“Caloric Restriction Not Proven to Increase Lifespan”
Man has always sought an equivalent of the “fountain of youth” to markedly increase his lifespan. However, documented anti-aging failures abound for vitamins A, C and E and for the hormones testosterone, growth hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Animal studies suggested that the best bet for increasing human longevity was via caloric restriction with adequate nutrition (CRAN). CRAN has been shown to work in a variety of species, among them yeast, fish, rodents and dogs, to decelerate the biological aging process, resulting in longer maintenance of youthful health and increasing both median and maximum lifespan. Caloric restriction is a dietary regimen which cuts about 30-40% of the calories from the average diet but maintains adequate protein, vitamins and mineral levels. Studies lasting more than 20 years in monkeys have had conflicting conclusions. Human studies would take even longer and, realistically, not many people are likely to choose a constant and miserable state of partial starvation, even if it does prolong their life.
