Diet, Nutrition, And Healthy Aging: Are Mirnas The Link? A Narrative Review
Our bodies are incredibly complex, and how we age is influenced by a myriad of factors. Emerging research highlights the significant role of tiny molecules called microRNAs, or miRNAs, in this intricate process. These small, non-coding RNA molecules act like master switches, regulating which genes are turned on or off after their initial blueprint is made, essentially controlling the production of proteins in our cells.
Scientists have observed that the expression of these miRNAs changes as we age and also in conditions related to aging, such as various diseases. It is believed that miRNAs play a role in key biological pathways linked to aging, including how cells die, how they cope with stress from damaging molecules, how DNA repairs itself, and how our bodies sense and use nutrients.
Intriguingly, what we eat appears to have a direct impact on these powerful miRNAs. Our diet can actually alter the levels and activity of different miRNAs, which in turn can influence how our bodies age and how long we live. This suggests that the food choices we make could be directly “communicating” with our genes through these tiny regulators. For instance, specific dietary components like macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, proteins), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and even beneficial compounds found in foods called nutraceuticals can modify miRNA expression.
This area of study is rapidly expanding, with a focus on understanding precisely how diet-responsive miRNAs function in the aging process. While we already know that healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with better health in older age, further research into miRNAs could uncover the precise molecular mechanisms behind these benefits, potentially leading to new strategies for promoting healthy aging.