Five-day diet lowers risk factors for disease and reduces biological age in humans
The effects of FMD on aging, biological age, liver fat, and immune system aging in humans were previously unknown until this study.
The effects of FMD on aging, biological age, liver fat, and immune system aging in humans were previously unknown until this study. (CREDIT: Shutterstock)
A recent study led by researchers from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests that adopting a diet mimicking fasting cycles can have significant health benefits for humans, including reducing signs of immune system aging, insulin resistance, and liver fat, ultimately resulting in a lower biological age.
This study, published in Nature Communications, adds to existing evidence supporting the positive effects of the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD).
The FMD is a five-day dietary regimen rich in unsaturated fats while being low in overall calories, protein, and carbohydrates. It is crafted to replicate the effects of a water-only fast, ensuring individuals still receive necessary nutrients, making it more feasible for them to adhere to the regimen.
The diet was developed by Professor Valter Longo's laboratory at USC Leonard Davis School, who is also the senior author of this study.
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Professor Longo stated, "This is the first study to show that a food-based intervention that does not require chronic dietary or other lifestyle changes can make people biologically younger." He emphasized that the study utilized a validated method developed by the Levine group to assess biological age.
Previous research led by Professor Longo has indicated various beneficial effects of periodic FMD cycles, including promoting stem cell regeneration, reducing chemotherapy side effects, and lessening signs of dementia in mice.
Moreover, these cycles have shown potential in lowering risk factors for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other age-related ailments in humans.
The effects of FMD on aging, biological age, liver fat, and immune system aging in humans were previously unknown until this study.
The study analyzed two clinical trial populations, each consisting of men and women aged 18 to 70. Participants randomized to the fasting-mimicking diet underwent 3-4 monthly cycles, adhering to the FMD for five days, followed by a normal diet for 25 days.
The FMD included plant-based soups, energy bars, drinks, snacks, and tea portioned for five days, along with supplements providing essential nutrients. Control groups were instructed to follow either a normal or Mediterranean-style diet.
Fasting-mimicking decreases the hepatic fat fraction and diabetes risk markers, and increases the lymphoid to myeloid ratio. (CREDIT: Nature Communications)
Blood samples from trial participants revealed lower diabetes risk factors in the FMD group, including decreased insulin resistance and lower HbA1c levels. Magnetic resonance imaging also showed reductions in abdominal and liver fat, indicative of a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, FMD cycles appeared to boost the lymphoid-to-myeloid ratio, suggesting a rejuvenated immune system.
Statistical analysis of results from both clinical studies showed that FMD participants reduced their biological age by an average of 2.5 years.
FMD reduces biological age between enrollment and completion of trial independent of weight loss. (CREDIT: Nature Communications)
Lead authors Sebastian Brandhorst and Morgan E. Levine emphasized the study's significance, highlighting evidence of biological age reduction and rejuvenation of metabolic and immune function. They underscored the potential of FMD as a short-term, achievable dietary intervention to mitigate disease risk and enhance health without requiring extensive lifestyle changes.
Professor Longo hopes these findings will encourage more healthcare professionals to recommend FMD cycles to patients with elevated disease risk factors and the general population interested in improving their health and potentially reversing signs of aging.
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