Researchers at Kansas State University recently published an academic journal article discussing the potential for nutrigenomics, a field that studies the effects of food on gene expression. The researchers discussed the possibility of using food to prevent an individual's genes from expressing disease. The researchers said nutrigenomics could completely change the future of public health and the food and culinary industries.

"Nutrigenomics involves tailoring diets to someone's genetic makeup," said Koushik Adhikari, K-State assistant professor of sensory analysis. "I speculate that in five to 10 years, you would go to a genetic counselor or a physician who could help you understand your genetic makeup, and then a nutritional professional could customize your diet accordingly."
"Scientists are looking at the molecular mechanisms in the body," Adhikari said. "At the molecular level, you can look at what specific nutrients can do to your body that would trigger genes to act properly, in a healthy way."
"These studies not only answer whether the concerned nutrients prevent a disease, but also how they exert their health benefits," Medeiros said.
"That is where I think the main focus of nutrigenomics is going to be in the future," Adhikari said.
"This is one of the major issues with the food industry," he said.