Five years ago, I would have laughed if someone had told me that I’d rather review an A.I. I would have laughed so hard if someone had told me five years ago that I’d rather review an A.I. than a portable ultrasound device. But here we are, almost one year later, and I don’t know where I can find a nutrigenomics testing test. Not even close.
This is the digital health technology that I’ve been waiting for and have yet to experience. Right now, I cannot name any single service or direct-to-consumer solution that focuses on this area. It is available and supported by scientific evidence.
Why? There are four possible reasons.
Let’s first look at what nutrigenomics is.
Simply put, it is a science that studies how certain people react to particular nutrients based on their genetic makeup. This knowledge can then be used to improve the lives of each person.
Simply put, it is a promise of a breakthrough that will provide you with scientifically supported data about what, how and where you should eat. It will be based on your DNA.
Nature gives a more scientific definition of nutrition as follows: “Nutrigenomics is the study and analysis of gene expression and how genetic variations affect the nutritional ecosystem.” It studies the interactions between nutrients and other dietary actives with the genome at molecular levels, in order to determine how certain nutrients or dietary regimens might affect human health.
Reason 1: It’s extremely difficult to learn nutritionly guiding principles using genetic tests
We aren’t even close to fulfilling my dream of a tech that can provide omnipotent guidance on what and how much I should eat. Our genetic test results tell us many things. But we need something specific.
Scientists should be able draw definitive conclusions from DNA about the specific metabolic effects of each protein in order to create a reliable nutrigenomics test.
While we are making progress in science areas that border on food intolerance and food allergies testing, these tests are not based upon our genetics. The same goes for nutritional guidance. However, it can be based upon our microbiome, which is the important collective of all our gut bacteria. But again, this isn’t a generalised focus on our genes.
Reason 2: Pricing is very difficult
Even if we had all the scientific tools to produce the genetically-backed data needed for a reliable nutrigenomics test that works, there is a good chance it wouldn’t come at a cost people are willing to pay.
As 23andMe had the need to sell its solution at a low price to gain enough customers (and to acquire enough data to sell to pharma companies), so a reliable nutrigenomics test that works would be too costly for most people.
Reason #3: Nutrigenomics won’t offer quick fixes to achieve fast results.
We live in an age of quick fixes, whether we like it or otherwise. The nutrigenomics test will not offer simple and easy-to-follow solutions that deliver striking results in 7 days. It is not worth the effort.
It is hard to imagine how many customers would want to pay for a knowledge pack that required lifestyle and nutritional changes and adaptations that could only be beneficial in the long-term.
We all know deep down that eating healthy for long periods of time is a good idea. Sporty people should exercise several times per week for many years and decades to reap the health benefits.
It is possible to have it written one and done. This might not be something that masses of people will quickly grasp and live with.
Reason 4: Fake science everywhere, all you see is bogus
There are many bogus products, services and solutions online that seem to be scientific. It would take a lot of research and experience to find one credible solution among all the options. How can an average person navigate this maze? It is certainly not an easy task.
All in all
We are still hopeful that we will be the first to test a reliable, accessible, DTC-nutrigenomics test. As soon as this time comes, I will put nutrigenomics on my shelf next to my solid 3D printed cast.
The post Why is Nutrigenomics the Biggest Flop in Digital Health? The Medical Futurist first published this article.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Why Is Nutrigenomics The Biggest Flop In Digital Health?
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/why-is-nutrigenomics-the-biggest-flop-in-digital-health
Published Date: Tue, 07 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000
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