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Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Solid Plate-based Dietary Restriction in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: May 28, 2011
Calorie Restriction and Aging in Humans
Emily W Flanagan1, Jasper Most2, Jacob T Mey1
1Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, USA;
Abstract:
Calorie restriction (CR), the reduction of dietary intake below energy requirements while maintaining optimal nutrition, is the only known nutritional intervention with the potential to attenuate aging. Evidence from observational, preclinical, and clinical trials suggests the ability to increase life span by 1-5 years with an improvement in health span and quality of life. CR moderates intrinsic processes of aging through cellular and metabolic adaptations and reducing risk for the development of many cardiometabolic diseases. Yet, implementation of CR may require unique considerations for the elderly and other specific populations. The objectives of this review are to summarize the evidence for CR to modify primary and secondary aging; present caveats for implementation in special populations; describe newer, alternative approaches that have comparative effectiveness and fewer deleterious effects; and provide thoughts on the future of this important field of study.
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