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On November 29, 2007 Ellen Vogel, PhD, RD, FDC (left) and Milly Ryan-Harshman, PhD, RD were the keynote speaker's at CFDR's Annual General Meeting and Research Breakfast. Ellen and Milly have completed their project on nutritional genomics, funded by CFDR with matching funds provided by The Centrum Foundation.
The presentation focused on preliminary research findings regarding the current opportunities, challenges and strategies for moving forward in the emerging science of nutritional genomics—which is best understood as establishing individual dietary recommendations based on nutrient requirements, nutritional status and each person's unique genetic makeup to reduce disease risk. Ellen and Milly's project involved a national study which identified gaps in capacities for dietetic practice, education and research, while increasing awareness and understandings of new roles for registered dietitians in diet-gene interactions. Data were collected through key informant interviews (n=12) conducted with national and international experts. Further, semi-structured focus group interviews (n=6) were held with dietitians employed in diverse practice settings.

The researchers found through their study that people are already attempting to collect and act on genetic information in identifying their nutritional needs—the future is here now. Overall, the researchers found that dietitians in the focus groups were "cautiously optimistic" about how this emerging science relates to their work. They articulated some benefits, like being able to enhance the scientific foundation on which their clinical practice is based, improving clinical outcomes and enhancing their practice. They stressed that more and objective information would help dietitians to define specific types of interventions for clients that would ultimately lead to improvements.

The researchers suggest that in order to move forward with nutritional genomics, an interdisciplinary and cross sectoral collaboration is needed. Dietitians in the focus groups felt it was unwise to restrict nutritional genomic information to dietitians only. They suggested that health care providers, physicians, pharmacists and others need to be educated in the science of nutritional genomics before it is made available to the public, so that the public is protected and can use this information in a supported, educated way.

Key informant interviews (12) conducted with national and international experts identified using a “snowball sampling” technique
Focus group interviews (6) conducted with dietitians working in diverse practice settings across Canada Problem-based case study (“Diet and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease”) used to introduce the topic.
Background information included a summary of current evidence related to genetic polymorphisms, blood lipid levels and dietary intervention

Learn from our past mistakes: Social analysis needs to occur as the science and technology is evolving Don’t promise more that we can deliver Reflect on the social consequences of promoting food as medicine Begin by addressing the “hard” questions: Who will benefit, from what foods; under what circumstances? Acknowledge that genetic testing isn’t always the answer (“Knowledge is Power; Ignorance is Bliss”) Build new interdisciplinary bridges to move forward Forge strategic partnerships with stakeholder groups including industry, consumers and the media