My “23 & Me” DNA Results

My results are finally in!  I’ve been waiting for weeks to receive the results of my DNA genetic test from 23 & Me. Back in February,  Jason found an online sale offered by 23 & Me where we could submit your DNA and learn about our ancestry and health.  He was intrigued and decided to purchase the kits for the both of us. So this is not a sponsored post, it’s just me sharing my personal experience for your enjoyment.

How does 23 & Me work?  Well, it’s just saliva.

No blood. No needles.  Our kits arrived 2-3 days after Jason ordered them.  We then completed our profiles online by answering a series of general questions.  After this, we deposited saliva into a sealed tube, and mailed them back to the company for testing.  Jason received his results quickly.  Apparently Jason is better at spiting in a tube than I am.  My sample didn’t have enough saliva to analyze my DNA.  So, 23 & Me sent a replacement kit free of charge. Another month went by now here we are!

So what did I learn about myself?

I was so surprised to learn that I am 13% European decent.  I did not expect this number to be so high.  So I chatted with my mother.  She explained that my biological father, whom I’ve only met once in my life, had a very blended family.  His mother was biracial and passed along her slim nose to her son, my biological father. Both my biological father and grandfather were very tall, well over 6 feet 2 inches. There is so much more to learn about the paternal side of my family, but sadly I do not know my father.

From my mother’s side of the family, I learned that my great-grandfather had a Native American mother, and half Caucasian and African American father.  This is where my .4% Native American percentage comes from. My mother remembers my great grandfather. He had high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and smooth black skin. “He was stunning! I’d never seen a black man with blue eyes.  And since the year was 1965, I know those were not contacts.”

Now I know that my high cheekbones belong to my maternal great-grandfather; my petite frame, long legs, and small nose belong to my paternal grandparents who we over 6 feet tall, according to my mother. (My maternal family is short, averaging  5 feet 2 inches tall, where I am 5 ft 7 inches tall.)  I learned that my hair texture is most likely to be wavy to curly vs. tightly coiled to kinky.  I am currently in the process of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.  So it will be very interesting to see “what’s beneath the weave” as my hair grows out!!  (LOL!!)

I’ve also learned a thing or two about about my health as well.

One of the most impressive things was that I’m lactose intolerant.  I have always been bothered by certain dairy foods. A pinch of cheese on my taco is fine, but a glass of milk makes me gassy and horribly bloated.  I feel and look like a human whoopee cushion.  (YUCK!)  Well, it’s confirmed.  23 & Me reports: “ Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese contain a type of sugar called lactose. Although dairy is a staple of many diets, at least 70% of adults worldwide have trouble digesting lactose.  The severity of lactose intolerance varies from person to person — some people can drink a full glass of milk without experiencing indigestion, while other people will feel uncomfortable after just a bite of cheese.”

From the above report, I also need to take care of my eyes. A “variant was detected” of possible muscular degeneration in old age.  This isn’t a guarantee or an increased risk, as 23 & Me points out later in it’s report.  However,  I still want to stay on top of this. Wouldn’t you?

Further, I am genetically left hand dominant (which I’ve always known).  However, when I began elementary school I was forced to write with my right hand.  What 23 & Me said about this was interesting: “Individuals who are left hand dominate but made to use their right hand, are often very detail oriented.  It takes great effort for these individuals to change their natural inclination to function with their left hand. Task require slightly more effort overall, until both sides of the brain adjust. Learning task as they age may become easier because they’ve always had to adapt.” I thought this point was very interesting!

So that’s an overview of my 23 & Me DNA results! I loved how it has sparked conversations with my mom and confirmed my suspicions of being Lactose Intolerant. I can even find other DNA family matches on 23andme.com if I choose too.  Hmmm…I’m still thinking about this one.  I not sure if this will open Pandora’s Box. For now, I plan of taking this information further by tracing my family tree online.  We began this process 7 years ago when Jocelyn was born.  Now I can use this data to add more information. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about me just as I have. Thanks for stopping by!

Follow: