The present disclosure relates methods of promoting phase II enzyme gene expression in a pediatric subject, comprising administering to the subject a nutritional composition comprising an effective amount of a phytonutrient. The disclosure also relates to methods of promoting phase II enzyme gene expression in a prenatal infant, comprising administering to a female pregnant with the prenatal infant an effective amount of a composition comprising phytonutrients. The disclosure further relates to a method of promoting phase II enzyme gene expression in a prenatal infant, comprising administering to a female pregnant with the prenatal infant an effective amount of a composition comprising phytonutrients.