We sat down with Arik Even Tov, TheMakingsofMe founder and CEO, to discuss the growing trend of parents testing their children’s DNA for height expectancy.
Q: Can a DNA test reveal my child’s height potential?
A: “A big part of what we humans are is actually defined by our nature. Our DNA holds the code to our physical traits. Testing your child’s DNA can reveal his genetic tendency (genotype), or tendency towards certain traits, such as height. You can learn about your child’s height potential with a simple, easy, non-invasive genetic test.”
Q: Does a DNA test for height replace a medical examination?
A: “Absolutely not! It’s important to note that DNA tests DO NOT replace consulting with your child’s physician. You should talk to your doctor in case of any concerns about your child’s growth or development. The DNA height potential test is a genetic tendency test that can provide a basic outline of your child’s building blocks but it does not replace pediatrician and endocrinology consultation.”
Q: Why should I be interested in my child’s genetic height potential?
A: “Parents concerned about a child being short or wanting to maximize their child’s height may have be building unrealistic expectations. A DNA test for height expectancy helps assure that both you and your child come to terms and feel comfortable about his or her potential height. it can be of particular interest when choosing which sports to emphasize at a young age and we have found that in the case of adopted children, there is a particularly strong curiosity about genetic code. This may be even more true for in vitro fertilization children when there is an anonymous donor involved.
Revealing DNA height potential can help defuse unnecessary tension. Consider a child during adolescence who feels too short or too tall compared to his peers. Such anxieties are fueled by uncertainties and the DNA test can help defuse the tension.
Additional DNA tests (memory, weight, athletic ability, etc) can help kids to accept their genotypes and to come to terms with their makings and who they are. Yet should your child’s anxieties seem serious you should seek professional medical help.”
Q: Nature vs. Nurture: What is more important in determining height: nutrition or genetics?
A: “Both nutrition and your child’s genetic makeup are valuable contributors and predictors to your child’s height potential as well as other environmental factors such as exercise, sunlight and fresh air. Even today, scientists keep searching for environmental issues affecting our growth. Yet, even the healthiest child cannot outgrow their genotype. This can be revealed today by a simple DNA test.”
1 comment
ARCPoint Labs of Greenville, NC says:
Mar 5, 2012
DNA testing is so valuable on so many levels but sometime we need to remember that the bottom line is that we should love our children for who they are and support them no matter what! A test for height should be done when medically needed and not for vanity.