Epigenetic Aging in Early Life: Role of Maternal and Early Childhood Nutrition

Abstract

Purpose of Review Early life presents a pivotal period during which nutritional exposures are more likely to cause epigenetic modifications, which may impact an individual’s health during adulthood. This article reviews the current evidence regarding maternal and early childhood nutritional exposures and their role in epigenetic aging. Recent Findings Maternal and early life consumption of diets higher in fiber, antioxidants, polyphenols, B vitamins, vitamin D, and ω-3 fatty acids is associated with slower epigenetic aging. Conversely, diets higher in glycemic load, fat, saturated fat, and ω-6 fatty acids demonstrate a positive association with epigenetic aging. Summary Maternal and early life nutrition directly and indirectly influences epigenetic aging via changes in one-carbon metabolism, cardiometabolic health, and the microbiome. Clinical trials are warranted to determine the specific foods, dietary patterns, and dietary supplements that will normalize or lower epigenetic aging across the life course.

The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors, Lifestyle, and Risk Perception on Dietary Patterns in Pregnant Women Living in Highly Contaminated Areas: Data from the NEHO Birth Cohort

“…During pregnancy, a multitude of interactions between genetic and environmental factors plays a fundamental role in fetal development [ 1 , 2 ], and, among environmental factors, maternal nutrition plays a critical role in influencing fetal health development as well as the short- and long-term health of the child [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

The epigenetic legacy of ICU feeding and its consequences

“…Others include histone-modification and expression of noncoding RNAs (miRNA, lncRNA). Epigenetic involvement in the long-term legacy after critical illness appears plausible, as aberrant epigenetic changes have been linked to abnormal development and disease resulting from adverse environmental exposures/stressors [11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…Aberrant epigenetic changes have been linked to abnormal development and long-term disease resulting from adverse environmental exposures, such as early-life or other stress and inadequate nutrition [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Critical illness imposes extreme stress.…”

Unravelling the Complex Relationship between Diet and Nephrolithiasis: The Role of Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics

“…Several studies [ 75 ] have demonstrated the link between the genome and environment in the development of osteoporosis and vitamin D, and its receptor VDR may act as a mediator. Other studies, both in animal models and in humans, found an association between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the risk of medical conditions in offspring, such as inflammation and adiposity [ 76 ], allergies [ 77 ], ageing [ 78 ], and osteoporosis [ 79 ] via epigenetic modifications. In a review by Snegarova et al, hypovitaminosis D was associated with an increased incidence of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and osteoporosis, all conditions that are associated with nephrolithiasis [ 80 ].…”