What about the DNA?

Did you here the buzzz...? "Genomic testing"- super advanced,revolutionary new technology, or just another fad, making patients more confused and some people richer!!! What's the genomic testing and how this genius could help you and me to live healthy and happy life "for ever"?
This is what I found on the web. One of many companies out there says:
"Genomic Testing is a revolutionary new DNA screening service that puts the power of scientific innovation at your fingertips."
Hmm... sounds good, but what exactly is there for me? Read this:
“Genomic testing enables physicians to identify an individual’s susceptibility to disease”.
Who will benefit:
"Proactive Individuals who want to minimize their risk of disease and maximize their health. People with family history of specific disease such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, or autoimmune disease such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis."

Many people, who know me, do know how serious I am about PREVENTION! For many years my family and I, we pursue a healthy diet with exercising routines and by supplementing our body with the best ( I did my research) supplements available in N. America. So now I'm getting confused, because with this genius, new technology I can get a whole new supplement diet which will meet my DNA needs exactly!?

At this very moment I start thinking hard, start researching. I find a document saying about Physicians untrained in genomics and genetics, not really prepared to incorporate such a tests into the treatments. Also, accuracy of the test it self and the costs involved. I include the original document here: http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-preview.axd?code=q2662k73v4q5072h&size=largest
However I don't stop my digging here and, with the help of a friend, we send a letter to one of the very reputable laboratories, reaching one of the main scientists.


Here is his response:
"Thanks for your question. DNA testing would not be an appropriate way to check for nutritional deficiencies. DNA does not significantly change from birth to death (except for a very small amount of generally inconsequential mutations), and a nutritional deficiency would not manifest itself in DNA changes that could be easily or cost-effectively detected.
Beyond this, company policy generally prevents us from making direct comparisons to competitors or their products. Here is a simple, polite discussion of the issues facing nutrigenomics (taken from the Minnesota Department of Health):

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpcd/genomics/resources/fs/nutrigenomics.pdf


Also, it is important to note that despite the hype these companies are trying to create, they do NOT generally produce personalized tablets. This is simply not possible at present due to both cost and stability issues. The main company hyping this practice merely takes 8-9 vitamin tablets made in one of the many manufacturing plants, then sends out tablets that correspond with the results of their “genetic testing.”
If you get specific questions in the future regarding this company or their products, please send them our way. One of the three of us in our department has his bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics and spent hundreds of hours studying gene sequencing and genetic mapping. We’d be more than happy to address any specific issues that arise regarding nutrigenomics.

Best regards,(signed by the scientist)"

As you can see, sometimes a little "digging" into the subject could be really reviling. In conclusion here are 3 main points we need to remember:

1. Nutrigenomic research is a new field of study that holds great promise. However, since we know so little about how diet affects gene function, use of this information may be premature.
2. There are many causes of disease that nutrigenomic tests cannot identify. Therefore, people should not depend too heavily on test results for information about disease risk.
3. Knowing family health history is a good way to determine your risk for many chronic diseases.