Do you ever wonder how your DNA works? Are you curious to know where your ancestors originated from and which ethnicity you belong? Are you lactose intolerance or are you allergic to dust, egg, shellfish and dairy products? One good news! You do not need to go and see a doctor to know this essential information. All you need is a swab to collect your specimen sample, place it into a tube, send it back to the lab and wait for your results. No blood or needles involved! Yes! It’s that easy and convenient.

I have been curious to know what my DNA will say about me. I’ve been longing to take one, but I always back off due to the price or doubts. Fortunately, I found the one that I can trust. I took my first DNA test with CIRCLE DNA. They offer a pretty reasonable price with a lot of information included in my kit. The process was easy, from purchasing, receiving, taking my saliva sample, returning it and waiting for the results. Things went smoothly.

ABOUT CIRCLE DNA

It was founded in 2014 and based in Hong Kong. There are about ten global offices up to this day. Their goal is to let people be aware of their possible cancer or health risks, eating according to our genes, exploring our lifestyles and many more.

There are three types of packages you can pick. Vital (Diet & Fitness), Health (Cancer) and Family Planning packages. They can be purchased separately, and it can also be purchased as a whole, Premium Bundle. Prices range from USD 189 - USD 629. The reports will usually be ready to view within 18 working days and can easily access through their app, both compatible with Android and IOS phones.

I have purchased a DNA test ”Vital” package as I wanted to know more about my diet, fitness and health. I am entirely pleased with the results, including the good and bad ones. I have finally understood why am I always bloated after consuming flour-based products such as wheat bread, noodles and pasta. That is because I have high sensitivity in gluten products. I have also found out that my risk of getting injuries from working out is high. All the information has helped me understand what I needed to do when I’m exercising. Moreover, I am more aware of my health now, and I’m glad that I was able to get my DNA results done.

Check out their website to know more - CIRCLE DNA

WHAT WILL YOU KNOW

What you will know will be based on which package you have purchased.

(This information is based as of October 2019)

VITAL DNA TEST - 125+ reports within 14 categories

You will know about - Diet, Nutrition, Sports and Fitness, Stress & Sleep, Ancestry, Behavioural, Personality, Gender, Success and Physical Traits, Skin, Music and Dance, Pollution and Well-Being.

Also included in the package - 30 minutes complimentary consultation with a health coach, mobile and PDF reports.

Price - USD 189

HEALTH DNA TEST - 115+ reports within 4 categories

You will know about - Cancer Screening, Dementia and Brain Health, Disease Risk and Common Health Risks.

Also included in the package - 30 minutes complimentary consultation with a genetic counsellor, mobile and PDF reports.

Price - USD 509

FAMILY PLANNING DNA TEST - 155+ reports within 1 category

You will know about - Family Planning reports

Also included in the package - 30 minutes complimentary consultation with a genetic counsellor, mobile and PDF reports.

Price - USD 509

PREMIUM BUNDLE DNA TEST - 500+ reports within 20 categories

You will know about - All the 20 categories across Vital, Health and Family Planning DNA tests including Drug Response

Also included in the package - 30 minutes complimentary consultation with a health coach and 30 minutes complimentary consultation with a genetic counsellor, mobile and PDF reports.

Price - USD 629

HOW DOES IT WORK?

After purchasing your kit, there are 3 easy steps to follow.

STEP 1 - ACTIVATE YOUR KIT

After opening, you must register your kit first by first downloading CIRCLE DNA app or scan the QR code.

View photo below for reference.

STEP 2 - COLLECT SAMPLE

In this step, you will need to collect your sample. But before you do that, make sure that you didn’t eat, drink, chew gum or smoke. If you do, you have to wait for 30 minutes before collecting your sample. Then, put your sample from the swab in the test tube provided.

View photo below for reference.

Watch the video below to show you how it is done.

STEP 3 - RETURN SAMPLE

Once you are done placing your sample in the test tube, you must store it in a specimen bag provided. Shut it tightly and place the bag inside the box. Then, put it the return bag or go to the delivery office to ship back your sample.

View photo below for reference.

BENEFITS OF DNA TESTING

There are plenty of benefits knowing your DNA. It could detect early signs of serious health disease risks. It could help with your lifestyles and how to eat promptly too.

Here are eight positive things about DNA testing:

• EARLY DETECTION

• KNOWING YOUR POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS

• HELP TO MAKE GOOD LIFESTYLE CHOICES

• EATING PROPERLY

• KNOWING YOUR CANCER RISK

• BETTER FAMILY PLANNING

• LEARNING AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

• GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ALLERGIES

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING YOUR DNA TEST

I try to avoid to be biased, so I would like to include some things to know before taking DNA testing - the disadvantages, for short.

Here are the four things to know before getting your DNA test done:

• MAY CAUSE ANXIETY AND STRESS

• TESTING IS ONLY FOR KNOWING AND PREVENTING, NOT FOR CURING

• SOME REPORTS MAY NOT BE 100% ACCURATE

• IT CAN BE EXPENSIVE

WHY DID I DECIDE TO TAKE ONE

Since late 2018, I’ve been more health-conscious. However, I still feel like something is still missing. I am not very sure if I am eating the right food and doing the right workouts. Then, I happen to see CIRCLE DNA advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. They’re everywhere whenever I’m browsing, and quite frankly, it was Vanness Wu, an endorser of the product, who had caught my full attention.

But what exactly made my purchase was the 500+ reports that we will be receiving, that is for Premium Bundle package. I only purchased the Vital as I wanted to see how relevant the results would be and honestly, the premium bundle was out of budget for me.

MY DNA RESULTS

Since I took the Vital DNA package, my results were mainly focusing on my diet, nutrition and fitness journey. I want to share some of the information included in my reports. I can view my reports through my mobile via CIRCLE app, and they have also sent me a PDF copy of my reports. However, the mobile app has more information to show. So here go my results…

ANCESTRY

My DNA result tells me that I’m definitely and 100% Asian! I’m not very surprised to know that but what I’m pleased about is that I was right about guessing that I am a Han Chinese. I have that “I knew it” moment while I was reading my result. But which Asian side do I belong? The answer is East Asian. This also means that I may have teeny bits of Mongolian blood too. Remember the Genghis Khan war? If you know about it, need I say much? If you don't? Google it!

DIET

There are 18 results in this part - Alcohol, Caffeine, Theophylline, Fat, Carbohydrate, Salt, Spice and Taste Sensitivity, Coeliac Predisposition, Lactose Intolerance, Sweet Tooth, Weight Regain, Detox Needs and Egg, Milk and Dairy, Peanut and Seafood Allergies.

I have ‘higher sensitivity’ on Alcohol, Salt, Coeliac Predisposition (Gluten), Spice and Taste. Genetically, I couldn’t handle alcohol. However, I was once an alcoholic; my intolerance for alcohol has improved. I don’t drink as often now, and I can feel that yes, I am sensitive to alcohol. I eat a lot of salty food so I need to avoid that whenever I can. I also cannot handle spicy food, but I love eating them. I will suffer from red lips and painful tongue, but I still find spicy food yummy nonetheless. I am also sensitive to gluten products such as wheat products, noodles, beer and soy sauce. It is no wonder why I get so bloated so often whenever I eat noodles, bread and drink beer. Fortunately, I can swap them with rice crackers, vermicelli, wine and herbs spices.

I tested ‘normal sensitivity’ on Caffeine, Tea, Fat, Carbohydrate and Sweet Sensitivity. I am also ‘not likely’ allergic to Egg, Milk and Dairy, Peanut and Seafood. However, I get itchy or spots whenever I eat shrimp, clams and some nuts. That is due to my hives and eczema.

I am ‘likely intolerant’ in Lactose. Now, this is very accurate as I do get an upset stomach after drinking milk or any food with high milk ingredient. The good side is I can swap cow’s milk to soy milk, butter to olive oil, sorbet instead of ice cream, yoghurt to tofu and dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

NUTRITION

There are 20 results in this part - Antioxidants, Calcium, Folic Acid, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Omega-3, Phosphorus, Vitamin A, B12, B2, B6, C, D and E, Selenium and Zinc.

I have ‘higher needs’ on Folic Acid, Iodine, Omega-3 (ALA), Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6. I am lack of water-soluble vitamin, and the bad news is that our body doesn’t store folic acid. Therefore, we need actually to eat them to have them in our body system. I need to consume more kai lan, Chinese cabbage, beans, asparagus, mango and lentils. I need to eat more canned tuna, oysters, eggs, seaweed and yoghurt to increase my Iodine substance. I am also low on Omega-3 (ALA). I need to eat more plant-based fatty acid such as walnuts, edamame, kidney beans, flaxseed and chia seeds. As for vitamins, I lack B12 and B6, which are both water-soluble vitamin. I need to eat more chicken breast, yoghurt, beef liver and tenderloin, sardines, tuna, avocado and mackerel.

On the other hand, I have ‘normal needs’ for the rest of the nutrition categories.

WELL-BEING

There are 7 results in this part - Appetite Control, Bone Mineral Density, Inflammatory and Metabolic Response, Life Longevity, Tendency for Mosquito Bites and Stress Fracture Risk.

I tested 'normal' and 'average risk' in those categories. However, I think I should be ‘higher tendency' for Mosquito Bites as I do get a lot of bites when I am outdoor and especially when I go hiking or when I step in a garden or farm.

STRESS AND SLEEP

There are 8 results in this part - Sleep Apnoea Risk, Sleep Depth, Duration, Movement, Quality and Time, Stress-Induced Obesity and Stress Tolerance.

Apparently, I am a 'warrior' for Stress Tolerance. I have to agree with that as I don’t back down on any stress. I may look fragile, but I’m a lot stronger than I look. I am also an average sleeper which means I only need to sleep for 7-8 hours every day to survive the day. It’s true as I feel super tired when I sleep longer than 9 hours. I am at 'average risk' for the rest of the stress and sleep categories.

POLLUTION

There are 5 results in this part - Dust Allergy, Pesticide, Automobile Pollution, Environmental Pollution and Second-Hand Smoke Sensitivity.

I have ‘higher sensitivity” to Dust Allergy and Automobile Pollution. Now that explains why I always tend to sneeze whenever it’s dusty, or my nose seems always to feel itchy. I tested ‘normal sensitivity’ in the other pollution three categories.

SKIN

There are 14 results in this part - Skin Age, Acne, Glycation, Oxidative Stress, Wrinkle Formation, Keloid Scars, Skin Photoaging, Hyperpigmentation and Sunburn Risks, Cellulite Formation, Stretch Marks, Skin Bruising Tendency, Skin Hydration and Skin Lightening Ability.

I have 'higher risk' on Cellulite And Wrinkle Formation. I need to be mindful not leave my fats unattended. Either I transform them into muscles, or I try to lose them. As for Wrinkle, it’s in my genes as I’ve seen it in my mother and aunts. However, my Skin Age is young looking so at least there’s still good news. I tested 'average risk' and 'normal' for the rest of the skin categories.

SPORTS AND FITNESS

There are 11 results in this part - Risk of Achilles Tendon Injury, Blood Flow, Body Composition, Endurance Capacity, Heart Rate Response to Exercise, Injury Risk, Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture, Oxygen and Recovery Efficiency, Power Capacity and Strength Profile.

My Endurance Capacity is high, which means I can tolerate intense workouts. However, I am at 'higher risk' for Injuries, and my heart rate can go very fast when I do an intense workout. I notice that because my right knee feels tight each time I workout, but that doesn’t happen when I do proper stretching beforehand. My level of Recovery is 'low'. It’s true as it takes me usually 2-4 days or sometimes even up to 1 week to fully recover my body.

SUCCESS TRAITS

There are 9 results in this part - Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Entrepreneurship Tendency (AQ), Creativity, Educational Attainment, Information Processing Power, Language Ability, Mathematical and Memory Skills.

I am 'gifted' in Creativity. I am super glad to know that as I do have a creative mind and most of my ideas come from my mind. I have a ‘high’ Educational Attainment. It’s true because I always wanted to finish my studies and earn a college degree and indeed I made it happen. My Language Ability and Mathematical Skills are excellent. I would agree with the language part but Maths, really? I find it hard to believe that. I tested all ‘normal' for the rest of the success categories. However, I was hoping I would get at least an excellent, if not gifted for Memory Skills. I can remember every detail, especially of those people, who fail to notice.

MUSIC AND DANCE

There are 3 results in this part - Dancing Ability, Musical Ability and Perfect Pitch.

Both Dancing and Musical Abilities are 'normal'. However, I feel like it should be gifted as I do love to perform and not to brag about it, but I know I can move well. However, this is base on my genetics, and none of my family members dances or are in the music industry. I didn’t know I can dance until my first dancing teacher picked me. I was selected to perform in an outside school event. Then, I have discovered my passion for dancing and I’ve been performing since then. Before finishing high school, my teachers and friends thought I would pursue dancing, but then things went differently. I choose a different path. I still love dancing. However, my life goals change as I get older.

As for Perfect Pitch, I’m 'less likely' perfect, which didn’t come as a surprise because I know i’m not gifted in singing. I love to sing, though, and I am not afraid to perform. I have performed many times in front of many people. I embrace those stage frights.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

There are 5 results in this part - Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism and Openness.

I am 'likely' compassionate and helpful, organized and disciplined, reserved and reflective. I am 'likely balanced' for confident and calm and sensitive and concerned. Finally, I am 'likely' pragmatic and consistent. Now I 100% agree with all these. I am exactly what my DNA says I am. I was all smiley while I was reading this part. This is definitely my turf.

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

There are 5 results in this part - Alcohol Addiction, Altruism, Food Addiction, Obsessions with Washing and Cleaning and Smoking Addiction.

Food Addiction is 'more likely'. It’s 100% true as I love food and food is my way of surviving the day apart from sleep and my tea, food is the most important to me. While I am 'less likely' in Smoking Addiction, Obsessions with Washing/ Cleaning, Altruism and Alcohol Addiction. I sort of disagree with me being 'less likely' for Alcohol Addiction as I was once an alcoholic. However, I have changed my lifestyle. In a way, my DNA is telling me that being alcoholic is not in my blood; it was just a short phase in my life.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

There are 13 results in this part - Facial and Body Hair, Body Odour, Ear Protrusion, Ear Wax Type, Eye and Hair Colour, Pain and Smell Sensitivity, Photic Sneeze Reflex, Sweat Tendency, Persistent Thinness, Waist Circumference and Premature White Hair.

I mostly tested 'likely normal' for most categories. However, I was shocked to know that my Eye Colour is 'likely brown'. I was like, “Hold on, aren’t my eyes black?”. Well, I guess not. I am more concerned with Premature White Hair as I tested ‘likely” which means I may grow grey hair before my 50s just like my mother. This is not good. I need to find some ways to prevent it from happening so early.

GENDER TRAITS

There are 3 results in this part - Breast Size, Female Sex Hormone Levels and Infidelity.

As for the Breast Size, I’m 'likely average', which means I have the average-sized pair of breasts. So when you find me with a pair of large breasts, it’s either I’m pregnant, or I had a boob job. My Hormones Levels are 'likely normal', just like the majority of the female population all around the world. My Infidelity is a bit odd. The test says that I’m 'less likely' loyal. I would say I am 50/ 50 on this. Yes, because I do have a green mind, but I have never cheated in my life. False, because I’ve always been loyal and still is up to this day. My DNA may say that I’m 'unlikely loyal', but I’m good at controlling too.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

As mention to how pleased I was when I first got my results and apart from that, I feel more educated since reading the reports. The reports were plenty of information, and it took me a while to finish reading them all and to also understand each component.

I became more driven to have a better lifestyle and to watch out what I eat, most importantly. I am nearly 29 and soon will enter number 30. I am not getting any younger, and my immune system is not as strong as when I was younger. However, I believe that I can change and prevent whatever risks that I have.

Feel free to leave a comment for any questions or tips you may want to ask. I will be more than happy to help.

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan