Nutritional interventions in aging and age-associated diseases

Dietary interventions have proven to be the most robust and consistent means of ameliorating the diseases and dysfunctions of aging. A large literature includes both quantitative (caloric restriction [CRI]) and qualitative (micronutrients, antioxidants, etc.) alterations of nutrient and caloric intake and the resulting positive outcomes for age-related disease protection, maintenance of vitality, and quantitative and qualitative life-span extension. In recognition of the importance of this research area, two sessions concerning nutritional interventions in aging and age-associated diseases were organized for this symposium, one dealing with diet and the other with dietary supplements. This brief report covers both, providing selected examples of the most recent research into both these types of interventions and their mechanisms of action.