Trends in Dietary Exosome‐Like Nanoparticles: Preparation, Nutritional Functions, Bioactive Delivery Efficacy, Human Health Effects, and Future Product Development

Dietary exosome‐like nanoparticles (ELNs) are naturally occurring, nanoscale vesicles derived from edible plant, fungal, and animal sources. Structurally similar to mammalian exosomes, ELNs are composed of bioactive lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, including microRNAs, and exhibit remarkable stability in the gastrointestinal tract. Increasing evidence suggests their pivotal role in mediating cross‐kingdom communication and modulating host biological processes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolism, and immunity. This review critically explores recent advancements in ELN research, including their sources, biogenesis, compositional diversity, and methods of isolation and characterization. It further summarizes their functional properties as bioactive carriers, focusing on gut microbiota modulation, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, metabolic regulation, antitumor potential, and skin‐protective activities. Preclinical and emerging clinical data are also reviewed to assess their translational potential in human health. Additionally, we highlight the emerging applications of ELNs in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals, as well as their integration into drug delivery systems. Challenges related to large‐scale production, regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance are discussed, alongside recent innovations in omics, AI‐driven personalization, and product formulation. Overall, ELNs represent a novel frontier in food‐derived therapeutics, bridging nutrition and nanomedicine. Advancing their clinical translation requires deeper mechanistic understanding, standardization, and regulatory harmonization.