In the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) genetic predisposition seems to play a significant role, and for its association with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, MetS is a growing public health problem. Eating habits are a significant risk factor, therefore, appropriate intake of nutrients and energy is the foundation for the prevention and treatment of MetS. It highlights the importance of a personalized approach that includes individual genetic predispositions. The interaction between diet and genes should be considered in two ways: the impact of nutritional factors in gene regulation and expression is in the scope of nutrigenomics, while, nutrigenetics examined how gene variants predisposing nutritional needs and preferences of individual physiological, but also certain pathophysiological conditions. The impact of nutrition on the course of genetic information may be observed in various regulatory areas. Progress of various -omics disciplines has enabled faster and more comprehensive understanding of the processes by which bioactive ingredients can affect human health. In this article we present the latest findings of the role of the interaction of genes and nutrients in the susceptibility to the development of MetS, with emphasis on the potential impact of these findings to public health practice.