Cited by 0Circadian rhythm and melatoninDietary Effects on HealthGenetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms

Chrononutrition in the aging era: Circadian regulation of metabolism, resilience, and healthy longevity

Open access
Granero, Nadia, Mancinetti, Francesca, Mecocci, Patrizia, Boccardi, Virginia·2026·Ageing Research Reviews

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and age-related disorders has been linked to a growing mismatch between modern lifestyles and the biological rhythms that regulate human physiology. Chrononutrition, which explores the interaction between meal timing, circadian rhythms, and metabolism, has emerged as a promising strategy to improve metabolic health and support healthy aging. This review examines the molecular and physiological foundations of chrononutrition, focusing on the interplay between central and peripheral circadian clocks, metabolic regulation, and aging processes. We discuss the role of environmental and behavioural zeitgebers, including light exposure, feeding schedules, sleep, and physical activity, in maintaining circadian alignment and metabolic homeostasis. Attention is given to Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) and related meal-timing interventions. Current evidence indicates that aligning food intake with endogenous circadian rhythms improves insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and inflammatory balance, often independently of weight loss. Mechanistically, chrononutrition may also modulate key biological processes associated with aging, including mitochondrial function, autophagy, nutrient sensing, oxidative stress, and inflammaging. By restoring temporal organization across physiological systems, chrononutrition may enhance metabolic resilience and contribute to healthspan extension. Future studies should clarify its long-term effects on biological aging, resilience, and healthy longevity, while defining personalized interventions based on circadian phenotypes.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.arr.2026.103416

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  • Cites a retracted work: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1633835

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    The cited work was retracted on 2026-08-19 (notice 10.3389/fnins.2026.1967875), before this paper was published (2026-10). Its authors could have known.

    Cited work 10.3389/fnins.2025.1633835 · retracted 2026-08-19 · notice 10.3389/fnins.2026.1967875 · this paper published 2026-10

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Authors
Granero, N., Mancinetti, F., Mecocci, P., & Boccardi, V.
Affiliations
University of Perugia (IT)
Corresponding author
Boccardi, Virginia
Venue
Ageing Research Reviews
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2026-10
Pages
103416
ISSN
1568-1637 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W7221618231
Cited by
0
References
124
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Ageing Research Reviews (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Dietary Effects on Health
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Aging › Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
Keywords
chrononutrition, circadian rhythm, meal timing, time-restricted eating, healthy aging, metabolic resilience, insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, inflammaging, mitochondrial function, autophagy, nutrient sensing, oxidative stress, circadian clock, zeitgebers, light exposure, sleep, physical activity, feeding schedule, healthspan extension

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