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Determining the Likelihood of Variant Pathogenicity Using Amino Acid-level Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Genetic Variation
Published on: January 16, 2019
Ethical and legal issues in nutritional genomics
Philip R Reilly1, Ruth M Debusk
1Interleukin Genetics Inc, Waltham, MA 02452, USA. preilly@ilgenetics.com
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|December 25, 2007
Summary
Genetic information is becoming crucial for registered dietitians, impacting nutrition counseling. Ethical and legal considerations regarding privacy, confidentiality, and potential discrimination must be addressed as nutritional genomics advances.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Genomics
- Bioethics
- Health Law
Background:
- Advances in studying gene variations affecting drug and food metabolism.
- Increasing relevance of individual genetic information for clinical practitioners, including registered dietitians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical and legal implications of using genetic information in nutrition counseling.
- To discuss the challenges posed by genetic analysis of children regarding parental authority.
- To advocate for the development of a code of conduct for registered dietitians in nutritional genomics.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on nutritional genomics.
- Analysis of ethical principles related to genetic information.
- Examination of relevant federal and state legislation and judicial decisions.
Main Results:
- Genetic information presents significant ethical challenges concerning confidentiality, privacy, and discrimination in insurance and employment.
- Genetic analysis in children raises novel questions about parental rights and autonomy.
- The field of nutritional genomics requires proactive ethical and legal frameworks.
Conclusions:
- Registered dietitians must prepare for the integration of genetic information into practice.
- A code of conduct is necessary to guide the ethical and legal use of genetic data in nutrition.
- Addressing these issues is crucial for responsible advancement in nutritional genomics.
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