Human variation in response to food and nutrients.

The application of science to human nutrition over the centuries has served societies well. One example is the identification of key nutrients to overcome nutritional deficiencies, which has enhanced life expectancy. Enhanced life expectancy, however, is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic disorders related to food and nutrition. Findings of studies indicating that individual responses to nutrients differ substantially between individuals make it necessary to re-examine the relationship between nutrition and human health. The emergence of new genomic-based technologies illustrates the complexity and scale of the interactions between nutrition and genetic factors. Epigenetic modifications resulting from interactions of the genetic profile, aging, and lifestyle can influence the time course of chronic disorders and contribute to human variability in response to nutritional interventions. Developing a better understanding of human variability as it applies to human nutrition will involve embracing the approaches and principles of complex science.