Nutrigenomics, Mass Media and Commercialization Pressures

In 2004, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium published its scientifi c description of the fi nished human genome sequence containing 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes. 1 The Human Genome Project (HGP), through political rhetoric and publicity, was portrayed as an end in itself, which, in the near term, would produce an explosion of new genomics products, services and therapeutics. Most have yet to materialize and some of those that have, especially in the area of genetic testing targeted directly at consumers, raise considerable ethical, regulatory and legitimacy issues. In particular, the fi eld of nutrigenomics illustrates many of these concerns in the context of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising and delivery of genetic testing services, related products (such as nutritional supplements) and associated media coverage. This article presents preliminary data from a study of how the media translate knowledge about nutrigenomics to the public. Specifi cally, we are interested in whether media coverage of nutrigenomics is of suffi cient quality for the public to understand the risks and benefi ts associated with genetic testing. We have considered three main sources of information: peerreviewed science journals, media coverage and, more briefl y, promotional material from nutrigenomic company websites. A fuller understanding of the media’s role has policy implications as countries deal with regulating the provision of genetic testing services and the sale of nutritional supplements and personalized diet plans. It also has implications for regulating commercial representations of nutrigenomics, especially DTC advertising by genetic testing companies and the claims they can make about health benefi ts.