Factors Affecting Dieticians in the Provision of Advice Relating to Personalized Nutrition (Nutritional Genomics)

Abstract

A great amount of research has focused on nutritional genomics in order to personalize dietary interventions based upon genetic premises. The aim of nutritional genomics research is to use this information as a preventive tool in primary care, through personalized dietary advice to populations or to individuals. Increasing the understanding of genetic traits on the part of dieticians and other healthcare professionals can complement the data that is required to create personalized recommendations for dietary intervention. A literature review was conducted by the author using PubMed journals from 2000 to the present day with regard to nutritional genomics studies in order to address the factors affecting dieticians in the provision of advice related to personalized nutrition. Inclusion criteria included research limited to human studies, in the English language and published after 2000. This review concludes that there is a huge demand for an increase in the knowledge and skills of dieticians in order to transform the genetic results and nutrigenomics message into common language as part of their clinical practice. This could be achieved by participation in specific training courses on diet and gene interaction, and by attending conferences and seminars to exchange their perspectives on nutritional genomics. In addition, there is a need to establish a healthcare system that supports and rewards these approaches and promotes their application.