calorie restriction

Calorie restriction (CR) is a dietary strategy involving a significant reduction in calorie intake while maintaining a balanced diet, creating an energy deficit. This practice has been shown to increase lifespan in various organisms, including mammals, fruit flies, yeast, worms, and fish. In rodents, a 30–40% reduction in calorie consumption can extend life span by up to 40%, and studies in rhesus monkeys have indicated visible delays in aging and increased longevity with a 30% calorie reduction.1

CR can activate sirtuins, which function as anti-aging genes in some organisms. These proteins help suppress gene activity, potentially reducing the likelihood of mutations that contribute to aging. Research is ongoing to develop drugs that mimic CR's effects on sirtuins for treating age-related diseases like diabetes and some cancers.2