Mixed
Caloric restriction (20-40% reduction) extends healthspan and lifespan in model organisms and improves cardiometabolic markers in humans, but is associated with reduced bone mineral density.
Strict caloric restriction (20-40% reduction) is the most proven method for extending healthspan in animals and shows promise in humans, but it comes with side effects like bone loss. If you attempt this, you must combine it with exercise to protect your bones. However, because it is difficult to maintain, consider less invasive alternatives like intermittent fasting or specific macronutrient restrictions which may offer similar benefits with fewer side effects.
Caloric restriction is the most effective and reproducible dietary intervention known to regulate aging and increase the healthy lifespan in various model organisms... However, caloric restriction was associated with reduced bone mineral density and exercise was recommended to offset such adverse effects.
Why this rating
Strong evidence in model organisms and monkeys; moderate evidence in humans (CALERIE trial).
Source
Dietary restriction with and without caloric restriction for healthy aging
Changhan Lee et al. · F1000Research · 2016
DOI 10.12688/f1000research.7136.1
More from this paper
- Dietary interventions that restrict specific macronutrients (particularly protein and amino acids) or utilize time-restricted feeding can extend healthspan and lifespan without requiring overall caloric restriction.Good
- Fasting-mimicking diets (FMD) and periodic fasting provide healthspan benefits and rejuvenate systems (like hematopoietic and neural) by mimicking physiological responses to fasting without complete food deprivation.Moderate
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