“Life is lived forwards, but understood backwards.” Soren Kierkegaard
DNA results are most accurate when examined in conjunction with genealogical research. According to https://www.livescience.com, DNA findings are not an exact science because groups of people moved and mixed with other groups of people. Boundaries changed. War affected who lived where. People moved where the work was or to have a better life. Information found on Family Tree states that “Scientists can make inferences about your ancestry based on trends among populations, but they currently can’t say for sure that your ancestors lived in a specific country, much less a specific town.” Ultimately, the companies that provide DNA testing are actually providing estimates that are based on a combination of statistical data, historical information, and known migration of the populace. Most people have autosomal DNA testing done which can provide information up to 6 generations (Y-DNA and mtDNA can provide information up to 10 generations).
I had my DNA testing done through Helix as part of the Healthy Nevada Project. This is a large-scale genetic screening and research initiative. My results show that my heritage is 99.9% European and identified 6 of 26 regions in my genetic makeup. I am:
- 58.6% Northwestern European (United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Northern France, Northern Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland)
- 19.7% Northeastern European (Prussia/Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sweden)
- 16.9% Southeastern European (Albania, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Yugoslavia/Macedonia, Greece, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Moldova)
- 3.5% Southwestern European (Portugal, Spain, parts of France, Italy, Malta, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City)
- 1.2% Ashkenazi Jewish (European Jews from the area between France and Russia)
- 0.1% Austronesia – Filipino
The theme of the Healthy Nevada Project is “Empowering every person to improve
their life through DNA.” This project studies how genetics affect health. Participants may be asked to complete surveys and even partake in specific studies if their genetic markers warrant it. ( So far, I have been asked to complete two surveys related to COVID-19.)
In addition to information on where my ancestors may have lived, Helix also provided some health characteristics based on my DNA. I am likely to drink more coffee than people in some populations and my weight is less likely to be affected by saturated fat. I am able to digest lactose and have no problem with gluten. My calcium and vitamin D levels tend to be average.
On the other hand, I am likely to have a higher BMI (body mass index) than would be expected. Because of this, I really need to focus on healthy eating and exercise.
Years and years ago in the early 1980’s, Linda and I decided to become certified aerobic dance instructors so that we could offer classes and make some money as well as improve our fitness levels. In addition to taking classes and learning the routines, we had to take a CPR class, run a mile in a certain amount of time. (I don’t remember how long we were allowed but since we never ran it was a definite challenge; however both Linda and I were able to succeed.) We also had to have our BMI calculated. They used hydrostatic body fat underwater testing. While it was very interesting, this was the first time that I realized that my BMI was higher than expected even though I was thin.
“There are centuries of human history coded into our genes. From our ancestors’ migration paths to their dietary habits, the results from our DNA testing kits can tell us a lot about the people that came before us.” https://www.helix.com/collections/ancestry
Our DNA results may help us discover cousins and other relatives that we may not have known about otherwise and can reinforce that our genealogical research is on the right path and makes sense. It may help us keep our options open as we discover ancestors that we originally did not expect (I’ll be looking for those Southeastern and Southwestern European ancestors). It can also be helpful as we strive to live the healthiest lives possible.
That was very interesting, Jacque.