By Life Quotes, Inc. Staff

After conducting investigations into the direct-to-consumer genetic tests that have been offered by several companies, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that many of the companies made predictions that were medically unproven.

People who purchased genetic testing kits to determine their risk for conditions like prostate cancer and hypertension may not have gotten their money’s worth, according to a recent government investigation.

After conducting investigations into the direct-to-consumer genetic tests that have been offered by several companies, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that many of the companies made predictions that were medically unproven.

The report also found that the same DNA had generated different test results across the companies that offered these products, further undermining their credibility.

As if that wasn’t enough, the GAO noted that the investigation had found “10 egregious examples of deceptive marketing,” including two companies that had claimed to be able to predict which sports children would be best at based on their DNA. Another company was said to have used phony endorsements from famed athletes in its sales efforts.

Overall though consumers do have it in their interest to know if they are at higher risk for pre-existing conditions that could result in serious medical problems and higher health and life insurance premiums.

This article was originally published by Life Quotes, Inc.