Nutrigenetic Tests (NT) detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are genetic variations in the DNA sequence, and are considered to be a very valuable tool for precision nutrition.
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the knowledge and attitude of the Greek public regarding the application of NT, and in general their knowledge of nutrigenetics.
A questionnaire was used with 29 questions about the demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and interest. The sample was random and consisted of 400 adults from all over Greece, mostly women, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years. The largest percentage of the sample belonged to the age range of 18-25, 38.3% was students in general and 19% was students of Health Sciences or Health Professionals. Most of them seemed to follow healthy eating patterns to a satisfactory degree in their daily lives, while their main means of information about nutrition is the internet. Furthermore, 69% of respondents did not know what a NT is, but almost all said they would like to be informed. Also, 61.3% stated that they would make a NT on the recommendation of a Health Scientist. The majority considered that the cost of a NT is a deterrent and they almost unanimously stated that if the state provided them free of charge, they would reconsider. Almost 2/3 seemed to not be worried in case of side effects, nor for the protection of personal genetic data. More than half expressed a point of view that the NT will have a positive effect on their personal and public health expenses.
In general, a positive response was found both in the desire for information and in the execution of NT. However, the need for further education and training on Nutrigenetic matters and in particular for the utility of NT is emphasized.