Caloric Restriction

What does the research say?

Research indicates that Caloric Restriction can significantly extend lifespan in model organisms. For example, in rodents, CR can increase lifespan by up to 50%. In humans, studies like the CALERIE trial have shown that CR reduces biological aging markers and improves metabolic health. A 15% reduction in calorie intake in humans has been associated with a 30% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. However, long-term adherence to CR is challenging, and more research is needed to confirm its effects on human longevity [1] [2] [6] [12] [15] .

Hunger and psychological stress

Hunger and psychological stress are common due to the reduced calorie intake, which can make CR difficult to sustain over long periods [15] .

Loss of lean muscle mass

Loss of lean muscle mass can occur, especially if protein intake is not carefully managed during CR [1] [15] .

Reduced bone density

Reduced bone density is a potential risk, particularly in older individuals, which may increase the likelihood of fractures [5] [15] .

Potential immune function decline

Potential immune function decline has been observed in some studies, making individuals more susceptible to infections [6] [15] .

Risk of malnutrition in older populations

Risk of malnutrition in older populations is a concern, as they may have diminished physiological reserves and are more vulnerable to the negative effects of CR [1] [5] .

[1] Nutrition, longevity and disease: From molecular mechanisms to interventions.

This review discusses how caloric restriction (CR) reduces the activity of growth pathways and promotes metabolic patterns associated with fasting, leading to improved longevity and reduced age-related diseases.

[2] Molecular mechanisms of dietary restriction promoting health and longevity.

This paper explores how dietary restriction impacts nutrient-sensing pathways like mTOR and AMPK, extending lifespan and reducing age-related diseases in various species.

[3] Molecular mechanisms of aging and anti-aging strategies.

This review highlights how caloric restriction modulates metabolic pathways, reduces oxidative stress, and enhances cellular repair mechanisms to improve longevity.

[4] Intermittent fasting: from calories to time restriction.

This paper discusses how caloric restriction delays phenotypic aging and improves metabolic health by switching between fasting and fed states.

[5] Aging and age-related diseases: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies.

This review explains how caloric restriction reduces insulin, glucose, and IGF-1 signaling, improving DNA repair and metabolic efficiency to extend lifespan.

[6] Intermittent and periodic fasting, longevity and disease.

This paper explores how caloric restriction extends lifespan by reducing nutrient-sensing pathways like mTOR and AMPK, while also discussing potential side effects.

[7] Nutrition and dietary restrictions in cancer prevention.

This review discusses how dietary restrictions, including caloric restriction, influence cancer risk and aging through molecular mechanisms.

[8] New anti-aging strategies: a narrative review.

This paper reviews lifestyle interventions like caloric restriction and fasting as strategies to delay aging and mitigate age-related diseases.

[9] Caloric Restriction Mimetics against Age-Associated Disease: Targets, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential.

This review discusses caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs) as potential interventions to mimic the effects of CR, promoting autophagy and reducing age-related diseases.

[10] Nutrition and longevity - From mechanisms to uncertainties.

This paper summarizes the role of nutrition in longevity, emphasizing caloric restriction and its effects on aging pathways like mTOR and IGF-1.

[11] Current nutritional and pharmacological anti-aging interventions.

This review explores nutritional and pharmacological strategies, including caloric restriction, to delay aging and extend healthspan.

[12] Human age reversal: Fact or fiction?

This paper discusses how caloric restriction reduces biological aging markers and improves healthspan, based on findings from the CALERIE trial.

[13] Biology of Healthy Aging and Longevity.

This review highlights the role of caloric restriction in extending health and lifespan by modulating pathways like mTOR and AMPK.

[14] The effect of fasting or calorie restriction on autophagy induction: A review of the literature.

This paper reviews the evidence linking fasting and caloric restriction to the upregulation of autophagy, a key mechanism in longevity.

[15] The ups and downs of caloric restriction and fasting: from molecular effects to clinical application.

This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of caloric restriction, its benefits for healthspan and lifespan, and potential side effects.