Open AccessCalorie Restriction and Aging in Humans
Author(s) -
Emily W. Flanagan,
Jasper Most,
Jacob T. Mey,
Leanne M. Redman
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
annual review of nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.231
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1545-4312
pISSN - 0199-9885
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-nutr-122319-034601
Subject(s) - calorie restriction , life span , observational study , calorie , gerontology , low calorie diet , intermittent fasting , medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , successful aging , intervention (counseling) , healthy aging , intensive care medicine , physiology , bioinformatics , biology , weight loss , obesity , psychiatry , nursing
Calorie restriction (CR), the reduction of dietary intake below energy requirements while maintaining optimal nutrition, is the only known nutritional intervention with the potential to attenuate aging. Evidence from observational, preclinical, and clinical trials suggests the ability to increase life span by 1-5 years with an improvement in health span and quality of life. CR moderates intrinsic processes of aging through cellular and metabolic adaptations and reducing risk for the development of many cardiometabolic diseases. Yet, implementation of CR may require unique considerations for the elderly and other specific populations. The objectives of this review are to summarize the evidence for CR to modify primary and secondary aging; present caveats for implementation in special populations; describe newer, alternative approaches that have comparative effectiveness and fewer deleterious effects; and provide thoughts on the future of this important field of study.