Scientists at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology have taken a closer look at the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) and its potential benefits for human health.The study yielded interesting results revealing FMD's potential not only to improve health markers but also to reduce biological ageing.
The team published their work in the peer-reviewed science journal Nature Communications. In this article, we will take a look at the findings.
FMD does not necessitate total abstention from food. - (mage Credit: DGLimages via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci)
What is the fasting-mimicking diet?
The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) is designed to replicate the benefits of a traditional fast without the need for complete food abstinence.
Over a five-day period, individuals consume meals high in unsaturated fats and low in calories, proteins, and carbohydrates. Developed by Professor Valter Longo and his team, the FMD is easy to follow and rich in nutrients, making the fasting experience both manageable and beneficial.
The study
The research looked at the impact of the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) across two distinct clinical trial groups, consisting of individuals aged 18 to 70, inclusive of both genders.
Participants assigned to the FMD embarked on 3 to 4 cycles each month, following the diet strictly for 5 consecutive days before resuming their usual eating habits for the remaining 25 days of the month.
The FMD regimen featured a diet rich in plant-based soups, energy bars, drinks, chips, and tea, all portioned to last the 5-day period, complemented by a supplement packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Meanwhile, individuals in the control group adhered to either a standard or Mediterranean diet.
Benefits of the Fasting-Mimicking Diet
Evaluations of blood samples from those on the FMD revealed notable health benefits, such as diminished factors contributing to diabetes risk, including reduced insulin resistance and lower HbA1c levels.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans also indicated a significant reduction in both abdominal and liver fat, signalling a decreased likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, undergoing the FMD was linked to an enhanced lymphoid-to-myeloid ratio, signifying a rejuvenation of the immune system.
Comprehensive statistical analyses from both trials highlighted that individuals adhering to the FMD managed to lower their biological age by an average of 2.5 years, suggesting an improvement in the functionality of their cells and tissues beyond mere changes in chronological age.
Should you consider the Fasting-Mimicking Diet?
The study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential health benefits of fasting and fasting-mimicking diets. It suggests that periodic adherence to the FMD could offer a practical approach to improving health markers associated with ageing and chronic disease risk without the need for permanent lifestyle changes.
However, as with any dietary intervention, it's important to approach the FMD with a nuanced understanding of its benefits and limitations. While the findings are promising, further research is needed to fully comprehend the long-term impacts and applicability to diverse populations.
Health decisions, especially those related to diet, should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals, taking into account individual health needs and conditions.
If you are interested in more details about the research, be sure to check out the paper published in Nature Communications, listed below.
Sources and further reading:
Can the MIND diet really lower the risk of developing dementia and improve your brain health? (Universal-Sci)
Feel like nutritionists are always changing their minds? Science can help you decide which diet works best for you (Universal-Sci)
Fasting-mimicking diet causes hepatic and blood markers changes indicating reduced biological age and disease risk (Nature Communications)
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