Live longer with reduced calorie intake –

Extend lifespan by reducing calories

Scientific studies have shown that strict caloric restriction can extend the lifespan of animals. A new study now shows that even a moderate reduction in calorie intake in humans has relevant effects that could also affect life expectancy.

Reduced calorie intake has been shown to improve health and longevity in laboratory animals, and recent research indicates that these benefits may also extend to humans. The new findings are reported in the specialist journal "Immunity".

Inflammation is reduced

Researchers from Yale University in the US show in the new study that moderate calorie restriction in people reduces the production of a protein called SPARC, according to a recent publication. This curbs harmful inflammation and improves the health of aging people.

The study, led by Vishwa Deep Dixit, director of the Yale Center for Research on Aging, follows a study published earlier this year that identified key health benefits of moderate calorie intake in people.

In the new study, Dixit and co-authors analyzed additional data from the CALERIE (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy) clinical trial, in which some participants reduced their calorie intake by 14% over two years, while others ate as usual.

The researchers then tracked the long-term health effects. In particular, the scientists analyzed experimental data to identify the molecules responsible for the positive effects of caloric restriction and which could be targets for therapeutic treatment.

Improved metabolism

When they looked for genetic changes in the subjects' fat tissue after a year and two, they found that those who ate fewer calories had reduced levels of a protein called SPARC, which is linked to obesity, diabetes and inflammation.

They then studied the effects of the protein on the mice's immune cells and health.

The researchers found that SPARC triggers inflammation by switching pro-inflammatory immune cells called macrophages into a pro-inflammatory state.

However, reducing SPARC production by fat cells in mice reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and increased lifespan as they aged.

The findings could lead to preventive measures against age-related health decline, according to the director of the Yale Center for Research on Aging. “We now have a better understanding of how SPARC affects inflammation and health by acting on macrophages,” adds Dixit. (ad)

Author and source information

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This text corresponds to the specifications of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.

Sources:

Yale University: Calorie Reduction Reduces Protein Related to the Aging Process, (Accessed: August 15, 2022), Yale University Seungjin Ryu, Sviatoslav Sidorov, Eric Ravussin, Maxim Artyomov, Akiko Iwasaki, Andrew Wang, Vishwa Deep Dixit : the SPARC matrix protein induces an inflammatory interferon response in macrophages during aging; in: Immunity, (published: 08/12/2022), Immunity Timothy W. Rhoads & Rozalyn M. Anderson: Calorie restriction has a new player; in: Sciences, (published: 2022-02-10), Sciences

Important note:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.