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Nutrigenomic DNA Testing

Solving health problems by using genetic testing to make diet recommendations holds promise for the future, but scientists say they have a long way to go before the approach is viable. Although no conclusive scientific evidence has yet been shown, several companies claim they can enhance health through nutrigenomic DNA testing, for a starting cost of around $100 to over $1,000.

  1. Theories/Speculation

    • The science of nutritional genomics looks at a person's genetic risk factors for diseases, and how specific diets can prevent, delay or minimize those diseases. Some theories state that improper diets create risk factors for certain illnesses, that dietary chemicals can alter genetic structure, and that a healthier diet can be devised according to your genetic makeup.

    Function

    • Companies like Sciona and Wellgen offer nutrigenomic testing to analyze a customer's DNA; they then advise the person how to change her diet to reduce the risk of disease. The DNA Diet claims to link nutrigenomic DNA testing to successful weight loss. The customer orders a test kit, takes a swab of his her mouth with a company-provided instrument, then sends the kit back. Based on the results, a counselor will recommend dietary changes to lower the risk of conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

    Considerations

    • These companies are typically testing around 20 genes, although human beings have over 20,000 genes. Scientists have found no evidence that nutrigenomic DNA testing reduces the risk of disease. No research has yet shown that specific foods can protect people from illnesses to which they are genetically vulnerable. Consumers complain that the dietary recommendations are mere common sense (such as eating more fruits and vegetables), and are similar to those made by standard nutritionists.

    Warning

    • In 2006, the United States Government Accountability Office, an investigative arm of Congress, sent 14 made-up profiles to four Internet-based nutrigenomic DNA-testing firms. Although the GAO had actually used only two DNA sources, each company returned a variety of recommendations for each of the profiles. The GAO said the health predictions made were misleading, medically unproven and very ambiguous. One firm defended its actions by saying it combined the DNA results with lifestyle profiles that had been submitted, which would cause the 14 separate recommendations.

    Features

    • Two firms in the GAO study included a sales pitch with the DNA results, trumpeting supplements that would address the customers' genetic deficiencies. These supplements cost up to $1,880 for a year's supply, and were not significantly different from supplements available for about $35 a year at a pharmacy.

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