Fat, Protein Restriction More Important in CR than Carbs?

May 31, 2005

Hi folks:

I have been unable to find this study, but research in fruit flies

seems to suggest that restriction of fat and/or protein may be much

more important than carbohydrate restriction to the life extension

derived from CR. (Jeff will be pleased to hear this, LOL):

" Yeast intake linked [inversely] to longevity in fruit flies.

........... Restricting the amount of yeast in the [fruit fly] diet

can increase life expectancy by 50%, research into fruit flies has

shown. It is not yet clear whether the same might be true in humans.

But the authors say their findings hint it might be what you eat

rather than total calorie intake that influences longevity, contrary

to current belief. (Warren will NOT be pleased to hear THIS, LOL)

The University College London team [explained] how it could be down

to metabolic pathways triggered by foods.

Quality not quantity ...............

Lead researcher Professor Partridge said: " Yeast and sugar

trigger different metabolic pathways with different effects on life

span.

" The dramatic impact of reducing yeast [the food source providing fat

and protein in the fruit fly diet] suggests that protein or fat plays

a greater role in fly longevity than sugar. "

She said the results made a " strong case " that calories per se are

not the important factor in prolonging life - at least in fruit

flies.

A spokesman from the International Longevity Centre UK said: " At this

point in time, it is difficult to state whether or not diet, rather

than simply calorific intake, has a major bearing on life expectancy

in humans. " "

Rodney.

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