Science, Society, and the Supermarket

The new science of nutrigenomics and its ethical and societal challenges Gene-diet interactions–which underlie relatively benign lactose intolerance to life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular disease–have long been known. But until now, scientists lacked the tools to fully understand the underlying mechanisms that cause these conditions. In recent years, however, strides in human genomics and the nutritional sciences have allowed for the advancement of a new science–dubbed nutrigenomics. Although this science may lead to personalized nutrition and dietary recommendations that can mitigate, prevent, or cure sickness, current oversight mechanisms and regulations …