Mediterranean diet supplement can affect epigenetics associated with healthy aging

As life expectancy continues to rise, the focus on safe and effective lifestyle interventions for healthy aging is increasing. One key area of exploration is the impact of unhealthy diets with poor nutritional value. Lifestyle changes that include dietary interventions have the potential to promote positive effects and reduce the risk of aging-related diseases.

Previous research has shown that phytonutrients, natural compounds found in vegetables, fruits, and berries, can support health and reduce the risk of age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and dementia.

The Mediterranean diet, rich in phytonutrients, consists of olive oil as the primary source of fat, fresh fruit, moderate amounts of seafood, poultry, dairy products, wine, and eggs. Sweets and red meat are consumed sparingly. Adhering to this diet may offer protection against various conditions.

DailyColors is a dietary supplement designed to replicate the benefits of the Mediterranean diet by providing essential nutrients found in fruits, berries, and vegetables. These nutrients, such as Quercetin and Anthocyanins, are known for their potential health benefits, especially in aging.

A collaborative study between the Center for Healthy Brain Aging at King’s College London and the Center for Age-related Medicine at Stavanger University Hospital in Norway aimed to investigate the effects of DailyColors on specific blood markers associated with aging and related diseases, including energy production in cells, inflammation, and stress in the body. The study also examined changes in DNA methylation in saliva, which can offer insights into biological aging.

Thirty adults aged 55–80 with a body mass index over 25 participated in the study. Participants alternated between taking DailyColors and a placebo for one week each. During the placebo phase, a blood marker called CD38, linked to poor cell function and inflammation, increased, while this did not occur when participants took DailyColors. There was also a trend indicating reduced oxidative stress after taking the supplement.

“This nutraceutical clinical study showcases the collaborative efforts at King’s College London, involving researchers from multiple continents and institutions,” stated Dr. Richard Siow, Director of Aging Research at King’s College London. “The study demonstrates that a novel supplement containing plant compounds from the Mediterranean diet can impact blood biomarkers and epigenetic profiles associated with healthy aging.”

In a subsequent study with 26 participants who continued taking DailyColors for a month, changes in DNA marking were observed that could potentially slow down some aging processes. While the effects were modest, the study suggests that DailyColors may help mitigate certain aspects of aging. However, further extensive research is required to validate these benefits.

The findings have been published in the journal Antioxidants. For more information, you can access the publication here.