Code Scam

This company claims that they can test your DNA and develop a nutritional plan based on the findings. Sounds great right? Until you critically examine their claims, they do.

Keep in mind, nothing in this post should be considered medical advice. Go to your docotor for that.

They claim that by looking for SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) it is possible to identify nutrient deficiencies caused by the poor functioning of protiens.

The idea that poor functioning of a protein can cause nutritional problems is valid. An obvious example is PKU (phenylketonuria). This disease is caused by the inability to breakdown a certain amino acid. The buildup of that amino acid and it’s byproducts can sever developmental disorders. That’s why children in the US are often tested for PKU at birth.

While there may be special diets for specific diseases, designing a special diet, or supplement program for healthy individuals is problematic. If you’re healthy, that probably means that you’re getting all the nutrients you need from your diet already. This is true of most people. If you’re sick and need special nutrition, then you should visit your doctor for advise.

There isn’t evidence that specific SNPs they their lab may identify correspond nutritional deficiencies which require diet modification.

Of course, once you get your DNA test back, they will be willing to sell you a list of supplements to take. Here’s the thing about suppliments marketed to the consumer: either they work, in which case they are drugs, or they don’t work, in which case they are useless. Wait, their is a third scenario: they don’t work and they actively harm you. Ingesting any unknown set of chemicals is a bad idea.

 Of course it is all a good way to take money from gullible people…