Restricting dietary isoleucine boosts metabolic health, decreases frailty, and extends lifespan in genetically diverse mice. Male mice benefit most, showing a 33% lifespan increase. This amino acid adjustment offers a promising, calorie-independent way to enhance healthspan and longevity.
November 2023 – Cell Metabolism
Key takeaways
- Men experience greater benefits than women from dietary isoleucine restriction: While both sexes benefit from isoleucine restriction, men see a more robust extension in lifespan and greater reductions in age-related frailty. This suggests sex-specific differences in the biological response to amino acid restriction
- Metabolic health improvements include better glycaemic control and reduced fat mass: Lowering isoleucine intake enhances glucose tolerance, reduces body fat, and improves overall metabolic health. These effects make it a potential strategy for preventing age-related metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity
- Isoleucine restriction promotes leanness and reduced frailty without reducing total calorie intake: Unlike calorie restriction, isoleucine restriction allows for normal caloric consumption while achieving similar benefits in maintaining a lean body composition and lowering physical frailty, making it a more feasible and sustainable approach to healthy ageing
Adjusting dietary protein composition by limiting isoleucine intake significantly supports healthy ageing. It not only improves quality of life but also increases longevity, making it a compelling strategy for promoting long-term health.
Read the article at: Green, Cara L., et al. “Dietary Restriction of Isoleucine Increases Healthspan and Lifespan of Genetically Heterogeneous Mice.” Cell Metabolism, vol. 35, no. 11, 2023, pp. 1976-1995. Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.10.005.