Epigenetics is arguably one of the most sought out areas of mechanistic research across nearly all disciplines of physiological and pathological study. Defined as the set of chemical interactions that determines what is and what is not genetically transcribed, epigenetics influences the ultimate phenotype and function of a cell. With the entirety of our genome contained within each and every nucleated somatic cell, epigenetic forces are what distinguish cell types from one another without modifying the underlying genetic code. Moreover, epigenetic interactions are dynamic, meaning that they can rapidly change in response to environmental stimuli, providing vast implications in health and disease progression. Given this definition, it should come as no surprise that the nutrients we consume every day may have the potential to influence epigenetic profiles and, consequently, cellular and whole-body physiology. Indeed, recent research has revealed that the beneficial actions of nutraceuticals are in part due to the possible regulations that occur at the level of the epigenome.

In this webinar activity, participants will become well rehearsed on the foundations of epigenetics, the role of epigenetics in disease and pathology, and the role of nutraceuticals in epigenetic interactions. With this growing field of research, the mechanistic actions of nutraceuticals are begining to unravel, providing scientific explanations for the nutritional benefits of these highly popularized nutraceutical products.