Quoting from Dr. Jim Kaput’s newsletter,

“In October 2006, the FDA/National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, Arkansas, created the Division of Personalized Nutrition and Medicine. This was in my view, a quite remarkable event  the U.S. government not only acknowledging the importance of personalization but including nutrition with medicine. In the summer of this year, I was offered and accepted the position of Director of that new division.

The NCTR and FDA announcement written by the NCTR Director (Bill Slikker) is included below. In addition to the information about the new position at NCTR, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (a cabinet level position) published a report in September of this year entitled Personalized Health Care:

Opportunities, Pathways, Resources (for free download, see http://www.hhs.gov/myhealthcare/news/phc-report.pdf). That report describes the importance and proposed paths to develop personalized health care, and includes discussions about genes and environment (including diet). In addition, the report describes the granting opportunities and resources for research in this area. Although the NIH and other agencies have been slowly increasing funding for nutrient (and environment) ˆ gene interactions, the creation of a research division for personalized nutrition and medicine and the public discussion of personalizing health care demonstrate the recognition of the importance of this type of research.”

Dr. Jim Kaput has been a leader in Nutrigenomics at UC Davis and headed the recent conference on Nutrigenomics. Dr. Kaput is very supportive of the interaction of nutrients and genes to say the least.

Florida doctor Avi Mendelson takes Genewize Life Sciences capsules, a dietary supplement he claims is custom-made to meet a person’s vitamin and nutrient needs based on their DNA.

Mendelson sells the capsules and enthusiastically endorses them.

“There’s a base formula, things that all of us need,” Mendelson said. “However you may need specific help in certain health areas that I don’t and Genewize Life Sciences adds those things to your formula and therefore (you) get a custom formula.”

Customers swab the inside of their mouth and send the sample to a lab for DNA testing. A custom-tailored vitamin and nutrient formula is then created.

Midstate investor Jeff Cox has brought Genewize to Pennsylvania. “(You) here have opportunity to get all of that anti-oxidant, nutrition, vitamins and everything that you actually eat, five different servings of blueberries, raspberries or whatever it might be.”

Genewize is classified as a nutritional supplement and therefore not regulated by the FDA. The company doesn’t claim to cure or prevent diseases, but it does claim to strengthen genetic weaknesses.

Deb Gochenour is a nutritionist for PinnacleHealth. She questions whether the science is sound.

“With all this CSI and NCI shows, DNA is such a buzzword and people are into that high tech stuff, but is it a gimmick?,” she said.

Mendelson says its not a gimmick, it’s the future.

“I’d rather be in the forefront and protect my health to some degree than wait 20-30 years later while diseases are occurring and say, well I should have done that,” he said.

Customers take ten tablets a day; five in the morning and five in the evening. The cost is three dollars a day or about a hundred dollars a month.

That may sound like a lot, but Americans spend billions on nutritional supplements each year.

• The Human Genome Project ended a quest to map the human genome and began a revolution in health and wellness.
• The ability to personalize and customize nutritional supplements based on your DNA and your lifestyle is now a reality.
• GeneWize Life Sciences brings you the benefits of these advancements in DNA guided health and beauty products.
• Genetics and nutrigenomics (nutrition and genetics) is rapidly transitioning from pure research to high-value consumer products that change the way we live.
  

  “DNA analysis can identify potential health problems and prevent drug reactions.” — MSNBC 1/25/2005

  “Genetic testing sounds like a concept straight out of a science fiction novel. But this chance to peek into the future of your health is an opportunity some people are taking today. People with a family history of certain medical conditions can plan for their futures by understanding their health risks.” — CNN 4/12/2006

  “[There's a] new and growing industry in personal DNA analysis” — Time Magazine, “Diving into the Gene Pool”, 8/20/2006

  “Genetic testing is already a $5 billion industry. But if you want to scan your DNA for potential diseases, you have to choose between a research institution, which can take weeks to return results, and a commercial lab, which can be expensive.” Business 2.0 — “Spinning Gold from the Double Helix”, 6/19/2007

  “Google-Funded 23andMe Offers $999 DNA Test — The mission of 23andMe is to take the genetic revolution to a new level by offering a secure, Web-based service where individuals can explore, share and better understand their own genetic information,” said 23andMe co-founder Linda Avey.  Eventually users, who sign up for the saliva test online and receive it by mail, will also be able to participate in research.” Reuters – 11/9/2007