Epigenetic Modulation of Exercise Adaptation: The Role of Dietary Supplementation in Athletic Performance

In high-performance sport, even small improvements in adaptation and recovery may influence competitive outcomes, increasing interest in molecular mechanisms that regulate training responses. Epigenetic processes represent a dynamic interface between exercise, nutrition, and long-term athletic adaptation. This narrative review summarizes current data on how dietary supplementation may modulate exercise-induced epigenetic remodeling and influence performance and recovery, focusing on mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, as well as key nutrient groups with potential epigenetic activity, including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, methyl donors, and selected vitamins. Evidence identified through targeted literature searches across major scientific databases indicates that several bioactive compounds can affect epigenetic pathways relevant to exercise adaptation. These mechanisms appear to modulate processes central to performance and recovery, including inflammation control, mitochondrial function, metabolic regulation, and tissue repair. Available evidence from multi-nutrient and combined exercise-nutrition interventions suggests potentially complementary effects on epigenetic regulation; however, human evidence remains limited and mechanistic interpretations should be considered preliminary. Overall, epigenetically informed supplementation offers a promising yet still developing approach and should be considered an adjunct to evidence-based training programs, balanced nutrition, and adequate recovery rather than a standalone performance-enhancing strategy.