Limitations of PRS: Understanding the Full Picture of Your Genetics
When we talk about our health, we often look for clear answers. A Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) is a powerful tool that helps us see the “big picture” of our DNA. It looks at thousands of tiny genetic markers to estimate our risk for common diseases like heart disease or diabetes.
At LifeCode, we believe that knowledge is power. However, it is also important to understand the limitations of PRS. While it is a breakthrough in science, it is not a “magic crystal ball.” Knowing what a PRS can and cannot do helps you use your genetic information more wisely.
What is a Polygenic Risk Score?
To understand the limits, we first need to know what a PRS is. According to Wikipedia, a polygenic score is “a number that summarizes the estimated effect of many genetic variants on an individual’s phenotype.”
In simpler terms, it is a calculation. It adds up the small risks from many different genes to give you one total score. It shows how your genetic risk compares to the rest of the population
The Major Limitations of PRS
Even though PRS is very helpful, there are a few things it cannot tell us yet. Here are the main limitations:
The “Ancestry Gap”
One of the biggest challenges in genetics today is a lack of diversity in data. Most genetic studies have been done on people of European descent.
- The Problem: Because DNA patterns can differ between ethnic groups, a PRS calculated for someone with European ancestry might not be as accurate for someone with Asian, African, or Hispanic ancestry.
- The Data: Research shows that about 80% of participants in large genetic studies are of European descent, even though they make up only a small fraction of the world’s population. This means PRS tools are still learning how to be accurate for everyone.
It is a Probability,Nota Promise
A PRS tells you about risk, not a diagnosis.
- If your score is high, it does not mean you will definitely get the disease.
- If your score is low, it does not mean you are 100% safe. Think of it like a weather report. An 80% chance of rain means it is very likely to rain, but you might still see sunshine.
The Power of Your Environment
Your genes are only one part of your story. Epigenetics—the study of how your environment and lifestyle affect your genes—plays a huge role.
- Lifestyle Matters: You might have a high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes, but a healthy diet and regular exercise can “override” that risk.
- The Limitation: A PRS usually does not include information about what you eat, how much you sleep, or where you live.
Why Genetic Testing is Still Essential
With these limitations in mind, you might wonder: “Why should I get tested?”
The answer is simple: Genetic testing provides the raw data that makes health planning possible. Even with its limits, a PRS is often the only way to find “hidden” risks that don’t show up in standard blood tests.
By using advanced technology, genetic testing scans your DNA for thousands of variations. Without this test, you are missing a massive piece of your health puzzle. At LifeCode, we use this data to help you and your doctor watch for early warning signs. Testing turns “unknowns” into “action items.” You can learn more about how this works at lifecode.life.
Using PRS with Compassion
At LifeCode, we want you to look at your genetic results with compassion for yourself. A high risk score isn’t a “bad grade.” It is simply a tool that allows you to be more proactive.
Understanding the limitations of PRS actually makes the tool more useful. It reminds us that while we cannot change our DNA, we can change our habits. When you combine your genetic score with a healthy lifestyle, you are taking the most complete approach to wellness possible.
Take the Next Step with LifeCode
Your DNA is a complex and beautiful map, and we are here to help you navigate it. While science is always evolving, the LifeCode Panel Advanced Genetic Testing gives you the most up-to-date insights available today.
We help you understand your risks while keeping the “full picture” in mind. Let us help you unlock the secrets of your health at lifecode.life.
Ready to see your unique genetic roadmap?
- Book a Genetic Consultation: Talk with a professional who can explain your PRS results and what they mean for your specific ancestry and lifestyle.
- Order a Genetic Testing Kit: Get started with our simple, non-invasive swab test. We’ll send it right to your home.
Visit lifecode.life today and start your journey toward personalized health. Knowledge is the first step to a healthier you!
Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Agarwal is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes. is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes.