Nutritional Epigenetics

Nutritional Epigenetics: Food-Derived microRNAs in Health and Disease offers perspective on the role of dietary microRNAs as pivotal epigenetic regulators influencing health trajectories and disease susceptibility. The book brings together current research on the bioavailability and molecular mechanisms by which plant and food-derived microRNAs modulate gene expression, including their crosstalk with DNA methylation, histone modifications, and gut microbiota. Detailed food-specific chapters examine the epigenetic impact of key dietary sources such as Brassicaceae (crucifers), rice, milk, and fermented products, highlighting their transgenerational and life-stage effects. Practical insights into food processing, culinary traditions, and the design of microRNA-fortified products bridge the gap between bench science and real-world applications. Nutritional Epigenetics equips researchers, clinicians, and industry innovators with a resource that advances the understanding of microRNA-mediated nutritional epigenomics, while guiding the development and safety assessment of microRNA-enhanced functional foods. By integrating molecular biology with population-level evidence and translational strategies, this text fosters the development of novel dietary interventions aimed at optimizing health across the lifespan and mitigating chronic disease risk.

• Examines the molecular mechanisms by which dietary microRNAs modulate epigenetic regulation
• Analyzes the bioavailability and gene-targeting specificity of plant-derived microRNAs
• Evaluates transgenerational and life-stage impacts of food-derived microRNAs on health outcomes
• Interprets current epidemiological evidence and regulatory policies relevant to microRNA-enhanced functional foods
• Develops strategies for designing and implementing microRNA-fortified foods in clinical and commercial contexts