A woman was astonished to find out that she is her own twin, possessing two distinct sets of DNA due to a rare genetic condition.
Taylor Muhl is affected by human chimerism, a rare condition where a person carries multiple sets of DNA because they absorbed a twin while in the womb.
This condition is visibly reflected in Taylor’s appearance, as there is a noticeable line dividing her body, which she claims delineates the two distinct sets of DNA.
In an interview with Barcroft TV, the 41-year-old model explained that her body’s left side is slightly darker, and she believes it belongs to her twin.
How did Taylor become a single individual?
She and her twin merged together in the womb, resulting in the development of only one fetus.
Taylor is among only 100 people worldwide diagnosed with human chimerism, and she shared her experiences living with this unique condition.
“I have two genetic makeups within one body. It’s basically having totally two different humans under the same hood of the car, so to speak,” she explained.
“Throughout my life, everyone assumed my second skin pigmentation was just a birthmark because no one really knew about my condition.
“Even today, most doctors lack awareness about Chimerism due to its rarity.”
At birth, doctors observed a pigmentation on Taylor’s abdomen, but initially mistook it for a birthmark.
Taylor’s mother, Alex, did not have any ultrasounds before delivery, so she was unaware of the possibility of twins.
Subsequent chromosome testing revealed that Alex was supposed to have two daughters.
Concerns about the pigmentation arose during Taylor’s teenage years when she frequently fell ill.
Initially thought to have a weak immune system, she later found out she possesses two different sets of DNA and, consequently, two different immune systems.
To maintain her health, Taylor takes various vitamin supplements and strong probiotics.
Despite her efforts, she faces challenges, as she told Yahoo: “Even with doing all of that, though, I still endure autoimmune problems and food sensitivities daily, so emotionally it can get frustrating and wearing.”