Will back door regulation work on genetic testing companies?

Interesting timing...

I just read the article regarding the CADH's decision on the 13 genetic companies that are in violation of CA law. The concept that the state can intervene on what is very personal topic is going to spark quite a debate with some. I am very interested to hear what other members here know and or think about the use of the science of DNA testing specific to health. Does anyone have any direct knowledge of studies done that support the idea that genetic testing results can be used in the supplement field to offer a more comprehensive product that is customized to one's DNA profile?

The companies that California has gone after are not using the knowledge in that way, but there must be market leaders that are taking the science to that level? Right?

Anyone know what is happening with this concept in the scientific community?
I am not a PhD.. so any feedback would be fascinating.

thank you

alexa davis

Many of the genetic testing laboratories that are offering testing and recommendations for nutritional products are primarily interested in selling their own products. These almost always fit under the "not tested nor approved by the FDA".

When, and if, a company offers generic recommendations--eg, take a vegetable product to lower your cholesterol--you would have to rely on whatever information backs these products.

In most cases, you'll find few, if any, definitive studies supporting most nutritional recommendations. And, this includes the recent hot items such as Activia, oats, anti-oxidants, fish oil, and pomegranate.

On the other hand, organizations such as the People's Pharmacy and Prevention magazine make many claims and I'm sure many of them help someone or they wouldn't keep publishing.

Your best source of more definitive information would be sites such as WebMD or PubMed or sites sponsored by NIH.

The Department of Defense has spent millions on research studies to customize each soldier's nutritional supplements based on DNA testing. It was recently on the News.

The FDA not only now recognizes the importance of personalized nutrition and medicine, it has created the Division of Personalized Nutrition and Medicine. I found this to be remarkable event that the U.S. government not only acknowledging the importance of personalization but including nutrition and medicine.

The report that I read describes the importance and proposed paths to develop personalized health care, and includes discussions about genes and environment (including diet). Additionally, the report describes the granting opportunities and resources for research in this area. It commended that even though NIH and other agencies have been slowly increasing funding for nutrient (and environment) gene interactions, the creation of a research division for personalized nutrition and medicine and the public discussion of personalizing health care demonstrate the recognition of the importance of this type of research.

I've researched Florida laws regarding this topic and found none to date.

This may be a little off the path. But, just this year I became aware of DNA testing for nutrition via the University of Floria, Veterinary Medical Center when my german sheppard received critical care after surgery. They ran DNA testing on her blood to personalize her nutritional needs for a full and speedy recovery. After this remarkable testing and providing the nutrients her system needed within 48 hours we received the phone call that she would live and make a full recovery. This personal experience let me to researching this topic more. That's how I came across the information and report findings above.

I am very interested to hear what other members here think about the use of today's science and technology about the use of DNA testing specific to health. If anyone has more knowledge on this topic I would love to know more. Thank you.

Sincerely, Tammy Dantzler
Email: tammydantzler@gmail.com

Thank you so much for providing the information. Any articles you find, especailly relating to clinical studies, I would be happy to post here on geneforum after I confirm their authenticity.

I apologize I should have gave you the references earlier. Please review the following sources.

This report describes the importance and proposed paths to develop personalized health care, and includes discussions about genes and environment (including diet). Additionally, describes granting opportunities and resources for research.

http://www.hhs.gov/myhealthcare/news/phc-report.pdf

This article may define diets of the future - found on sacbee.com

I printed this article and the address is shown below:

http://www.sachee.com/101/v-print/story/432970.html

The third article I found while researching was from Science Daily

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602214135.htm

I would very much know what you think regarding these articles. I also came across something else very interesting that I will share at a later time.

Sincerely, Tammy Dantzler
Email: tammydantzler@gmail.com

Thanks, Tammy, I did check these out and have posted a blog entry so that others may also check out these sources. In doing so, I found two minor errors in your comments:

• The  research being done by the Department of Defense may lead to studies in military personnel. So far, the work has  been conducted only in the laboratory.
• The address for the Sacramento Bee article has a typo--it should be sacbee (as you wrote in your referen the article), not sachee. 

Thanks for the leads and keep up the good work!