Epigenetically active beneficial functional foods
Probiotics
Live microorganisms that confer health benefits, particularly by modulating gene expression via the gut microbiota–epigenetic axis.
Functions:
Maintain gut barrier integrity, Modulate immune response. Produce bioactive metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, folate)
Epigenetic Mechanism:
Affect DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and miRNA expression
SCFAs like butyrate (from probiotic metabolism) inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs)
Benefits:
Reduced inflammation, Improved gut and brain health, Lower risk of metabolic and autoimmune disorders
Key Products & Sources:
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (Culturelle, Jarrow)
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (Now Foods, Life Extension)
Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor, Klaire Labs)
Spore-forming Bacillus strains (Megasporebiotic, Just Thrive)
Recommended Products:
Seed Synbiotic – Broad-spectrum, targeted delivery
Pendulum Glucose Control – Probiotic + Akkermansia for metabolic support
Prebiotics
Non-digestible food components (e.g., inulin, FOS, GOS) that promote growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Functions:
Fuel for probiotics, enhance production of SCFAs
Epigenetic Mechanism:
alter gene expression via SCFA production, SCFAs influence epigenetic regulators (HDACs, methyl-transferases)
Benefits:
Immune system modulation, Anti-cancer potential, Neuroprotection and mood support
Key Compounds & Sources:
Inulin & FOS (fructooligosaccharides) – Chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) – Bimuno®
Acacia fiber – Sourced from acacia trees, gut-friendly
Resistant starch (RS2/RS3) – Green bananas, cooked/cooled potatoes
Recommended Products:
Hyperbiotics Prebiotic Powder
Bimuno® Daily GOS supplement
Sunfiber (Partially hydrolyzed guar gum) – gentle, low-FODMAP
Postbiotics
Bioactive compounds released by probiotics (e.g., SCFAs, peptides, enzymes, exopolysaccharides)
Functions:
Direct cellular signalling,
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Epigenetic Mechanism:
SCFAs modulate histone acetylation, Some peptides regulate gene transcription
Benefits:
Gut-brain axis support,Enhanced immune tolerance. Anti-aging potential
Key Compounds:
Butyrate (main SCFA with HDAC-inhibiting properties)
Lactate-derived bioactive peptides
Exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactic acid bacteria
Recommended Products:
BodyBio Butyrate – Oral sodium or calcium butyrate
Postbiome™ (Innovative products with stabilized postbiotic compounds)
MegaMucosa – Contains immunoglobulins + postbiotics for gut lining repair
Polyphenols
Summary:
Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Functions:
Combat oxidative stress, Modulate signalling pathways (NF-κB, AMPK)
Epigenetic Mechanism:
Inhibit DNMTs (DNA methyltransferases), Inhibit HDACs, Modulate microRNA profiles
Benefits:
Anti-cancer, Neuroprotective, Anti-aging, metabolic health
Top Compounds & Natural Sources:
Resveratrol – Grapes, red wine
Curcumin – Turmeric (high bioavailability forms: Meriva®, BCM-95)
EGCG – Green tea (matcha)
Quercetin – Onions, apples
Pterostilbene – Blueberries (more bioavailable than resveratrol)
Recommended Products:
Timeblock- mix of best polyphenols with high quality
Thorne ResveraCel – Resveratrol + NAD boosters
Longvida® Curcumin – High bioavailability
Pure Encapsulations EGCG – Potent green tea extract
Life Extension Pterostilbene and Resveratrol
