Can Adults Benefit from Calorie Restriction?

The data of this research suggests there may be a level of maturity, or a stage in the aging process, after which caloric restriction no longer increases longevity. (Aging. 7(2):136-9, 1995)

Restricted nutrient intake may have beneficial effects on alults' degenerative disease, autoimmune processes, susceptibility to infection and survival rate after infection. (New Horizons, 2(2):257-63, 1994) Adult rats fed the calorie restricted yet nutritionally balanced diet ate fewer meals but consumed more food during each meal. They also spent more time eating during each meal.

The average body temperature per day was significantly lower in restricted rats. However, they moved around significantly more than the rats that were fed as much as they pleased, so they spent more energy during the day.

Is VLCD stressful?

Yes, but it seems to be a good stress. Restriction of food intake to the degree that it extends life span is associated with same protective mechanisms mobilized by stress. In another research conducted by the same university, results indicate that at least one inflammatory reaction, an edema, is attenuated by food restriction(60 percent of ad libitum calories) and are consistent with the hypothesis that food restriction enhances a potentially protective glucocorticoid activity. (Journals of Gerontology, Series A, Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 50(2):B79-82, 1995)

So, How does it Work?

The mechanism of action of caloric restriction remains unknown; however, data suggest that cellular functions are altered in such a way that destructive by-products of metabolism are reduced, and defence or repair systems are enhanced by this nutritional manipulation. (Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 11(4):553-65, 1995))

The amount of oxidative damage increases as an organism ages and is postulated to be a major causal factor of senescence. Restriction of caloric intake lowers levels of oxidative stress and damage, retards age associated changes, and extends the maximum life span in mammals. Animal and human studies suggest potential benefits of dietary restriction, exercise, antioxidants, hormones and deprenyl.

Does deprenyl mimic at least some of calorie restriction effects? Probably, thinks Dr. Masoro. "Dietary restriction protects against oxidative damage and oxidative damage is probably an inevitable component of fuel use." So does deprenil, though in rather narrow way. Deprenyl (selegiline) is a neuroprotective drug an inhibitor of brain monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B).That means it inhibits a very particular enzyme promoting oxidation of the brain chemical monoamines, which are very important in many vital functions, including cognition.

Dietary restriction was found to retard age associated decline of sensory and movement coordination, and improve performance of aged mice on learning problems. "Studies in aged calorie restricted mice indicated that lowering of protein oxidation by calorie restriction could be reversed within a time frame of three to six weeks. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of dietary restriction upon brain function and life span may depend upon its ability to acutely reduce steady state levels of oxidative stress."(Archives of Biochemistry & Biophysics, 333(1):189-97, 1996)

References

1. Annals of Internal Medicine, 119(7 Pt 2): 731-6, 1993
2. Journal of Gerontology, 48(3): B97-100, 1993).
3. "Dietary Restriction and Aging," Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 41(9): 994-9, 1993)
4. Journals of Gerontology, Series A, Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 50(3):B148-54, May 1995
5. Journals of Gerontology, Series A, Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 50A(1):B48-53, 1995
6. Aging. 7(2):136-9, 1995

The Very Low Calorie Diet:

Dr. Shatalova's System