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Reducing calories in the diet slows down aging of the body
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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Reducing calories in the diet can slow down aging and halt the development of age-related diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. The earlier the calorie intake is reduced, the more pronounced the result will be.
Scientists from the University of Gothenburg have been able to identify an enzyme that is key to aging.
Previously, scientists had shown that by gradually reducing the consumption of carbohydrate and protein foods, without reducing the amount of vitamins and minerals, the lifespan of monkeys increased by several years. This method was used on everything from fish and rats to flies and yeast, with positive results. In addition, reducing calories has a beneficial effect on health and slows the progression of age-related diseases. But despite this information, biologists could not say for sure what underlies all these effects.
Using a model of yeast cells, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the researchers were able to identify one of the enzymes. They were able to show that the beneficial effects of calorie reduction require active peroxiredoxin Tsa1, an enzyme that breaks down toxic hydrogen peroxide in cells.
Project leader Mikael Molin said he and his team had shown that calorie restriction could slow down the aging process by preventing the inactivation of the enzyme peroxiredoxin. In addition, this enzyme is very important in preventing damage to the genetic material of cells.
The results of the study showed that as humans age, Tsa1 gradually loses its activity, and calorie restriction prevents this process by increasing the concentration of another enzyme, Srx1, which restores Tsa1. It is important to note that aging can be slowed down without calorie restriction, while increasing the level of the enzyme Srx1.
Disruption of the activity and functionality of Tsa1 leads to various genetic breakdowns and the development of cancerous tumors, in addition, peroxiredoxin Tsa1 prevents damage to protein molecules - a process that underlies diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson'sdisease.
Scientists are now trying to study the impact of increased Tsa1 restoration on the aging process and cancer development.
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