The circadian rhythm regulates the daily cycles of various physiological activities. Accumulating evidences revealed that circadian rhythm plays an important role in regulating metabolic homeostasis, and disruptions of circadian rhythms resulting in metabolic disorder. Peripheral clocks are not only controlled by the central clock but also entrained by external cues. Dietary pattern and compounds derived from food are found to play multiple roles in regulating metabolic processes through resetting peripheral clocks. Here we review the recent advance of effects and mechanisms of dietary pattern and compounds modulating peripheral clocks and regulating metabolic processes. Multiple molecular mechanisms linked dietary pattern and compounds with circadian rhythm and metabolism were summarized. Elaboration of crosstalk between diet and circadian rhythm may provide targets for the prevention of metabolic disorder. The exact mechanisms that feeding pattern and dietary compounds linked metabolic process and circadian rhythm need to be further investigated.
