Differential associations of dietary inflammatory potential, antioxidant capacity, and Mediterranean diet adherence with biological aging: A UK Biobank study

This study provides robust evidence that dietary pro-inflammatory potential, antioxidant capacity, and Mediterranean diet adherence exhibit independent and differential associations with biological aging. Pro-inflammatory diets are associated with accelerated aging, whereas antioxidant-rich and Mediterranean diets are associated with decelerated biological aging. Mediation analyses reveal that the Mediterranean diet's benefits are partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to establish causation and clarify mechanisms, positioning diet as a key modifiable factor for healthy aging.