Could a fasting-like diet Help slow aging?
That's the claim of researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology in Los Angeles, who led a study on the benefits of a “fasting-mimicking diet” (FMD).
In addition to reduce biological age and aging of the immune system, the diet was linked to reductions in insulin resistance and liver fat, according to a university news release.
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The findings, published in Nature Communications on February 20, were based on clinical trials that included 100 men and women aged 18 to 70.
Half of the group was randomly assigned to FMD, following the diet for five days followed by 25 days of normal feeding for three or four cycles.
A new study found that a fasting-mimicking diet reduces biological age and immune system aging, as well as insulin and liver fat resistance. (iStock)
The control group followed a normal diet or a Mediterranean-style diet.
People in the FMD group showed a decrease in abdominal and liver fat, as well as a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
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Those who followed the experimental diet also showed signs of a younger immune system.
Overall, the researchers found that the biological age of FMD adopters was reduced by an average of 2.5 years based on the functioning of their cells and tissues.
In the USC study, the fasting-mimicking diet included energy bars, plant-based soups, snacks with chips, energy drinks and tea. (iStock)
“I think it is surprising that three cycles of FMD performed only five days a month (15 days in total), which allow people to have modified/low-calorie but regular meals and without changing the participants' normal diet for the rest of the year. month, can have such an effect on biological age, body fat and a variety of disease risk factors,” lead author Valter Longo, a professor at USC's Leonard Davis School, told Fox News Digital.
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If the cycles were continued for three cycles a year for 20 years, Longo projected that FMD could reduce biological age by 11 years and reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes by 10% to 30%.
“However, these are only simulations, and additional studies are needed to confirm this potential for FMD cycles,” he added.
Half of the group was randomly assigned to FMD, following the diet for five days followed by 25 days of normal feeding for three or four cycles. (iStock)
Previous studies in mice have identified additional benefits of FMD, including a reduced risk of age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, Vongo noted.
Previously, the diet aimed to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, increase stem cell regeneration and reduce signs of dementia, according to the statement.
What is the diet that imitates fasting?
Originally developed by Longo, FMD is a five-day diet low in calories, protein and overall carbohydrates and high in unsaturated fats.
The eating plan is designed to mimic a pure fast while still allowing for the consumption of essential nutrients.
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“The fasting mimicking diet (FMD), also known as the ProLon diet, has been around for about seven years and has been studied in multiple clinical trials,” Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian based in New Jersey, told Fox News. Digital.
“By following a structured, very low-calorie diet nutrition plan for five days, the goal is to provide the benefits of prolonged fasting while still allowing people to eat,” said Palinski-Wade, who was not involved in the USC study.
“The diet is designed to shift the body into a fasting state while nourishing it with specific nutrients to avoid activating food-sensing pathways.”
“[The diet] “allows you to obtain physical, biological and epigenetic benefits without the need for prolonged water-only fasts,” said an expert. (iStock)
In the USC study, the fasting-mimicking diet included energy bars, plant-based soups, snacks with chips, energy drinks and tea, according to the release.
The FMD group also received a supplement with “high levels of minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids.”
The specific diet tested in the two trials is commercially available, but Longo said university rules prevent him from sharing the name of the product.
“In an era obsessed with superficial youth and quick fixes, the fasting-mimicking diet offers a tangible method to systematically reverse aging and improve metabolic health.”
“I think it's important to start considering the plant-based FMD intervention described here two or three times a year as a way to prevent and treat some diseases, along with the right type of medications,” Longo said.
This could help “regain full health and live longer and healthier, rather than continuing to take progressively more medications as we age,” he added.
For people who want to prevent or treat illnesses by using an anti-FMD medication, Longo said they should talk to a doctor first.
Other experts give their opinion on the diet
Melanie Avalon, an Atlanta-based health influencer who hosts “The Intermittent Fasting Podcast,” was not involved in the study, but noted that the research provides “solid data” about how diet and lifestyle changes affect the aging process.
“Our society's fascination with youth and longevity is well known; however, measuring biological progress and improvements is often subjective,” he told Fox News Digital.
While fasting is often practiced for its visible weight loss benefits, one expert noted that this study highlights its expanded benefits for metabolic health. (iStock)
“The concept of 'chronological age' can be misleading when assessing the rate of aging of the body and predicting life span,” Avalon continued.
“For the first time, this study reveals that a diet that mimics fasting can reduce biological age.”
While traditional fasting may be daunting for some, FMD may be a more viable alternative.
“It allows for physical, biological and epigenetic benefits without the need for prolonged water-only fasts,” he said.
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While fasting is often practiced for its visible weight loss benefits, Avalon noted that this study highlights the expanded benefits of FMD for metabolic health.
“In an era obsessed with superficial youth and quick fixes, the fasting-mimicking diet offers a tangible method to systematically reverse aging and improve metabolic health,” he said.
“Unlike the expensive and extreme measures of 'biohacking', FMD provides an accessible and practical solution to reduce biological age.”
Potential risks and limitations
Tanya Freirich, registered dietitian nutritionist at Charlotte, North Carolinawho practices as a lupus dietician, cautioned that she would not recommend the fasting-mimicking diet to anyone who has struggled with an eating disorder in the past or has trouble controlling their blood sugar.
“Restricting and changing eating patterns can have negative effects,” he said.
The fasting-mimicking diet could help “regain full health and live longer and healthier, rather than continuing to take progressively more medications as we age,” the study author said. (iStock)
Palinski-Wade agreed that those with underlying health problems should talk to their doctor before considering a restrictive diet plan.
“A very low-calorie diet may not be appropriate for those who have uncontrolled diabetes, a history of hypoglycemia, a history of eating disorders, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding,” she said.
Before making any dietary changes, Freirich emphasized the need to provide “thorough education.”
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“While changing the timing and amount of our food intake is an approach worth examining, it's also important to remember to choose health-promoting foods daily,” the dietitian continued.
“The food choices we make every day have a big impact on our weight, blood sugar levels, heart health, immune system and more. If fasting doesn't seem like the right choice for you, talk to a registered dietitian about the benefits.” “Dietary changes for your health are always recommended.”
Before making dietary changes, a nutritionist (not pictured) told Fox News Digital that people need to be provided with “extensive education.” (iStock)
The study had some limitations, both dietitians noted.
“It was a small sample of young, healthy individuals,” Freirich said. “The results may be useful to other people after more research is completed across a broader age range and includes people with other medical concerns.”
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Palinski-Wade reiterated that FMD studies have included smaller samples of generally healthy adults, meaning the results cannot be generalized to all populations.
“FMD may offer promising benefits and may be an excellent tool to consider for those looking to improve long-term health and reduce the risk of future disease, but more research is needed in larger, more diverse populations to fully understand the benefits that it can offer”. she added.
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