The role of dietary strategies in the modulation of hallmarks of aging

The hallmarks of aging constitute an interconnected network of basic mechanisms that modulate aging and can be modulated by lifestyle factors, including dietary strategies. This narrative review aimed to summarize the evidence on promoting dietary restriction or adherence to specific dietary patterns on hallmarks of aging. Studies with preclinical models or humans were considered. Dietary restriction (DR), usually operationalized as a reduction in caloric intake, is the main strategy applied to study the axis diet-hallmarks of aging. DR has been shown to modulate mainly genomic instability, loss of proteostasis, deregulating nutrient sensing, cellular senescence, and altered intercellular communication. Much less evidence exists on the role of dietary patterns, with most of the studies evaluating the Mediterranean Diet and other similar plant-based diets, and the ketogenic diet. Potential benefits are described in genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, mito-chondrial dysfunction, and altered intercellular communication. Given the predominant place of food in human life, it is imperative to determine the impact of nutritional strategies on the modulation of lifespan and healthspan, considering applicability, long-term adherence, and side effects.

Automated summary

The hallmarks of aging are a set of interconnected mechanisms that can be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as dietary strategies. This review aimed to summarize the evidence on the impact of dietary restriction or specific dietary patterns on these hallmarks. Dietary restriction has been shown to modulate genomic instability, proteostasis, nutrient sensing, cellular senescence, and intercellular communication. Limited evidence exists on the role of dietary patterns, with studies mainly focusing on the Mediterranean Diet, plant-based diets, and the ketogenic diet. It is crucial to determine the effects of nutritional strategies on lifespan and healthspan considering feasibility, long-term adherence, and potential side effects.