Dietary Interventions for Healthy Aging: An Epigenetic Perspective

Aging is closely associated with epigenetic alterations, including changes in DNA methylation, acetylation, and shifts in histone modification patterns, which drive cellular decline and increase susceptibility to diseases. This review examines the connection between aging-related diseases and epigenetic mechanisms and explores how dietary interventions can influence this process. We discuss the Mediterranean diet (MD), caloric restriction (CR), and the ketogenic diet (KD) as key nutritional strategies. These interventions supply essential substrates and regulate enzymes central to epigenetic remodeling, thereby affecting gene expression networks involved in inflammation, metabolism, and cellular stress responses. By correcting age related epigenetic dysregulation, such dietary patterns can slow attenuate cellular senescence and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Current evidence supports the association between diet quality and decelerated epigenetic aging. Future research is needed to establish causality and to develop personalized nutritional approaches for promoting longevity and healthspan.