Researchers are studying medicines that mimic the effects of calorie restriction. Calorie restriction, eating less without deficiencies, can promote healthy ageing. These agents attempt to bring about the same positive changes in the body, such as improved clearance of cells via autophagy. This is a process whereby the body clears out and recycles damaged cells.
Research shows that these medicines can slow down the ageing process in mice and slightly extend their lifespan. Mice respond more strongly to this treatment than humans are likely to do. After all, mice have shorter lifespans and their bodies adapt more quickly to changes in food supply.
In humans, life expectancy appears to benefit less from this approach. This is because our lifespan is longer and our body responds less flexibly to eating less. Nevertheless, these medicines can help to improve health at an older age, even though the effect on lifespan remains limited.
For anyone who wants to age healthily, it remains important to pay attention to nutrition and physical exercise. The research helps to better understand how the body works and what possibilities there are to counteract ageing.
Source: Reason
