MEN1 is a rare congenital cancer syndrome that involves multiple neuroendocrine tissues and is caused by heterozygous germline loss-of-function mutations of the MEN1 oncosuppressor gene. MEN1 syndrome is characterized by the absence of correlation between the specific MEN1 mutation and the clinical presentation of the disease; the clinical phenotype differs between members of the same family and even between homozygous twins. The lack of genotype-phenotype correlation could be due to epigenetic factors, which act as genetic mutation cofactors in driving individual MEN1 tumorigenesis. This prompts an important reflection on the role that epigenetics, viewed from a dietary and nutritional perspective, may play in MEN1 patients, thus opening, at the same time, a window on the role of nutrition as primary prevention. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, together with an active lifestyle, should be seen by patients as a means to improve their well-being and maintain a state of good health. Indeed, several studies show that certain nutrients are also able to directly interact with and regulate key epigenetic mechanisms, modulating gene transcription. The interconnections between diet and epigenetic changes, on the one hand, and between epigenetic changes and cancer, on the other, are well supported by relevant observational studies both in humans and in animal models. This short review aims to outline how nutrients could influence epigenetic factors and intervene in tumour prevention. It focuses specifically on nutritional indications for MEN1 patients, serving to promote appropriate dietary habits for reducing/postponing tumour development.
