Epigenetic Diet

Epigenetic diets look at how nutrition effects gene expression. That is, they propose that lifestyle choices turn certain genetic predispositions "on" or "off." These views of cancer in the body affect not only cancer prevention strategies, but also ways to treat the disease. While work is currently focused on cancer, this view is thought to be applicable to a myriad of chronic diseases and the aging process as a whole.

Studies

• One of the first studies was published by Oregon State University, and led by Rod Dashwood, the head of the University's Cancer Chemoprotection Program. The group looked at the effects of broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables, and their potential impact on colon and prostate cancers. The team's experiment showed that sulforaphane, a compound present in the vegetables, can inhibit the accessibility of a predisposition to inappropriate activity (cancer) in DNA.

Epigenetics During Pregnancy

• A study published by the University of Utah compared the effects of epigenetic diets on mice that were still in the womb. Mice that were fed a diet rich in a variety of vitamins--like those from popular supplements--fared better later in life than their genetically identical counterparts who weren't fed the same diet. The mice that received the supplements in vitro grew up to be mostly healthy, while the others were prone to cancer and diabetes.

Other Possibly Healthy Compounds

• Resveratrol, a compound present in red wine also is thought to impact inappropriate cellular behavior. Though as of fall 2010, no substantial studies supporting this have yet to be published.