Nutritional Interventions for Healthy Longevity: An Exploration of Biomarkers, Metabolic Signatures, and Molecular Mechanisms

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the concept of “healthy longevity” has received widespread attention due to its focus on both increasing an individual’s overall life expectancy or longevity, on extending life without serious chronic diseases, and on “health span”. The U.S. National Academy of Medicine defines health span as “good health, close to biological lifespan, with physical, cognitive, and social functioning, and the ability to achieve well-being”.

Various components of the diet play a crucial role in regulating the aging process and longevity, as well as the development of age-related diseases. Dietary interventions and functional foods help to promote healthy aging and longevity. In addition, the risk of malnutrition among older adults has emerged as a significant concern, contributing to an enhanced risk of chronic diseases and affecting their overall well-being. Innovative foods that are designed to specifically target the nutritional deficiencies prevalent among older adults—such as insufficient protein, fiber or antioxidants—can play a critical role in enhancing their overall health status.

On the other hand, biomarkers of aging are important tools that enable these objectives to be achieved over realistic time frames. However, the current lack of standards and consensus regarding the properties of a reliable aging biomarker hinders their further development and validation for clinical applications.

The effects of chronic diseases and multimorbidities include disability, a reduced quality of life, frailty, a shorter life expectancy, and a greater need for healthcare resources. On the other hand, sarcopenia, which is characterized by the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is a natural consequence of aging. While it is a normal part of aging, the rate of muscle loss can be influenced by factors such as physical activity, nutrition, and other health conditions. Identifying risk factors that adversely affect the quality of life of older individuals is a critical public health concern.

This Special Issue aims to enhance our understanding of the role of nutritional biomarkers in healthy aging. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• The effects of macro and micronutrients on the metabolism and biological markers of aging adults.
• Associations between nutritional biomarkers and biological aging.
• The mechanisms by which functional nutrients may prevent age-related diseases.
• The identification of novel aging biomarkers from omics technologies and their association with nutrition.
• The impact of dietary interventions on healthy longevity.
• New fortified food designs that specifically target healthy aging.

Dr. Zoraida Verde Rello
Dr. Marta Gonzalez-Freire
Guest Editors

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