Abstract

The interplay between nutrition and epigenetics offers a compelling frontier in chronic disease prevention, with growing evidence suggesting that dietary components can modulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This review delves into the mechanisms by which nutrients and bioactive food compounds influence epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. We examine the impact of key dietary elements, such as vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and fatty acids, on epigenetic regulation and their potential to mitigate the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, we explore the role of diet-induced epigenetic changes across different life stages, emphasizing the critical windows of development where nutritional interventions may exert long-lasting effects. By integrating current research findings, this review underscores the potential of personalized nutrition strategies aimed at optimizing epigenetic profiles to promote health and prevent disease. Future directions in this field include advancing our understanding of nutrient-epigenome interactions and developing robust biomarkers to guide dietary recommendations for chronic disease prevention.