Listen to Podcast
Numerous companies now offer personalized testing services based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) patterns with a view to predicting health outcomes. In part three of this series, Dr Carissa Doherty ND and Dr Charles Desmarchelier PharmD, PhD, join host E Brian Johnson to talk specifics around the most effective nutrigenetic tests available for clinical practice.
Key Take-Aways
Availability of tests
SNP polymorphism tests are offered by many companies at prices ranging from US$200 – $500. These tests will identify heterozygous and homozygous alleles or mutations for a variety of genes using state of the art approaches. Alternatively, less expensive tests will take existing data from previously run assays such as 23andMe and extract the SNP information for genes of interest.
Privacy issues
In the case of commercially available DNA tests, individuals have no control over how their genetic data will be stored or shared with other commercial partners. However, when tested through a doctor, patients are generally covered by confidentiality. DNA information extracted from testing will not be made commercially available.
Limitations to genetic testing
Genetic testing isn't perfect. SNPs are impacted by environmental issues, and that won't be evident in your nutrigenetics test report. On the other hand, patients can have markers for potential poor health outcomes revealed in their SNPs but can compensate by adjusting their diet, lifestyle, or supplement.
Key Quotes
“The SNPs I tend to look at in people are the ones I can modify. I won't talk about the BRCA gene or their risk for Alzheimer's because really, if you have the gene, sometimes you don't get Alzheimer's.”
Dr Carissa Doherty
==
The opinions expressed in this Nutramedica program are those of the guests and contributors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Nutritional Fundamentals For Health Inc.
This video is intended for licensed or registered health professionals and students of health professions only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information contained in these programs is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
