• http://www.sciona.com

• http://www.genetests.org

What does the future hold for you, genetically speaking? Does your genetic make-up mean that you should avoid the sun or eat more greens? How long can you expect to stave off wrinkles and keep your own teeth?

If these are the kinds of question that interest you, numerous companies are lining up to provide you with the answers. For example, Sciona, a company based in the United States, offers genetic profiling to provide you with: “Personalized diet and lifestyle advice based on your body's real needs.” Just do a DIY cheek swab, fill in a lifestyle survey, and a few weeks later you'll get a report explaining how your genetic profile and eating habits might influence your health.

However diverting this might seem, such tests have raised concerns about validity and regulation (see our Ethics Watch article from July 2005). Another issue is whether the public is sufficiently informed to understand the implications of the results, especially when tests for medical conditions are involved.

Gene Tests, an information service funded by the US National Institutes of Health, takes a more measured approach towards evaluating genetic tests. Aimed at physicians and researchers, this web site contains peer-reviewed articles about genetic conditions, focusing on what is known about mutations and their use in testing, as well as providing links to companies that offer the relevant tests.

The Gene Tests approach allows a more informed view of genetic tests, but the information on offer is squarely aimed at users with some knowledge of genetics. The question therefore remains: is it acceptable to offer mail-order genetic tests to a public that is not fully equipped to evaluate the implications?