Dietary phenolics and exercise complementation to delay aging at its source: a comprehensive review highlighting
Jiong Zhang1, Wen-Wen Zhu1, Yong-Yao Huang1
1The Research Group of Food Colloid and Nanotechnology, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Aging
|January 5, 2026
Summary
Aging is a growing concern, but natural strategies like phenolic-rich diets and exercise offer anti-aging potential. Combining these may combat aging by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nutritional Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The global aging population presents significant challenges, necessitating sustainable anti-aging strategies beyond pharmaceuticals.
- Current reliance on medical interventions for aging raises safety and economic concerns.
- Phenolic compounds and regular exercise are identified as promising natural approaches to combat aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of aging and its underlying causes.
- To explore anti-aging mechanisms derived from dietary phenolics and exercise.
- To propose a synergistic strategy combining phenolic supplements and exercise for enhanced anti-aging effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on aging, phenolic compounds, and exercise.
- Analysis of anti-aging mechanisms, particularly focusing on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.
- Synthesis of existing research to propose a combined dietary and exercise intervention.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation are central to aging.
- Phenolics and exercise can ameliorate oxidative stress and support mitochondrial health.
- A combined approach of phenolic intake and exercise offers a novel anti-aging strategy.
Conclusions:
- Integrating phenolic-rich diets and exercise presents a viable, natural strategy for mitigating aging.
- Targeting mitochondrial health through these lifestyle interventions aligns with modern anti-aging concepts.
- While research is nascent, the combined use of phenolics and exercise holds significant future potential for anti-aging interventions.
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