For decades, research has linked calorie restriction to longevity, but adherence to strict diets is often challenging. A new study at the University of Wisconsin suggests that reducing a specific amino acid in the diet may be more effective than cutting calories alone.
Researchers found that mice fed chow with reduced amounts of leucine, one of the branched-chain amino acids, lived longer and healthier lives. The diet not only improved blood sugar control but also boosted muscle mass and reduced frailty.
The team identified isoleucine as a critical component in this process. When mice were fed a diet that cut isoleucine by about two-thirds, they lost fat quickly and their metabolisms remained high enough to keep weight off. Over time, male mice lived 33% longer, while females lived 7% longer.
The study also found that the reduced isoleucine diet had a positive impact on cancer, prostate enlargement, and blood sugar control. The researchers propose that this may be due to the reduction in mTOR, a cellular sensor that responds to amino acid levels.
While humans need isoleucine for various bodily functions, many Western diets provide more than the daily requirement. However, narrowing down benefits to a single amino acid could lead to better understanding of biological processes and potential interventions.
The study’s findings suggest that choosing healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and modest portions of animal protein, may help reduce isoleucine levels without complicated meal plans. Controlled human trials are now being explored to confirm the results.
In summary, this new research offers a promising approach to promoting longevity and healthy aging by targeting a specific amino acid in the diet.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/eating-less-of-this-amino-acid-isoleucine-boosts-lifespan-in-mice-an-average-of-33-percent