Open AccessAntiaging Action of Caloric Restriction: Endocrine and Metabolic Aspects
Author(s) -
Masoro Edward J.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
obesity research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1550-8528
pISSN - 1071-7323
DOI - 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1995.tb00470.x
Subject(s) - caloric theory , endocrine system , medicine , endocrinology , metabolic rate , caloric intake , action (physics) , energy expenditure , physiology , hormone , body weight , physics , quantum mechanics
Restricting the energy intake of mice and rats slows the rate of actuarial aging, delays or prevents most age‐associated disease processes, and maintains physiological processes in a youthful state at advanced ages. This manipulation is effective when initiated in young animals or in adult life. Although body fat is decreased by this reduction in energy intake, the reduction in body fat is not causally related to the antiaging action. Nor does this reduction in energy intake slow the aging processes by decreasing the metabolic rate, but it may do so by altering the characteristics of fuel use. Another possible mechanism underlying the antiaging action is the general protection restriction of energy intake provides against harmful agents, an action which may be the result of an alteration in adrenal glucocorticoid physiology.