Melbourne Functional Medicine logo

The science of fasting for healthier ageing

Mar 22, 2024

The study reveals that a 7-day complete caloric restriction triggers significant multi-organ proteome changes in humans, suggesting potential benefits for longevity and aging.

March 2024 – Nature Metabolism

 

Key takeaways

 

  • Caloric restriction for 7 days induces widespread protein changes across multiple organs: This shows the body’s dynamic ability to adjust at a molecular level to the lack of food intake, affecting various organs in a way that might boost overall health and resilience
  • These protein alterations suggest a potential to enhance longevity and improve ageing processes: The changes in protein expressions are indicative of biological pathways that could slow down ageing markers and improve lifespan, pointing towards the therapeutic potential of caloric restriction
  • The body’s response to fasting involves systemic adaptations that could have health benefits: Beyond immediate energy conservation, fasting triggers complex systemic adaptations. These include improved metabolic efficiency and reduced inflammation, which are key factors in chronic disease prevention and longevity

 

Understanding these protein changes can help in developing strategies for healthy ageing and disease prevention: By deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of caloric restriction, researchers can target similar pathways with drugs or dietary recommendations to mimic these effects, offering new avenues for enhancing health in ageing populations.

 

Read the article at: Pietzner, M., Uluvar, B., Kolnes, K.J. et al. Systemic proteome adaptions to 7-day complete caloric restriction in humans. Nat Metab (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-024-01008-9