Polish dieticians:  Genetic testing is relevant for dietetic practice

Interviews with 8 dieticians were conducted during a special meeting about nutrition at the University of Krakow.

Half of the interviewees had heard of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics. Clients never asked about genetic testing. All interviewees did perceive genetic testing as being relevant for dietetic practice.

More than half of them make use of family history for composing dietary advice. Clients of 6 interviewees bring up family history themselves, related to both nutrition related disease as well as related to behaviour.

Perceived chances of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics for dietetic practice were formulated as ‘for health promotion and prevention’ and to ‘compose more personal dietary recommendations’ and ‘dietary advice according to genotype’. Concerns related to costs, time and interference with the human genome.

Health Authorities, experts and the Polish Society of Nutrition were thought to provide information about nutrigenomics and –genetics in dietetic practice, mostly because of reliability and their access to knowledge. The role of NuGO was identified for providing educational material and workshops at dietetic conferences. Almost all interviewees were interested in websites and half were interested in an Internet mediated discussion platform and discussion meetings.

For more information please contact Laura Bouwman (laura.bouwman@wur.nl)

Note: the results of this study are an indication of perceptions of Polish dieticians and do not necessarily represent views of individuals or professional organisations.