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Caloric Restriction

Optimal Nutrition

It appears that caloric restriction works by slowing biological aging in many ways, including decreasing ROS damage to cells, limiting inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and repairing damaged cells. Certain nutrients have demonstrated similar effects, leading one group of researchers (Lemon JA et al 2005) to attempt to mimic CRON with a formula containing 31 ingredients that included a wide range of antioxidants and nutrients that have been extensively studied in humans (such as vitamin E, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, glutathione precursors, and essential fatty acids).

This formula was given to normal mice and mice that over-expressed growth hormone. The mice that over-expressed growth hormone were larger and had a shorter life span than the normal ones, presumably because they aged faster.

The results were dramatic. Supplementation extended the life span of the growth hormone mice by 28 percent, to 431 days. In normal mice, supplementation extended life span by 11 percent on average, from 688 days to 765 days (Lemon JA et al 2005).

How does this 11 percent increase in longevity in normal mice compare to caloric restriction? Although a CRON group was not included in the study described above, other investigators have reported that 40 percent restriction in calories increased survival in the same strain of mice about 19 percent (Forster MJ et al 2003). Thus, supplementation yielded about half as much longevity as caloric restriction.

Unfortunately, this mix of nutrients was developed for mice and isn't available for humans. However, the Life Extension Foundation is able to offer many of the same nutrients that were used in this study at doses more appropriate to humans.

Life Extension Foundation Recommendations

Although there are no studies confirming that CRON extends life span in primates or humans, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it works in other life forms (including invertebrates, mice, rats, dogs, and other animals tested in laboratories) by increasing markers of longevity or by actually increasing longevity.

Before going on a CRON program, the Life Extension Foundation recommends that you obtain a blood chemistry profile. This will allow you to monitor your progress through subsequent blood tests. During CRON, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels should fall, as should insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels. HDL should rise. Blood pressure, which can be measured at most pharmacies without charge, should fall. For more information on blood testing, call 1-800-544-4440 or visit www.lef.org. If you intend to practice severe caloric restriction (30 percent to 40 percent), we recommend that you do so under the care of a knowledgeable physician.

The Life Extension Foundation suggests that you reduce calories by eating plenty of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, soluble fiber, and lean protein. For more advice on a healthy diet, see your physician or a qualified nutritionist, or call 1-800-544-4440.

Before each meal, take one of the following:

8 to 9 grams (g) of Enhanced Fiber Food Powder (flavored or unflavored)
8 to 9 g of high lignan flaxseed powder
3 to 6 capsules of PGX soluble fiber blend

With each meal, take one to four capsules of Super Digestive Enzymes to ensure efficient absorption of nutrients.

Supplement with the following nutrients:

Life Extension Mix—Follow label directions (some supplements listed above are already contained in the Mix).
Acetyl-L-carnitine—300 milligrams (mg) of acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride and 320 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine arginate dihydrochloride
R-lipoic acid—210 mg daily
Fish oil—700 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 500 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) twice daily with meals
Coenzyme Q10—100 mg daily
DHEA—Blood testing is required to determine optimal dosage.
Garlic—600 to 1200 mg daily
Ginkgo biloba —120 mg daily
Ginseng—As recommended on label.
L-glutathione with cysteine and vitamin C—One to three capsules daily
Melatonin—500 micrograms (mcg) (total of 3 mg daily
Gamma E mixed tocopherols—359 mg daily with 20 mg sesame lignans daily
Low-dose aspirin—80 mg daily
Digestive enzymes—Follow label directions.
Resveratrol—20 mg daily

Calorie Restriction Safety Caveats

An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Coenzyme Q10

See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take CoQ10 and have diabetes. Several clinical reports suggest that taking CoQ10 may improve glycemic control and the function of beta cells in people who have type 2 diabetes.
Statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin) are known to decrease CoQ10 levels.

DHEA

Do not take DHEA if you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or could have prostate, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.

EPA/DHA

Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.

Fiber

Take fiber supplements with a full 8-ounce glass of water.
Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily while taking fiber.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using flaxseed before any surgical procedure.
Consult your doctor before taking flaxseed if you have hemophilia or if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Flaxseed can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Garlic

Garlic has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using garlic before any surgical procedure.
Garlic can cause headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vertigo, watery eyes, asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Ingesting large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath and body odor.

Ginkgo biloba

Individuals with a known risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage, systematic arterial hypertension, diabetes, or seizures should avoid ginkgo.
Do not use prior to or after surgery.
Avoid concomitant use of ginkgo with NSAIDS, blood thinners, diuretics, or SSRI’s.
Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhea) may occur.
Allergic skin reactions may occur.
Elevations in blood pressure may occur.

Ginseng

Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Overuse of ginseng can increase blood pressure.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking NSAIDs or warfarin with ginseng can increase the risk of bleeding.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have diabetes. Taking ginseng can cause an extreme drop in your blood glucose level.
Ginseng can cause breast pain, vaginal bleeding after menopause, insomnia, headaches, and nosebleeds.

Lipoic Acid

Consult your doctor before taking lipoic acid if you have diabetes and glucose intolerance. Monitor your blood glucose level frequently. Lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels.

Melatonin

Do not take melatonin if you are depressed.
Do not take high doses of melatonin if you are trying to conceive. High doses of melatonin have been shown to inhibit ovulation.
Melatonin can cause morning grogginess, a feeling of having a hangover or a “heavy head,” or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Vitamin E

Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic stroke, or hemophilia.
Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure.

For more information see the Safety Appendix

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.