A new study highlights how a Mediterranean diet supplement, enriched with polyphenols, can influence epigenetic mechanisms related to healthy aging. The research, published in Antioxidants, delves into how these natural compounds, often found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods common in the Mediterranean diet, can have a profound impact on the biological processes of aging.
Understanding Epigenetics and Aging
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence itself. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors, diet, and lifestyle. Aging, a complex biological process, is often accompanied by negative epigenetic alterations that contribute to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Polyphenols, a class of naturally occurring compounds found abundantly in the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The new research suggests that these compounds also have the potential to modify DNA methylation patterns—epigenetic markers that can either activate or silence genes—thereby supporting healthier aging.
The Study
The study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial, evaluated the effects of a polyphenol-rich supplement called DailyColors™ on various biological markers of aging. Thirty adult participants with an average age of 67 years were recruited to assess how this supplement could influence their blood biomarkers, oxidative stress levels, inflammation, and epigenetic modifications over time.
The researchers specifically looked at changes in mitochondrial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are all linked to the aging process. The findings revealed that DailyColors™ had a positive impact on DNA methylation, particularly on CpG sites associated with aging. This suggests that the supplement may help counteract age-related epigenetic changes, potentially slowing the aging process.
Key Findings
Mitochondrial Function and Inflammation: The study found that supplementation with DailyColors™ prevented an increase in blood CD38 concentrations, a marker associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Maintaining mitochondrial function is critical for energy production and cellular health, particularly in aging populations.
Oxidative Stress Reduction: The supplement also showed a trend towards reducing plasma 4-HNE levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to aging and age-related diseases, and the reduction of this marker is a promising outcome.
Epigenetic Changes: One of the most remarkable findings was the observed hypermethylation of the CpG site cg13108341, which is typically linked to aging. This suggests that polyphenol supplementation could reverse or slow down detrimental epigenetic changes, promoting healthier aging.
Implications for Healthy Aging
These findings are significant because they show that the Mediterranean diet, particularly its polyphenol-rich components, can influence biological markers of aging at a genetic level. By promoting favorable changes in DNA methylation, polyphenols may help maintain cellular health and prevent the onset of age-related diseases.
Expert Insight
Dr. Joyce Ruifen Chong, lead researcher of the study, commented, "This study demonstrates that natural compounds like polyphenols, when included as part of a balanced diet or as a supplement, have the potential to affect the biological aging process in a positive way. The changes we observed in epigenetic markers are particularly exciting, as they indicate that diet can influence gene expression associated with aging."
Conclusion
The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with longevity and reduced risk of chronic diseases, and this new research reinforces its benefits. Polyphenol supplementation, as seen in this study, could be a promising avenue for promoting healthy aging by influencing epigenetic mechanisms. Future research, with larger sample sizes and longer durations, could provide more definitive evidence on how diet can modify the aging process at a molecular level.
For more details on the study, you can access the full article here
