Genes can be understood as working subunits of DNA. In turn, DNA is a vast chemical database that carries the complete set of instructions for making all the proteins a cell will ever need. ‘Genes give the body instructions on how to behave physically. Everyone has a unique genetic makeup that is stable throughout their entire life,' explains Business Development Manager of Excelgene Richard Fahy.

Excelgene samples, analyses and reports on genes, creating individual genetic profiles. The data are used to provide health professionals with scientifically objective data that can assist in identifying areas of predisposition in patients. Excelgene has identified a range of genes that affect how well people respond to physical training, diet and recovery. Each of these relevant genes has several variants called alleles, or allelic variants. Combinations of allelic variants define people's unique physiology.

‘By making this information available and transparent, our clients have insight that allows them to design fitness and training regimes that best match their specific physiology,' says Fahy.

Excelgene has brought this technology to the market with its proprietary test kits, LifeGenes, distributed in Australia by The Say What Group. Patients' DNA is collected with a buccal swab and sent to a laboratory for analysis. ‘The test is simple,' says Fahy. ‘All it requires is a swab sample taken from the inside of the cheek and from this a DNA sample can be extracted and analysed.'

‘Fifteen genes relevant to nutrition, wellbeing and general fitness outcomes are analysed for genetic variation. The genes all relate to five areas including weight management (fat loss and predisposition to type II diabetes), heart health, anti-ageing and wellbeing, detoxification and bone health.' Fahy explains that some people for example might be more susceptible than others to free radicals in the body or may not be as adept at removing waste products and toxins from the body. By undergoing the LifeGenes test, programs can be designed to assist with care pathways and maximise functionality. ‘However, it's important to realise that variations are not necessarily a bad thing,' adds Fahy.

There are obviously security issues surrounding such test kits. ‘It's a matter of choice. Finding out information about your genetic makeup is becoming increasingly acceptable and can enhance your quality of life as you get older,' says Fahy. ‘LifeGenes uses a very sophisticated barcode system and all DNA is destroyed so there is no possible way of confidentiality or identity being exposed.' The methodology employed in the kits and analysis has been peer reviewed to determine its relevance to physiological outcomes.
acsm

Once analysed the LifeGenes report is sent back to the doctor with a comprehensive report covering areas of:

1. Weight Management (fat loss and predisposition to type II diabetes)

2. Heart Health (predisposition to cardiovascular disease)

3. Anti-Ageing and Wellbeing (antioxidation and inflammation)

4. Detoxification (removing toxins from our bodies)

5. Bone Health (predisposition to osteoporosis)