Nutritional genomics and direct-to-consumer genetic testing: An overview

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

The increasing prevalence in polygenic diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, observed over the past few decades is more likely linked to a rapid transition in lifestyle rather than to changes in the sequence of the nuclear genome. In the new era of precision medicine, nutritional genomics holds the promise to be translated into tailored nutritional strategies to prevent and manage polygenic diseases more effectively. Nutritional genomics aims to prevent, treat, and manage polygenic diseases through targeted therapies formulated fromindividuals' genetic makeup and dietary intake. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) has become commercially available to equip individuals with information on their genetic vulnerability to different diseases. This information may potentially prompt behavioral changes against adverse factors. However, scientific evidence behind the clinical recommendations is a matter of continuous debate, and behavioral modifications after disclosing genetic information remain inconclusive. In this review, we provide an overview of nutritional genomics and related nutritional DTC-GT services and discuss whether available data are sufficient to be translated into clinical recommendations and public health initiatives. Overall, the scientific evidence supporting the dissemination of genomic information for nutrigenomic purposes remains sparse. Therefore, additional knowledge needs to be generated, particularly for polygenic traits.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAdvances in Nutrition
Volume9
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)128-135
Number of pages8
ISSN2161-8313
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Society for Nutrition.

    Research areas

  • Direct-to-consumer genetic testing, Gene-diet interaction, Genomics, Nutritional genomics, Precision nutrition

ID: 358106780