Traditional Diet and Aging in Central Asian Countries: from Cultural Heritage to Dietary Transformation in the Era of Globalization

Introduction. Nutrition is one of the key modifiable determinants of aging that influences the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In Central Asian countries, which are at early stages of the demographic transition, the interaction between traditional dietary culture and ongoing dietary changes is of particular importance. The goal of this study was to analyze the traditional dietary matrix of the region and to assess the impact of dietary transformation on aging trajectories. Materials and methods. A literature review (2000–2025) was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases and reports from international organizations. Epidemiological, review, and regional studies addressing nutrition, non-communicable diseases, and aging in Central Asian countries were included. Results. Central Asian countries are entering a phase of demographic transition against a background of a high burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, creating conditions for accelerated vascular aging. Traditional diets are characterized by the dominance of cereal products, a substantial role of meat and dairy products, and low fish consumption. At the same time, an increasing overlay of ultra-processed foods on an energy-dense traditional diet is observed, accompanied by higher intakes of salt, sugar, and saturated fats and by a deterioration in cardiometabolic profiles. Conclusion. Dietary transformation in Central Asia may contribute to accelerated cardiometabolic and functional aging, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive adaptation of traditional diets with reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods and improved nutritional density.

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