Search Results (53)

Chronic low-grade inflammation, or “inflammaging,” represents a central mechanism linking dietary patterns, gut microbiome composition, and biological aging. Evidence from Blue Zone populations and Mediterranean diet studies demonstrates that specific nutritional interventions are associated with up to 23% lower all-cause mortality, with analyses suggesting that part of this association may be mediated by measurable improvements in inflammatory biomarkers. This paper synthesizes published evidence from Mediterranean diet trials, centenarian microbiome studies, and digital health platforms to propose a comprehensive digital health framework that integrates quarterly inflammation and microbiome monitoring with continuous lifestyle tracking to deliver personalized longevity interventions. This paper introduces the Longevity-Inflammation Index (L-II), a composite score combining high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and microbiome-derived markers, with scoring algorithms derived from centenarian population studies. The proposed platform leverages artificial intelligence to generate evidence-based recommendations adapted from centenarian and Mediterranean dietary patterns. Published evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrates that Mediterranean dietary interventions reduce hs-CRP by 18–32%, increase microbiome diversity by 6–28%, and improve metabolic markers including HOMA-IR and TG/HDL ratios. Digital health platforms demonstrate sustained engagement rates of 58–84% at 12 months, with dietary logging frequencies of 4–6 days per week. Cost-effectiveness analyses of dietary interventions show incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of USD 2100–4800 per quality-adjusted life year gained. This inflammation-centered digital health framework offers a scalable approach for translating longevity research into practical interventions for healthy aging, with validation studies needed to confirm the integrated platform’s efficacy and real-world implementation feasibility. Full article

Time-qualified dietary interventions, including time-restricted eating (TRE), intermittent fasting (IF), and periodic fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs), have emerged as strategies to improve metabolic health. While preclinical studies consistently demonstrate robust effects on energy metabolism, cardiometabolic function, and longevity, translation to humans remains heterogeneous. In free-living settings, most metabolic improvements observed with TRE and IF appear primarily driven by spontaneous caloric restriction rather than meal timing per se, and isocaloric randomized controlled trials generally show no additional benefits compared to standard calorie restriction. Evidence supporting circadian-specific advantages, particularly for early TRE, is promising but inconsistent and often context-dependent. Important uncertainties also persist regarding long-term efficacy, lean mass preservation, safety in specific populations, and the physiological impact of extended fasting windows. Despite these controversies, time-qualified diets represent a paradigm shift in nutritional science by integrating chronobiology with dietary patterns. Future directions include tailoring eating windows to individual chronotypes, combining fasting regimens with high-quality dietary patterns and structured physical activity, and clarifying the molecular mechanisms that may mediate calorie-independent benefits. Large, long-term, mechanistically informed human trials are essential to determine whether aligning eating behaviors with circadian biology can produce durable clinical improvements. Such work will ultimately shape the role of personalized chrononutrition in preventive and therapeutic nutrition. Full article

Background: The pursuit of longevity has long been central to nutritional science, with growing evidence underscoring the profound influence of dietary patterns on lifespan and overall health. While various diets have been associated with improved well-being, their comparative effects on longevity remain to be synthesized comprehensively. Main Findings: This review examines the scientific evidence linking major dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), plant-based, Blue Zones, intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, and Nordic diets, to longevity and mortality outcomes. The Mediterranean and DASH diets consistently demonstrate reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, while plant-based and Blue Zones diets emphasize whole, minimally processed foods that enhance metabolic and cardiovascular health. Intermittent fasting and caloric restriction emerge as metabolic modulators with anti-aging potential. The Nordic diet, rich in locally sourced foods like berries and fish, also contributes to lower mortality and improved cardiovascular function. Conclusions: This paper uniquely integrates comparative insights from diverse dietary frameworks, emphasizing their shared principles of nutrient density, moderation, and metabolic balance. By adopting evidence-based elements from these dietary models, individuals can optimize health span and longevity, reinforcing the pivotal role of diet as a cornerstone of preventive and personalized nutrition. Full article

Background: China’s rapidly aging population has led to a growing burden of dementia, marked by cognitive decline and heavy social and economic costs. Dietary patterns have been identified as a critical means for prevention. Methods: This study drew on data from the China Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Three logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between the Chinese version of the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (cMIND) diet and dementia. To test the stability of the results, we conducted two sensitivity analyses. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to assess the potential for a nonlinear relationship. Subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity across covariates and main effects. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed as a secondary analysis to minimize the influence of confounding factors. Results: The study included 9142 participants, with a dementia prevalence of 10.7% among Chinese older adults. After adjusting for all covariates, each one-unit increase in the cMIND diet score was associated with an 11% lower prevalence of dementia (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84–0.93). After full adjustment, the RCS model confirmed a significant and linear dose–response association between adherence to the cMIND diet and dementia. Comparable associations were observed across most subgroups. Conclusions: Adherence to the cMIND diet was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of dementia in Chinese older adults, with evidence of a clear dose–response effect. These findings highlight the potential of the cMIND diet as a preventive strategy against dementia in this population. Full article

Diet is a key factor modulating the trade-off between fecundity and longevity, a cornerstone of life-history theory. While laboratory studies have demonstrated that high-protein-to-carbohydrate (P:C) ratio diets increase reproductive output at the cost of lifespan, it remains unclear how this trade-off operates in species exposed to natural dietary variability and prey choice. We tested whether diet-mediated trade-offs between fecundity and longevity are modulated by prey-insect type in the endangered tiger beetle, Cicindela anchoralis, a species with a short adult lifespan. Tiger beetles were offered a choice between a high-P:C diet (cricket) and low-P:C diet (ant). Tiger beetles consuming the high-P:C diet exhibited increased fecundity and reduced longevity, while those feeding on the low-P:C diet showed the opposite pattern. Despite these consequences, both sexes showed a consistent preference for the high-P:C diet, suggesting that beetles prioritize reproductive output over lifespan. These results suggest that prey-insect selection might be an adaptive way to boost reproductive success within a limited adult lifespan, which may raise tiger beetles’ intrinsic rate of natural increase. Our findings highlight the ecological relevance of diet-driven life-history trade-offs and offer practical guidance for mass propagation strategies to support endangered tiger beetle recovery. Full article

Background: Implementing effective interventions for specific cognitive symptoms is critical to reducing the disease burden of dementia. Previous studies have identified associations between overall cognitive function and dietary patterns in older adults with multimorbidity. However, the relationship between specific cognitive symptoms and different foods remains largely unknown. Methods: We included 3443 older adults with multimorbidity, aged 65 years or older, from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS, 2017–2018). We used the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive function and selected 13 common foods to evaluate food consumption. Network analysis was used to identify central symptoms and bridge symptoms between the food consumption and cognitive symptom networks. Finally, the stability of the networks was examined using the case-dropping bootstrap procedure. Results: Network analysis revealed that B6 (mushrooms or algae), B4 (dairy products), and B5 (nut products) were the most influential in the food–cognition network model, and A5 (language ability), A1 (orientation ability), and B5 (nut products) were considered bridging symptoms in the food–cognition network. Bootstrap analysis showed that the 95% confidence interval of the edge weights in the network is narrow, indicating that this study accurately assesses the edge weights. The correlation stability coefficient of the centrality of the expected influence and bridge strength is 0.75, indicating that the network has good stability. Conclusions: Central symptoms as well as bridge symptoms play a key role in food and cognitive networks. Timely systematic and multilevel interventions targeting central symptoms and bridge symptoms may help to delay the risk of dementia in older adults with multimorbidity. Full article

Longevity and healthy aging result from the complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic, microbial, behavioral, and environmental factors. The central nervous system—particularly the cerebral cortex—and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) play key roles in integrating external and internal signals, shaping energy metabolism, immune tone, and emotional regulation. This narrative review examines how the brain–ANS axis interacts with epigenetic regulation, telomere dynamics, the gut microbiome, and the exposome to influence biological aging and resilience. Relevant literature published between 2010 and 2025 was selected through comprehensive database searches (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar), with a focus on studies addressing the multisystemic determinants of aging. Emphasis is placed on lifestyle-related exposures, such as diet, physical activity, psychosocial support, and environmental quality, that modulate systemic physiology through neurovisceral pathways. Drawing on empirical findings from classical Blue Zones and recent observational research in the Cilento region of southern Italy, this review highlights how context-specific factors—such as clean air, mineral-rich water, Mediterranean dietary patterns, and strong social cohesion—may foster bioelectric, metabolic, and neuroimmune homeostasis. By integrating data from neuroscience, systems biology, and environmental epidemiology, the review proposes a comprehensive model for understanding healthy longevity and supports the development of personalized, context-sensitive strategies in geroscience and preventive medicine. Full article

Enhanced colony nutrition can support brood development, resulting in better physiological conditions and increased resilience in adult honey bees, particularly under stress. This study investigated the effects of colony nutrition and adult dietary supplementation with green propolis on bee health under fungicide exposure. Colonies were managed under food restriction or nutritional supplementation for 22 weeks. Newly emerged bees from each colony were then caged and fed protein diets consisting of honey-pollen patties contaminated or not with fungicide, and sucrose sugar syrup with or without aqueous green propolis extract. Bees from supplemented colonies showed greater body weight, higher hemolymph protein levels, and higher consumption of protein food after seven days in cages. Fungicide exposure reduced hemolymph protein levels, altered the expression of detoxification and immune-related genes, and significantly decreased bee survival. Interestingly, propolis supplementation alone changed gene expression patterns and slightly reduced longevity compared to bees not exposed to propolis or fungicide. However, under fungicide stress, bees that ingested propolis survived longer, indicating a protective effect. While colony nutritional supplementation clearly promotes honey bee resilience against fungicide exposure, feeding propolis also showed promising effects, though further studies are needed to determine an optimal dietary concentration. Full article

Blue Zones (BZs) are regions across the world associated with exceptional human longevity, where individuals routinely live into their 90s and beyond. These areas share distinct lifestyle and environmental factors that promote healthy aging. The established BZs include Sardinia, Okinawa, Ikaria, and Nicoya, while several “emerging” BZs have been reported in various parts of the globe. This study investigates an area in Sicily for similar longevity patterns. Demographic data from the Italy National Institute of Statistics and local civil registries identify the municipality of Caltabellotta, home to approximately 3000 residents, and the nearby Sicani Mountains as a potential emerging BZ. The area exhibits a significantly higher prevalence of nonagenarians and centenarians compared to national and regional averages. Between 1900 and 1924, the proportion of newborns in Caltabellotta who reached age 90 and above rose from 3.6% to 14%, with 1 out of 166 individuals during this period reaching the age of 100. Historical, dietary, environmental, and sociocultural characteristics align with known BZ traits, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity through agrarian routines, strong social cohesion, and minimal environmental pollution. A comparative analysis with the validated Sardinia BZ supports the hypothesis that this Sicilian area may represent an emerging longevity hotspot. Further multidisciplinary investigation is warranted to substantiate these findings. Full article

Plant polyphenols have emerged as potent bioactive molecules that can modulate key cellular pathways associated with aging and chronic disorders. The Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese style of life are rich in polyphenol-containing foods and beverages, and epidemiological evidence links these dietary patterns to increased longevity and reduced morbidity. This narrative review examines the chemical description of plant polyphenols, their mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormetic effects, and how supplementation or a diet rich in these compounds may provide further life extension. We discuss the major classes of polyphenols present in the Mediterranean dietary pattern (e.g., resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol) and in the Japanese diet (e.g., epigallocatechin gallate and soy isoflavones), comparing their biological behaviors and cooperative effects on metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions. We also examine a few preclinical and clinical studies that explain the beneficial impact of these chemicals on aging-associated biomarkers. Furthermore, both dietary habits are characterized by low consumption of processed foods and sugary carbonated drinks and reduced utilization of deep-frying with linoleic acid-rich oils, a practice that reduces the formation of harmful lipid peroxidation products, notably 4-hydroxynonenal, known to be implicated in accelerating the aging process. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is also characterized by a low/moderate daily consumption of wine, mainly red wine. This work debates emerging evidence addressing issues of bioavailability, dosage optimization, and formulation technologies for polyphenol supplementation, also comparing differences and similarities with the vegan and vegetarian diets. We also explore how these chemicals could modulate epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression patterns pertinent to health and aging. In conclusion, we aim to show a consolidated framework for the comprehension of how plant polyphenols could be utilized in nutritional strategies for potentiating life expectancy while stimulating further research on nutraceutical development. Full article

Background: Understanding the multifactorial determinants of human longevity remains a major scientific challenge. Certain regions of the world—so-called “longevity hotspots”—exhibit a notably high prevalence of centenarians; one such region is the province of Ourense, in north-western Spain. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse, for the first time, the nutritional factors associated with healthy longevity among centenarians, as well as those linked to longevity irrespective of health status, in the province of Ourense. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective, observational, mixed-methods study was conducted. A population of 261 individuals aged 100 or over residing in Ourense was identified. A sample of 156 participants was included in the quantitative analysis; from this sample, 25 centenarians were selected for in-depth qualitative analysis through personal interviews. Results: Dietary patterns aligned with the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD), combined with strong social bonds and a culture of self-sufficiency, appear to be key contributors to exceptional longevity in this population. Conclusions: Remarkable longevity in Ourense is associated with a combination of factors: adherence to an SEAD-style dietary pattern, an active and uncomplicated lifestyle, and strong social support networks. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global population is rapidly aging, raising interest in dietary practices for promoting the healthspan. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the state of diet and longevity research over the past decade, addressing the lack of bibliometric synthesis within the field. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the keywords “diet” and “longevity” on English-language articles from the Web of Science database that were published from 2015 to 2024. Data were analyzed using Web of Science tools, InCites, and VOSviewer to identify trends in publication output, citation metrics, coauthorship networks, institutional contributions, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. Results: Overall, 2203 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Publication volume and citation counts gradually increased, peaking in 2021. Countries, including the United Kingdom, and organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health and Harvard University, had significant citation impact, and the United States and China led productivity. Molecular processes (oxidative stress and autophagy), dietary models (Mediterranean diet and calorie restriction), and public health issues (obesity and mortality) were the main thematic clusters. Model species, including Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, were frequently used. Regional disparities in research production and notable terminology variability were noted. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the development and diversity of nutrition and longevity research while highlighting novel molecular and translational topics. More international cooperation, uniform language, and multidisciplinary frameworks are warranted to promote equal scientific advancement worldwide and connect mechanistic discoveries with therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary prevention, germline, familial, or other pre- or post-diagnostic and standard treatment-elevated progression or recurrence risk and mitigating adverse events from systemic treatment are all clinical opportunities to reduce the risk of lethal prostate cancer. This review attempted to provide a practical and realistic consensus via an international committee of experts who, in general, harbor career-long experience in this discipline. Methods: A PubMed review primarily utilizing the latest meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and methodologically robust epidemiologic recent data adjusting for multiple confounding variables was conducted. The goal of this committee was to highlight tangible options for clinicians and patients. Results: Behavioral patterns and metrics known to reduce cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and all-cause mortality (premature death) appear to prevent numerous lethal common cancers, including prostate cancer. This practical approach allows for the greatest probability of patient success since cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death in men with and without prostate cancer, and a notable source of morbidity and mortality in men with advanced disease due to systemic conventional treatment as well as the inflammatory contribution of cancer itself. Heart-healthy dietary patterns, exercise, healthy weight/waist circumference, eliminating tobacco, minimizing alcohol exposure, and other behaviors to reduce the risk of CVD should be prioritized. CVD-preventive medications, including aspirin, GLP-1 agonists, metformin, statins, etc., should receive attention to improve compliance for those that already qualify for these agents and to increase the probability of enhancing the quality and quantity of life. Dietary supplements do not have favorable data currently to espouse their utilization to prevent lethal prostate cancer but may have an ancillary role in mitigating some adverse effects of treatment. Conclusions: Remarkably, heart-healthy lifestyle changes, metrics, and promising repurposed medications known to reduce cardiovascular events, promote longevity, and improve mental health could simultaneously prevent lethal prostate cancer. This serendipitous association provides clinicians and their patients a higher probability of success, regardless of their prostate cancer pathway or circumstance. Full article

Ageing is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with increasing evidence highlighting the exposome as a key determinant of healthspan. This review explores the impact of environmental exposures, focusing in particular on pollution, endocrine disruptors, and climate change on the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, and metabolic disorders. Additionally, it examines protective factors that contribute to healthy ageing. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2025. Findings indicate that chronic exposure to pollutants accelerates cellular ageing through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic dysregulation. In contrast, longevity hotspots—Blue Zones, Cilento and the mountain villages of Sicily (Sicani and Madonie Mountains)—illustrate how traditional dietary patterns, strong social structures, and reduced environmental toxicity contribute to exceptional health and longevity. Mechanistically, exposome-driven alterations in immune-inflammatory pathways and epigenetic regulation play a central role in modulating ageing trajectories. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted strategies to mitigate harmful exposures and enhance protective factors. This review underscores the urgent need for integrative public health policies that address the environmental determinants of ageing, ultimately promoting a longer and healthier lifespan. Full article

Background: In the context of population aging, activities of daily living (ADL) disability has brought great challenges to the health of the elderly. The relationship between plant-based dietary patterns and the health of the elderly has been widely discussed. However, few studies have explored the correlation between plant-based dietary patterns and ADL disability in older adults. Methods: We included 2004 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The Simplified Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to measure Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI), healthy Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI), and unhealthy Plant-Based Diet Index (uPDI). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess associations between plant-based dietary patterns and ADL disability in older adults and to explore age differences in these associations. Results: uPDI and hPDI showed nonlinear associations with ADL disability. Following covariate adjustments, older adults in the highest tertile of the hPDI have a lower risk of ADL disability than those in the lowest tertile (HR = 0.61). Older adults in the highest tertile of the uPDI have a higher risk of ADL disability than those in the lowest tertile (HR = 1.33). Subgroup analyses showed that hPDI was more protective against ADL disability in those under 80 years of age, whereas uPDI was only significantly associated with an increased risk of ADL disability in those under 80 years of age. Conclusions: Increasing the intake of healthy plant-based diets and reducing the intake of unhealthy plant-based and animal-based diets can help prevent and improve ADL disability in the elderly. Full article