Question 1
Question 1
Nutritional genomics is a wide-open, unwritten book. Seeing the potential in this new field of dietetics, what could this mean for you, as a practicing RD, five years from now?
What about 10 years from now?
posted by Carrie Smith @ 3:04 PM
17 comments
17 Comments:
Nutritional genomics research is in its early stages. I think that in 5 years more research and funding will be gathered and there will be an increase in knowledge regarding nutrigenomics, in the field of health. I think that ten years from now, improved research and more accurate conclusions will be drawn concerning nutrigenomics and that this concept will be very well-known in the public and in health care settings, but I still think it may take more than 10 years for this to concept to come into practice. Eventually with more research and knowledge, this could be huge for us, as future dietitians. Nutrition is ever-changing and with this, more advances and concepts will be produced. The concept of “personalized” medicine is going to play a huge part in nutrition. Everyone’s body and make-up is different and this will really be proven with nutrigenomics; Individual genetic variation can influence how nutrients are assimilated, metabolized, stored, and excreted by the body. This will be important when we talk/educate each patient and focus on the complexity of their individual genetic makeup.
I really don't see a major change in an RD's role in 5 years from now when considering the influence of nutritional genomics. I don't think there will be enough research completed yet to really change the RD's focus. In 10 yrs, that may be a different story. We may be able to know a lot more about the clients we are seeing. For instance, we may find out that someone is a 677TT genotype. We then can be specific about our nutrition education, such as telling them by consuming a folate supplemented diet their risk of colon cancer can decrease.
Sam,
Nutritional genomics truly is "personalized" medicine. It is so neat to think about our practice going in that direction. We will be much more successful at helping our clients because we will know how to tailor their education according to their genotype.
In five years hopefully there will be more precise and accurate instruments developed for research studies. As of now there have been limited studies with human subjects. There are at home genetic tests that you can buy off the internet, but they are not reliable. Some of the biggest areas of study currently are CVD and DM. I feel that these two areas will be the ones that will see the most use come from Nutrigenomics since there is so much research currently on those topics. In ten years we could possibly be seeing some instruments tested and validated that would be available for use with clients. I think this is a fascinating area of study and deserves more attention.
Meredith,
I agree with you about your 5 year prediction. I think what needs to happen is for all RDs to become more familiar with the topic and the possibilities that this field of study can do for RDs and for our clients.
In five years, the healthcare field will definitely have more knowledge and understanding of nutritional genomics. However it may take 5+ years until we really know the details of this new topic. Research involving human subjects needs to be completed. It is amazing, though, to think that someday we, as RDs, may be involved in personalized nutrition counseling based on genetic makeup. Although nutritional genomics is in its early stages, it is necessary for dietitians to begin studying this concept now. We could potentially be practicing this at some point in our careers. Of course, at present patients/clients are interested in what they need to consume nutritionally in order to prevent diseases, lose weight, etc. Someday we may be giving these individuals more personalized information.
Tori-
I think you're correct when you say nutritional genomics deserves more attention. Your thesis will be a great medium for others in our field to learn more about this topic, and we will only learn more about it in the future.
Tori-
I agree with you about the genetic tests that you can buy off of the internet. The other day when I was watching Oprah, she has TIME'S Best invention of 2008 and it was called 23andMe.com, which is an affordable take home genetics test. One can get their own personalized data on over 90 traits and diseases. You're right, it's here, now where it will go...we will find out!
P.S. I also can't wait to read and learn more about this from your thesis! Goodluck!
To me, this means the potential to offer better, more accurate and more meaningful nutritional advice. This will make my practice an essential part of every single persons health care, as nutritional genomics will make apparent any predisposition to diet related health conditions. I will be able to more effectively formulate diet plans that will have a greater impact of the health of my clients and patients. The technology is rapidly evolving and becoming cheaper and cheaper. They have kits you can use at home and send in your spit sample and weeks later have an entire map of your genome. As more and more people have access to this technology, they are going to come to us for advice regarding predispositions. This was on Oprah last week, and you know her influence!
Tori,
I'm going to agree with everything you said, because you have probably seen every research article on the subject to date!
E-Mo
Nutritional genomics could have a very big impact on the way RD's counsel patients in the future when it comes to recommendations. In the next five years we may be able to tell a person that based on their nationality and the genetic traits common to them, a certain nutrient (or diet recommendation) may be more or less likely to benefit them. And in the next ten years we may have research that allows us to have a more specific genetic profile on an individual and give them even more personalized recommendations for them, that may help them prevent a disease from manifesting in them which they are at high risk of developing.
It really will be exciting to see where nutritional genomics will take us in the future as RD's.
Meredith,
I agree with you that there most likely won't be very much change in perhaps five years, but definitely on down the line there is a big opportunity as far as research goes in this area.
I could see a huge change in the role of the RD if Nutritional genomics proves to be an effective method of improving people’s health. When it comes to health everyone is looking for the easy way out and if turns out to be an “easy way” then it will catch on like wild fire. Take for example, Oprah and Dr. Oz have recently has backed a supplement called Acai berry saying that it can help people lose wt and for its anti-aging properties. We have had more people asking about this supplement than any other in the store. Just think how quick nutritional genomics will catch on if research proves this to be effective. There will be more people than ever wanting to have their DNA tested to know what foods to avoid and what foods they should be eating more of. RD’s will hopefully be at the front of the line giving diet advice based of the individualized diet prescriptions from the nutritional genomics.
Well for me I think my cooking demo's are going to have a lot of nutrition information. I think it is exciting! I want to learn as much about it as I can so I can convey the importance of nutrition to my clients. I think it comes down to the very first rule, everyone is an individual and your genes determine who you are. If there is a way to find out who you will become and prevent it if necessary, I think thats awesome. As an RD our jobs are going to be crazy busy and I can't wait!
Susan
Emily,
I totally agree with you, as technology expands and becomes cheaper this will influence our interaction with clints more. It is sad that a talk show host has more influence on people's lives than anyone else.
Because nutritional genomics is still a relatively new topic, it will be interesting to see the study results and conclusions over the next 5-10 years. There will probably be more exposure of the concept to the public and therefore, we, as Dietitians, will have to be able to construct informed answers to questions.
Colin, interesting comment comparing nutrigenomics and the recently acclaimed acai berry. I have seen lots of stuff about this 'wt loss supplement' and have had questions from friends and family regarding it's effectiveness. It will be interesting to see the response from the public if nutrigenomics spreads in a similar manner.
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