Analysis of DTC nutrigenetic services in Italy: state of the art, agreement to the ESHG statement and future outlooks

Abstract

Background:

In both USA and Europe operate companies selling Direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC). These tests are offered to healthy people aiming to identify predispositions to complex diseases and to take preventive measures. Several DTC-nutrigenetic tests (DNTs) are available on the market. They propose the definition of a personalized diet, on the basis of the investigated genetic variants, which would reduce the risk of developing those diseases which have been associated to specific genetic markers. However, the risk/benefit balance of exposing unselected population to genetic testing without any medical surveillance is far from be established. Furthermore, it lacks an accepted procedure to select which genetic markers needs to be investigated, to evaluate their specific role and, as consequence, to define a personalized diet. Within this context, the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) released a statement regarding the DTC tests that has been ratified by several national societies including the Italian one.In the present study we analyzed the DNT offered in Italy, the state of the art and the abidance with the ESHG statement.

Methods:

We queried web search engine for the DNT offered to italian population, portraying a non-specialized customer. We examined the DNTs vendor websites and/or directly contacted the companies to collect information on: 1) genetic marker essayed, 2) diseases and phenotypes considered and 3) kind of dietary advices provided. Finally, we evaluated the abidance to the ESHG statement. The study was conducted between November, 2010 and May, 2011.

Results:

Six companies operate in Italy with a total of seven different DNTs offered. Both studied phenotypes and investigated genetic markers were very different among companies, with a relative higher level of agreement for phenotype than for genes. None of the companies described the methods used to select markers and to define diet advices. None of the companies showed a complete agreement to the statement of the ESHG.

Conclusion:

Although DNT companies' efforts are worthy, a standardization of methods and a more strictly agreement with ESHG statement should be encouraged.