Swedish Dietetic Organisation: Dieticians should be more involved in the development process of nutrigenomics

In Sweden, the representative of the Swedish Dietetic Organisation: Dietisternas Riksförbund (DRF) and 25 dieticians were interviewed.

Representative of DRF

The representative heard about nutrigenomics however never found specific information. She is convinced that it will be important in the future and that dieticians should be more involved in the different stages of the development process of nutrigenomics.

Dieticians are obliged to work evidence based and need to follow caregivers’ ethical code: first cure (if possible), then relieve (if not possible), console. Therefore methods and routines about how to handle the information and how to integrate this new, special information into the treatment regime need to be created.

Collective efforts are viewed as a chance for dieticians to have possibilities to be more active and have a bigger role in research, development of nutritional treatment regimes and making policy decisions. All of this in turn can lead to a better treatment design and better health for patients.

Dieticians

Just two of the interviewed dieticians have heard of nutrigenomics or nutrigenetics. However clients of 17 interviewees sometimes bring up the possibility for genetic testing, for instance related to lactose intolerance. Most of the interviewees make use of family history when composing a dietary advice. Clients themselves bring up this topic related to nutrition-related illnesses such as high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.

Twelve interviewees viewed genetic testing as being relevant for dietetic practice. Perceived chances of the use of nutrigenomics or –genetics in dietary practice were mentioned in general descriptions such as ‘personal advice’ and ‘disease prevention’ as well as in more specific terms such as ‘recommending specific products’ and ‘diagnostics’.

Perceived concerns of ten dieticians related to ethical issues, such as abuse of information. Also concerns about unrealistic goals for clients and a focus on genes in stead of the whole patient were mentioned.

Information is expected to be offered by governmental bodies such as the Swedish National Food Administration, through scientific journals, the journal of the DRF and the Internet, mostly because of their trustworthiness and direct access to the scientific information. Also, the School for Dietetic education as well as Internet based courses were preferred media for information about nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics. A role for NuGO was identified in providing presentations and workshops at dietetic conferences, educational material and discussion meetings. More than half of the interviewees were interested in an Internet mediated discussion platform.

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

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