Integration of molecular biology and nutrition: The role of nutritional genomics in optimizing dietary guidance in lipids

The evolution of the field of nutrition has largely been due to advancements in the techniques of molecular biology. Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, the fields of nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, pharmacogenetics, metabolomics and proteomics have evolved. These fields provide immense potential to enhance the study of genes involved in health and chronic diseases and the interactions of nutrients on these genes. The emerging field of lipidomics will provide further insight into the roles of genetics, disease, drugs and diet on the regulation of lipid metabolism. Advances in molecular nutrition will continue to increase our understanding of the heterogeneity of individual lipid response to dietary interventions, allowing for a movement towards a more individualized approach for dietary guidance. The potential impact of molecular biology on clinical nutrition research of the future is inducing a shift in the focus of nutrition research from disease treatment and management to one of disease prevention.