EAT LESS TO STAY YOUNG ?

A new study shows that reducing its caloric intake by 15% for two years would slow down aging and help protect against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or cancer. Less eat to live longer?

The study led by researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research in Baton Rouge, Louisiana shows that consuming fewer calories can decrease what is called systemic oxidative stress, associated with age-related neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, or the development of cancer, diabetes or other chronic diseases.

"Limiting calories can slow down your basal metabolism, and if byproducts of metabolism speed up the aging process, caloric restriction for years can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and prolong life expectancy," says Leanne. Dr. Redman, Associate Clinical Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research.

An improvement in the quality of life

The study was part of a trial called CALERIE: Comprehensive Assessment of the Long-Term Effects of Reducing Energy Intake. Researchers tested the effects of caloric restriction on the metabolism of 53 healthy, non-obese adults over a two-year period.

The participants, aged 21 to 50, were divided into two groups. 34 people in a test group reduced their calorie intake by 15% compared to the recommended daily amount and 19 people in a control group ate as usual. At the end of the two years, they all underwent a series of tests related to the metabolism and biological markers of aging. During the last 24 hours, they have all been placed in a "metabolic chamber".

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has 4 of the 20 most modern metabolic chambers in the world: small chambers capable of measuring minute by minute the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide absorbed and exhaled by patients. patients. Metabolic chambers also allow researchers to observe how occupants spend energy with great precision.

Participants in the study, whose caloric intake was restricted and measured using so-called "isotope" techniques, to identify the smallest molecules ingested, lost about 8.7 kg on average per participant with no target of weight loss or special diet.

No adverse effects such as anemia, excessive bone loss or menstrual disorders have been noted. All subjects report having seen an improvement in their mood and quality of life as experience increases.

Slower metabolism and an average loss of 8.7 kg

A second experiment in laboratory animals showed that caloric restriction lowered body temperature and resting metabolic rate. A slower metabolism means that the body has become more efficient in using the "fuel" that is brought to it (food, oxygen) to derive energy from it.

"We know from previous studies in animals that the smaller the mammal, the faster its metabolism and its reduced longevity," says the specialist.

In other words, a slower metabolism would be more effective at delaying aging and increasing longevity even if other biological, dietary factors or the role of antioxidants influence the metabolism, according to the authors of the study.

The authors of the study concluded: "The results of this two-year trial in healthy, non-obese humans provide further evidence of persistent metabolic slowing accompanied by a reduction in oxidative stress, supporting the oxidative theories of aging. mammals, " they explained.

Further research should be conducted.