Research

Hormonal

Caloric restriction (CR) and impaired Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) extend lifespan by improving mitochondrial function and metabolism, rather than by reducing oxidative damage.

Reducing caloric intake (without malnutrition) and maintaining healthy insulin sensitivity appear to activate pathways (like SIRT1 and AMPK) that improve mitochondrial health and extend lifespan. This suggests that metabolic health is more important than just calorie counting for longevity.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
current findings suggest that the beneficial effect of CR on longevity is at least partly mediated by improved mitochondrial function mediated through activation of SIRT1 and PGC-1α.
Ana Bratić et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2013

Why this rating

Supported by multiple studies in worms, flies, and mammals, though the exact mechanisms in humans are noted as needing further study.

Source

The role of mitochondria in aging

Ana Bratić et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2013

DOI 10.1172/jci64125

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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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