Recent Advances and Controversies in Genetic Testing for Precision Nutrition with Ahmed El-Sohemy from the NANP 2023 HEALCon. Take this quiz to earn 1.5 CECs.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy is a Professor and Associate Chair at the University of Toronto. He is also the Founder of Nutrigenomix Inc., Chief Science Officer, and Chair of the company’s International Science Advisory Board. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard. Dr. El-Sohemy has published in the top scientific and medical journals and has given over 300 invited talks worldwide. Dr. El-Sohemy has received several awards for research excellence from the Canadian Nutrition Society, the American College of Nutrition, and the American Nutrition Association.
Presentation Description:
There is increasing awareness among researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and consumers that the one-size-fits-all, population-based approach to nutritional guidance is inefficient and sometimes ineffective. Genetic differences can explain some of these different responses, and randomized controlled trials show that giving DNA-based dietary advice can be superior to population-based recommendations for improving compliance. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for genetic testing, there is a need for nutrition professionals to have sufficient knowledge to understand the science behind these tests, and determine the benefits and limitations of both the science and the testing.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how genetic variation impacts nutritional requirements.
- Learn how to identify relevant genetic markers with clinical relevance.
- Learn which types of food intolerances or sensitivities are impacted by genetics.
- Understand the role of epigenetics and how that impacts the interpretation of genetic tests.
- Recognize the benefits and limitations of consumer genetic testing and understand what genetic tests can and cannot reveal about a person’s health and dietary recommendations.
