Evidence that CR leads to a longer, healthier lifespan
Following are two references. One is about results of a long running experiment on rhesus monkeys at the University of Wisconsin, showing evidence that CR works on primates as it does on other mammals. The second reference includes an excerpt from an overview published of the current state of scientific study of CR.
The original papers should be read for a full understanding of what was being studied and what could be concluded.
Title: "Caloric Restriction Delays Disease Onset and Mortality in Rhesus Monkeys"
Ricki J. Colman, Rozalyn M. Anderson, Sterling C. Johnson, Erik K. Kastman,
Kristopher J. Kosmatka, T. Mark Beasley, David B. Allison, Christina Cruzen,
Heather A. Simmons, Joseph W. Kemnitz, and Richard Weindruch
Science 10 July 2009: 201-204
Abstract:
"Caloric restriction (CR), without malnutrition, delays aging and extends
life span in diverse species; however, its effect on resistance to illness
and mortality in primates has not been clearly established. We report
findings of a 20-year longitudinal adult-onset CR study in rhesus monkeys
aimed at filling this critical gap in aging research. In a population of
rhesus macaques maintained at the Wisconsin National Primate Research
Center, moderate CR lowered the incidence of aging-related deaths. At the
time point reported, 50% of control fed animals survived as compared with
80% of the CR animals. Furthermore, CR delayed the onset of age-associated
pathologies. Specifically, CR reduced the incidence of diabetes, cancer,
cardiovascular disease, and brain atrophy. These data demonstrate that CR
slows aging in a primate species."
Title: "The scientific basis of caloric restriction leading to longer life."
Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2009 Mar;25(2):144-50.; Luigi Fontana, MD, PhD.
Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science and Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA The Division of Nutrition and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
"Is secondary aging preventable? Are chronic diseases associated with aging preventable?"
"Does excessive adiposity play a role in aging?"
"The biological mechanism of aging: is it still a mystery?"
"Does calorie restriction extend maximal lifespan in nonhuman primates?"
"Does calorie restriction work in humans?"
"Recent findings: There are currently no interventions or gene manipulations that can prevent, stop or reverse the aging process. However, there are a number of interventions that can slow down aging and prolong maximal lifespan up to 60% in experimental animals. Long-term calorie restriction without malnutrition and reduced function mutations in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway are the most robust interventions known to increase maximal lifespan and healthspan in rodents. Although it is currently not known if long-term calorie restriction with adequate nutrition extends maximal lifespan in humans, we do know that long-term calorie restriction without malnutrition results in some of the same metabolic and hormonal adaptations related to longevity in calorie restriction rodents. Moreover, calorie restriction with adequate nutrition protects against obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis, which are leading causes of morbidity, disability and mortality.