X-Message-Number: 19837
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 09:15:20 -0400
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: CryoNet #19825 - #19835

About calorie restriction:

Calorie restriction, as done on rats initially, will increase their
lifespan. The experiment has been done repeatedly on rats with the
same result; comparatively recently some scientists have taken notice
and tried it on other (longer-lived) animals. So far it looks like
it will work even on us, though a real proof would take a human
lifespan, and no one wants to wait that long.

However in some ways it is done in a paradoxical way. No, we do
NOT just lower glucose levels or that of any single nutrient. WE
keep the total calorie level lower than before, but try to make
sure that we get enough vitamins, minerals, etc. Right now there
are efforts going on to understand why it works, and thus find
out have to get the same effect without the discomfort of calorie
restriction itself.

But restricting sugar, or any other single nutrient, or even a 
subgroup of them, just doesn't work. If you want references, 
send to me and I will reply with some; I do not know of any
popular book which looks only at calorie restriction. You
might, however, look up Richard Walford, a scientist who has
actually been using calorie restriction. I haven't read it,
but he did write a book of recipes aimed at those who wanted
to try calorie restriction for themselves.

		Best wishes and long long life for all,

			Thomas Donaldson

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