In future these tests could show exposure of certain persons to cancer, diabetes and other medical problems. Companies that offer the tests, say that the proposed diet plans they give you after the test, can reduce the risk of the disease.
Andrew Baterman who is focused on living longer and healthier life is now thinking about taking one of these DNA tests. He says he read the add for the test that offers a diet based on the state of your cardiovascular system, metabolism and bone health.
You send your DNA sample to the laboratory in Seattle where a computer analysis the variations and changes in 19 specific genes. Gelex company representative says that based on the analysis they can propose the changes you should make in your life.
For example, VDR gene variations indicate congenitally calcium and vitamin D deficiency which could be repaired with diet. Apparently the genetic code helps the scientists to design a Healthy diet for each person. The test costs about 400 dollars, but nutritionists claim that you’ll be throwing your money away.
Doctor Steven H. Zeisel says that this kind of genetic research is not fully developed to be applied in practice. He and other critics say that these tests often do not give any results, because testing of just 19 out of 20,000 genes that influence the probability of various disease development is an illusionary science.
Professor James C. Fleet, Ph.D. of the Purdue University says that it’s naive to believe that only few genes influence the development of diseases. Nobody specifies what amount of vitamins one should take, or in which way certain vitamin supplements improve health.
The very idea of a healthy diet plan based on your genetic code is not bad. Nutritionist say – it is promising but it needs to be tested thoroughly and that in their words will take at least 5 to 10 years.
