Human CR application

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Hi All,

How applicable are animal CR studies to human CR potential? What are the

possible

side effects? See the unfortunately not pdf-available below in press paper

abstract.

Caloric restriction in humans: Potential pitfalls and health concerns

Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available

online 13

October 2005,

Amie J. Dirks and Christiaan Leeuwenburgh

Abstract

To date, the only intervention that has consistently been shown to slow the rate

of

aging, and to increase mean and maximum lifespan in short-lived species, is

life-long calorie restriction. It is yet unclear whether long-term calorie

restriction in longer lived species (i.e. primates and humans) will have a

similar

effect. In humans, several studies investigating short-term calorie restriction

or

“weight loss” programs suggest beneficial outcomes on parameters of

cardiovascular

disease. Studies on long-term calorie restriction are performed on a

self-selected

group of human subjects and show similar effects. However, few studies are

currently

investigating the quality of life and potential pitfalls of long-term calorie

restriction in humans. It is likely that some of the physiological and

psychological

effects of caloric restriction that occur in animals may impact the human life

very

differently. For certain, calorie restriction has a plethora of health benefits

in

mammals, such as a reduction in age-related diseases such as cancer. However,

despite the “magic” of CR, this intervention in humans may present itself with a

number of health concerns, which may not be applicable to or impact the life of

experimental animals, but may do so in humans. These potential pitfalls and

“side

effects” are not clearly addressed in the literature and will be a focus of this

review.

Al Pater, PhD; email: old542000@...

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