ABSTRACT
The promise of nutrigenomics is grand; the practicalities are daunting. Many scientists researching the frontiers of the field believe the complexities are such that useful applications are decades away. But, for better or for worse, scientists do not always
determine what happens in the world. Other groups have interests in nutrigenomics. For them, benefits are in prospect — genetic understanding and personalized diets, better health and enhanced capacities, improved foods and targeted marketing, lower costs, and higher revenues. Rewards such as these may inspire a more optimistic interpretation of the scientific evidence. And provide incentives to immediate action. This chapter identifies probable actions of key interest groups whose interplay will shape the future of nutrigenomics. The intent is description, not prescription. The perspective is intentionally agnostic, to describe not what is desirable, but what is likely, for good or for ill. The method is stakeholder analysis. Five groups will be considered: scientists, food companies, consumers, competitive athletes, and healthcare providers. Their behavior will raise issues on which policy decisions will have to be taken, sooner or later. For all these parties, the discovery of inherited susceptibilities and capabilities is a prerequisite for whatever actions they want to take. Hence, this chapter is as much about genetic testing as it is about nutritional interventions.
