Energy restriction, a useful intervention to retard human ageing? Results of a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE

Energy restriction (ER) retards the ageing process in animal models. It is possible that ER has a similar effect in humans. As a first approach to look after the potential application of ER in man the feasibility of a moderately energy-restricted diet was studied.

DESIGN

A controlled intervention study.

SETTING

TNO Toxicology and Nutrition Institute.

SUBJECTS

24 middle-aged non-obese men, selected from men responding to advertisements in regional newspapers.

INTERVENTIONS

After a run-in period subjects were divided into two groups, a control group (n = 8) and an ER group (n = 16). Groups were matched on age and body mass index. The effects of 10 weeks of moderate ER (80% of habitual energy intake) on body composition, general health (blood pressure, lipid profile, routine clinical chemistry and haematology), physical and mental performance, and feelings of hunger, satiety and state of mind were measured.

RESULTS

Subjects in the ER group lost about 7.4 +/- 2.6 kg weight (P < 0.001). This weight loss concerned mainly loss of fat mass. Diastolic and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly within the ER group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively). The increase in HDL-cholesterol level was significantly related to weight loss (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show beneficial effects of 10 weeks of moderate ER on blood pressure and lipid profile without adverse effects on physical and mental performance and feelings of hunger, satiety and mood.