Case Study: The Merchant Marines

IIM's Role with the Merchant Marines

IIM’s role at the Merchant Marines (also called American Maritime Officers or AMO) was to use functional genomic testing to improve the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Beginning with a pilot program, Jan Davenport, manager of AMO’s Health and Wellness program identified 75 men and women that utilized a disproportionate amount of healthcare services, had chronic diseases and were willing to comply with IIM’s lifestyle, dietary and/or nutritional supplement recommendations.

Each person completed health questionnaires that identified which of 4 genomic tests (cardiovascular, bone health, immune System and cancer risk) were to be run. Blood samples were collected for genomic analysis. Confidentiality was maintained.

Results of the genomic panels were discussed with each member of the pilot study. Based on each person’s single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), recommendations and action steps were made to their physician including lifestyle choices (e.g. avoiding certain solvents, chemicals, hydrocarbons), dietary modifications (e.g. low fat, high fiber foods) and nutritional supplements shown in the scientific literature to modify gene expression (e.g. fish oils to down regulate the IL-1B gene, which is associated with chronic inflammation).

For participants taking more than one prescribed drug or over-the-counter medication, evaluations were made about drug-drug or drug-botanical interactions based on the pharmacogenomics of the individual’s detoxification pathways and their healthcare professional notified.

The effects of IIM’s recommendations were assessed for each individual. For example, biomarkers were measured to evaluate how well a nutrigenomic intervention obviated a faulty gene and its respective protein.

To measure cost savings to the insurance plan, health outcomes based on functional genomics testing were measured against conventional therapies.

Continue to Results and Benefits »