The high-frequency (>1%), low-expression gene variations included in the Wellness Genescreen are not deterministic by themselves in the development of chronic disorders, but may increase the risk imposed by environmental factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, or unhealthy food choices that may lead to impairment of key enzymes that require certain micro-nutrients as co-factors to function normally. Identification of genetic and environmental risk factors that together may increase the risk to such an extent that the disease develops, may allow effective intervention. Knowledge that a functional genetic change may remain unexpressed in a low-risk environment but turn into disease in a high-risk environment, empowers patients to take responsibility for their health. Pathology testing performed as part of nutrigenetic tests (where appropriate) has proven valuable in determining whether a risk-associated allele is expressed due to a gene-environment mismatch, to monitor response to treatment, and to ensure that the dietary requirements relating to a particular gene variation are met.
