Editorial: Unlocking the Nexus of Bioactive Components, Nutrition, and Aging-Related Disorders

Antoni Sureda^*Xavier Capó Fiol

• University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Aging is a natural and complex biological process that brings about a multitude of physiological, molecular, cognitive and social changes. As individuals age, their susceptibility to a range of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, metabolic dysfunction, neurodegenerative conditions, and musculoskeletal decline, significantly increases [1]. These age-related disorders not only impact quality of life but also pose substantial challenges to global healthcare systems, making the search for effective interventions more crucial than ever. In this context, nutrition and bioactive compounds have emerged as promising avenues for mitigating the adverse effects of aging, offering potential strategies to enhance health span and delay the onset of debilitating conditions.The link between nutrition and aging is well-established, with growing evidence that specific nutrients and dietary patterns can modulate biological pathways and gene expression involved in aging. Bioactive compounds have demonstrated their ability to influence inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function, supporting metabolic health and cognitive function [2; 3]. These compounds are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting health during aging. Furthermore, nutrigenomics provides valuable insights that could lead to personalized strategies for healthy aging and the prevention of age-related diseases [4; 5]. This Special Issue brings together a collection of studies that explore how various bioactive components in diet impact aging-related processes and chronic conditions. The research presented in this volume provides compelling evidence on how various bioactive compounds can modulate aging-related processes and prevent or delay the onset of chronic conditions associated with aging.In this special e-collection, eight distinct studies are featured, each contributing to the relationship between diet, bioactive compounds, and aging.Several studies in this issue explored the critical role of vitamins in muscle function and musculoskeletal health, emphasizing their potential in preventing age-related decline. One study (Qi et al.) investigated the impact of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength in middle-aged and elderly individuals, demonstrating that adequate vitamin D intake, combined with lifestyle interventions, enhances lower limb and grip strength, reducing the risk of falls and frailty. Notably, participants who received vitamin D supplementation alongside health education showed significant improvements in serum calcium levels and muscle strength, reinforcing vitamin D's essential role in maintaining musculoskeletal health in aging populations. Another study (Yang et al.) examined the association between B vitamin intake and muscle mass decline in younger individuals, particularly in relation to early-onset sarcopenia. Findings suggest that higher intake of B vitamins, specifically B1 (thiamine) in males and B2 (riboflavin) in females, correlates with a lower risk of sarcopenia. This underscores the importance of early dietary interventions in preserving muscle integrity and preventing premature muscle loss across different age groups.Following these insights into vitamin-related muscle health, another study explored the neuroprotective effects of dietary vitamin K (Luo and Lin). Researchers found a significant negative association between vitamin K intake and serum neurofilament-light chain (NfL) levels, a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Individuals with higher vitamin K intake exhibited lower NfL levels, suggesting a potential role for this vitamin in cognitive health and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in middle-aged and older adults.Beyond musculoskeletal and neurological health, this Special Issue also addressed the impact of diet on inflammation and age-related diseases. One study (Zhang et al.) investigated the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the risk of age-related cataracts, revealing that a pro-inflammatory diet is significantly linked to increased cataract prevalence. Using NHANES data, researchers found that individuals with higher DII scores-indicative of diets rich in inflammation-promoting foods-had a greater likelihood of undergoing cataract surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, including those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and fiber, in preventing age-related ocular diseases.Similarly, another study (Pei et al.) examined the role of nutrition and inflammation in elderly patients with brain abscesses. Their findings highlight that nearly half of the assessed patients were at risk of malnutrition, a condition closely linked to elevated inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein. Malnutrition was associated with increased comorbidities and poorer recovery outcomes, with lower Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) values correlating with worse clinical recovery. These results suggest that nutritional assessment and intervention should be a key component in the management of neurological infections in older populations. Expanding on the relationship between diet and inflammation, the association between dietary magnesium intake and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been investigated (Chen et al.). Their study finds a significant inverse relationship between dietary magnesium intake and PID risk, particularly among older women. Higher magnesium intake was associated with a lower likelihood of PID, highlighting magnesium's potential role in modulating inflammation and immune function in gynecological health. These findings reinforce the broader significance of dietary factors in managing inflammation-related conditions across different organ systems.Further extending the discussion on diet and inflammation, a Mendelian Randomization study (Luo et al.) examines the causal relationship between macronutrient, antioxidant, mineral, and vitamin intake with childhood asthma (CA). Interestingly, the study finds that higher sugar intake is inversely correlated with CA risk, while increased consumption of fats, magnesium, and serum vitamin D levels are positively associated with a higher risk of CA. Although this research focuses on pediatric populations, its findings contribute to a broader understanding of how dietary components influence inflammatory pathways, which may also have implications for age-related conditions.Finally, a study assessing the plant-based dietary index (PDI) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among elderly Chinese individuals (Hou et al.) reveals a significant inverse association between higher adherence to a plant-based diet and reduced CVD risk. Notably, these benefits appear independent of other lifestyle factors such as BMI, smoking, alcohol use, or exercise. These findings reinforce the importance of plant-based dietary patterns in promoting cardiovascular health in aging populations and provide strong support for dietary recommendations emphasizing increased consumption of plantderived foods.In summary, while much work remains to be done, the studies presented in this Special Issue provide robust evidence supporting the pivotal role of nutrition and bioactive compounds in mitigating age-related disorders. These findings highlight how specific nutrients and personalized dietary interventions can contribute to promoting healthy aging and preventing chronic diseases. Moving forward, continued exploration of dietary strategies and their interactions with individual genetic and biological factors will be essential to refine therapeutic approaches and design targeted interventions for aging populations worldwide.