The roles of dietary fibers and nutraceuticals for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease from childhood are re-
viewed. Nutrition as an epigenetic modifi
er and the roles of endothelium, risk
factors, epidemiological evidence and
Mediterranean diet are critically analys
ed. Overfeeding in childhood can lead to the development of obesity and/or
atherosclerosis in adult life. In particular
, a high intake of nutrients affects the
in utero
programming with the adverse
consequences of insulin resistance an endothelial dysfunction that lead to early atherosclerosis. Dietary fibers have im-
portant health benefits in childhood a
nd research suggests that they may prev
ent obesity and lower blood cholesterol
levels with a favourable impact on the risk of future cardiova
scular disease incidence. However, it is for further studies
to assess whether also in Southern European Countries, practicing Mediterranean diet as a normal habit, dietary fibers
may contribute to modify the relatively low proportion of hyperlipemia observed in our population