Nutrigenomics?
With the publication of the human genome, we are entering the era of genetic nutrition. The publication of the human “blueprint” has triggered an explosion in pharmaceutical research to utilize this knowledge to better design drugs that consider the genetic makeup of susceptible individuals. Food companies will be able to design food based on particular groups sharing the same genetic make-up. People already make dietary choices based on their genetics, such as switching to soy milk for lactose intolerance, using cholesterol lowering spreads, etc. Before we enter this era however, we will need to know our genetic makeup for susceptibility genes. There is also a need to make this information accessible and affordable. Don’t be surprised to one day see people carrying their genetic blueprint to the grocery store to shop.