Research
Macro partitioning
In insects (Drosophila, fruit flies, crickets), lifespan is determined by the protein-to-carbohydrate (P:C) ratio rather than total caloric intake, with lower P:C ratios extending longevity.
For insects, lowering the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio extends life. For humans, this suggests that focusing solely on calorie restriction may be less effective than optimizing the balance of protein and carbohydrates, though direct human protocols are not yet established.
GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
Flies lived longest on a diet containing a 1:16 P:C ratio and lived progressively less long as the P:C ratio increased... The data therefore prove that CR could not account for the variation in lifespan. Rather, the balance of carbohydrate to protein ingested was strongly correlated with longevity.
Why this rating
Strong experimental evidence across multiple insect species using geometric frameworks, though extrapolation to mammals is presented as a hypothesis requiring further study.
Source
Macronutrient balance and lifespan
Stephen J. Simpson et al. · Aging · 2009
narrative_reviewCited 179×
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