Five Reasons to Consider DNA Testing

At one point, DNA testing was used for paternity tests and to identify defendants in a criminal trial, and nothing else, but that is slowly changing. People now use all types of DNA genetic testing for various reasons, and they can do so simply by ordering a DNA kit and sending it in to get the results. People are even using this type of testing to locate relatives, and the companies that make the kits allow them to set up accounts and look for family members. Let’s take a look at some of the ways DNA testing is used today.

1. To Determine Your Origins

This is a very popular reason to test your DNA. You can send in a swab or saliva sample, and you get results back that indicate what area of the world your ancestors are from. If you’re unsure where you “came from,” this test will reveal what your ethnic origins are and the percentages as well. For instance, the test tells you not only that your relatives are Scandinavian, but what percentage you are so that you can know for sure.

2. To Find Relatives

DNA genetic testing services like CRI Genetics can also be used to find relatives. You simply enter your information into a database while others do the same, and sometimes you get a “match,” which means you’re related to someone. This is a very interesting test because it has revealed some pretty interesting findings. You might even discover that you are related to someone famous or a relative you never knew existed.

3. To Determine Inheritance Rights

If you’re trying to prove that you’re related to someone in order to qualify for an inheritance, you can use DNA testing to determine this. Even if a relative is deceased, there is usually still a way to determine if your DNA matches that person. In certain situations, some of them contentious, this type of testing is crucial because it can eliminate people who claim to be related to someone but who are just doing so to receive inheritance money.

4. For Paternity Testing

Sometimes, there is a concern about who the father of a child is, and certain types of DNA genetic testing will let the family know for sure. There are many reasons why paternity needs to be determined for sure (think: child support payments), and these tests are very accurate. The tests can also reveal which persons are siblings if that needs to be determined as well, but keep in mind that these are usually two different tests.

5. To Help You on Your Diet Journey

A DNA test can be used to analyze your genes in order to determine your nutritional analysis so that you can know exactly what to eat and what not to eat in order to lose weight and become healthier. These tests give you information on what vitamins and minerals will work best for your body, any deficiencies that are found, and what the best foods are to lose weight and enjoy better health. This test is becoming increasingly popular for people who have trouble losing weight.