Metabolic Slowing and Reduced Oxidative Damage with Sustained Caloric Restriction Support the Rate of Living and Oxidative Damage Theories of Aging

• Published in: Cell metabolism Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 805 - 815.e4
• Main Authors: Redman, Leanne M., Smith, Steven R., Burton, Jeffrey H., Martin, Corby K., Il'yasova, Dora, Ravussin, Eric
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 03.04.2018
• Subjects: aging; energy expenditure; intervention; nutrition; nutrition; aging; intervention; energy expenditure
• ISSN: 1550-4131; 1932-7420
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.019

Calorie restriction (CR) is a dietary intervention with potential benefits for healthspan improvement and lifespan extension. In 53 (34 CR and 19 control) non-obese adults, we tested the hypothesis that energy expenditure (EE) and its endocrine mediators are reduced with a CR diet over 2 years. Approximately 15% CR was achieved over 2 years, resulting in an average 8.7 kg weight loss, whereas controls gained 1.8 kg. In the CR group, EE measured over 24 hr or during sleep was approximately 80–120 kcal/day lower than expected on the basis of weight loss, indicating sustained metabolic adaptation over 2 years. This metabolic adaptation was accompanied by significantly reduced thyroid axis activity and reactive oxygen species (F2-isoprostane) production. Findings from this 2-year CR trial in healthy, non-obese humans provide new evidence of persistent metabolic slowing accompanied by reduced oxidative stress, which supports the rate of living and oxidative damage theories of mammalian aging. [Display omitted] •Calorie restriction (CR) extends maximum lifespan in most species•Young, healthy individuals achieved 15% CR and 8 kg weight loss over 2 years•Energy expenditure (24 hr and sleep) was reduced beyond weight loss•Oxidative stress was also reduced, supporting two long-standing theories of aging Calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to have health benefits and to extend lifespan in diverse species. Redman et al. conducted a 2-year CR trial in healthy, non-obese humans and found evidence that prolonged CR enhances resting energy efficiency, resulting in decreased systemic oxidative damage.