Dietary rhythms and biological aging risk across multiple organs

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Chronobiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• The impact of dietary timing on organ-specific biological aging is not well understood.
• Understanding these rhythms is crucial for developing targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dietary rhythms (meal timing and feeding duration) and biological aging across multiple organs.
• To explore how factors like age, gender, health status, and diet quality modify these associations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 14,012 adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
• Statistical assessment of relationships between last meal time, first meal time, feeding duration, and organ-specific biological aging markers.
• Examination of effect modification by demographic and health-related variables.

Main Results:

• Earlier last meals (before 9 p.m.) were associated with reduced aging risk for the body, heart, and liver.
• Optimal last meal timing varied by organ: 3-5 p.m. for body/heart, 5-7 p.m. for liver.
• Later first meals and longer feeding durations (>8 hours) were linked to increased aging risks.
• Associations were modified by age, gender, disease status, caloric intake, and dietary quality, with significant effects in individuals over 40, males, and those with low caloric intake or healthier diets.

Conclusions:

• Optimal meal timing and duration for biological aging are organ-specific and influenced by individual characteristics and dietary patterns.
• A synergistic relationship exists between food, nutrients, and timing, emphasizing the need for personalized nutrition.
• Findings support the development of tailored dietary strategies to mitigate age-related decline.