Do not perform test investigating genes associated with food metabolism and food intolerances (genetic testing for nutrition) to define a dietary path

Type of practice

Laboratory tests

Age

Adult

Topic Area

Human Genetics

Many tests used for nutritional purposes are not to be considered informative as they consider only a subset of the genetic component associated with multifactorial traits, such as food intolerances and individual metabolic characteristics. The genetic tests currently available in this area should therefore be considered as an additional tool in the hands of the professional (geneticist, endocrinologist, nutritionist, dietician, etc.) to better understand the characteristics of each individual and consequently better define a dietary path and/or a series of nutritional advice. For example, it makes no sense to perform these genetic tests in the absence of 1) precise information on the general state of health of each individual, 2) instrumental and laboratory data (e.g. weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), lean/fat mass, biochemical parameters, etc.), 3) type and amount of physical activity performed weekly, 4) nutritional diary.
Good practice: correctly inform that the variants found are polymorphisms also present in the normal population, that the test has an exclusive predictive value and that by itself does not define a dietary path. It is recommended to consult your medical geneticist or branch specialist. Genetic counseling allows you to understand the test and its possible implications.

 

Sources

1. Kohlmeier M.a · De Caterina R.b · Ferguson L.R.c · Görman U.d · Allayee H.e · Prasad C.f · Kang J.X.g · Nicoletti C.F.h · Martinez J.A.i,; Guide and Position of the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics on Personalized Nutrition: Part 2 - Ethics, Challenges and Endeavors of Precision Nutrition; J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics. 2016
2. Li SX, Ye Z, W helan K, Truby H.; The effect of communicating the genetic risk of cardiometabolic disorders on motivation a nd actual engagement in preventative lifestyle modification and clinical outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr. 2016 Sep;116(5):924-34. doi: 10.1017/S0007114516002488. Epub 2016 Jul 13
3. Hurlimann T1, Robitaille J2, Vohl MC2, Godard B1. Ethical considerations in the implementation of nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics. Per Med. 2017 Jan;14(1):75-83. doi: 10.2217/pme-2016-0035. Epub 2016 Nov 30.
4. Camp KM, Trujillo E. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: nutritional genomics. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014 Feb;114(2):299-312. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.12.001.

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Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.