October 2024 Study Reveals 40% Caloric Restriction Extends Lifespan but Suppresses Immune Response in Mice

Oct 9, 2024, 03:45 PM

A new study published in Nature in October 2024 has examined the impact of dietary restriction (DR) on health and lifespan in approximately 1,000 genetically diverse mice. The research, one of the largest of its kind, found that a 40% caloric restriction had the most significant effect on lifespan extension. However, this regimen also suppressed immune response and led to a loss of lean body mass. The study challenges the conventional wisdom that dietary restriction universally boosts longevity, highlighting that improving health and extending lifespan may not always align. These findings raise important questions about the most relevant endpoints for evaluating aging interventions in both preclinical models and clinical trials. Additionally, the study noted that the lower percentage of body fat and fasting glucose caused by DR is not associated with increased lifespan in mice.