CALORIE RESTRICTION INCREASES LIFE SPAN IN MAMMALS – (03-27-06)

Calorie restriction induces mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetic efficiency

We’re at another article that illustrates the incredible complexity with which our bodies operate. As background, the only thing that has consistently shown to increase lifespan in mammals is calorie restriction without nutrient restriction. But the real reasons why this occurs have been unclear.

In this particular review the authors answer the “how.” Basically, calorie restriction without nutrient restriction induces greater numbers and more efficient mitochondria. Given that mitochondrial dysfunction is the root of all evil (my personal quote…) this has profound implications. It also raises another interesting question.

In all the studies done in the past that used nutriceuticals to impact a condition (i.e. CoQ10 for Parkinson’s), do we need to go back and re-stratify for caloric intake? A Parkinson’s patient eating a higher caloric diet may have less benefit from CoQ10 as another patient taking the same amount but less calories. This also vaults calorie restriction without nutrient restriction to the top of the therapeutic list for any mitochondrial dysfunction related condition. Which, of course, in my opinion, is ALL of them…

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