Certain dietary patterns have been consistently linked to healthy aging and longevity, with approaches such as intermittent fasting and the Mediterranean-style diet being shown to extend the years a person remains healthy and free from chronic diseases, also known as ‘healthspan.’ Experts highlight the key pathways these diets influence and recommend combining some of these strategies for optimal aging and health benefits. A recent scoping review published in Nutrients examines how diet influences aging, emphasizing its crucial role in both longevity and healthspan. The review explored four specific dietary patterns, including caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic (keto) diet, for their potential aging benefits by influencing critical pathways in the body related to cellular repair, inflammation, and metabolic regulation.
As the global population ages significantly, there is a pressing need to enhance healthspan — the period of life spent in a healthy state, free from chronic diseases and age-related disabilities. Researchers in Romania reviewed various studies to determine how four particular diets might influence healthy aging, analyzing their impact on molecular pathways in the body. The diets included caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet, chosen for their significant presence in current research and diverse methods of supporting health and longevity. The scoping review broadly searched for studies that evaluated the effect of these diets on longevity and healthspan in microorganisms, animal models, or humans, using databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Calorie restriction appears to promote healthy aging by contributing to weight loss, obesity prevention, reduced inflammation, improved cardiometabolic health, slowed biological aging, and potentially delaying the onset of age-related diseases. Intermittent fasting, which involves alternating between fasting periods and normal eating, may offer short-term benefits in body composition and cardiovascular health as well as long-term advantages such as improved cholesterol levels and cellular stress responses. The Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, unsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants, may lower BMI, support cognitive function, slow biological aging, and reduce frailty in older adults. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, moderate-protein, very low-carb diet, may improve triglyceride levels, increase good cholesterol, and aid in short-term weight loss, but its effects on long-term health need further research.
Key metabolic pathways involved in the health benefits of the studied diets include insulin signaling, mTORC1, and AMPK, which regulate cell growth, energy balance, and metabolism, essential for healthy aging. By reducing mTORC1 activity and activating AMPK, cells can shift towards repair and maintenance processes, promoting longevity and preventing age-related diseases. While calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diets impact these pathways through lower calorie or carb intake, the Mediterranean diet may do so indirectly through rich unsaturated fats and antioxidants. For individuals aiming to promote healthy aging, a combination of the Mediterranean diet with calorie restriction or intermittent fasting strategies might amplify the benefits, as advised by experts.
Promoting healthy aging requires a comprehensive approach involving dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management, and fostering social connections. Consultation with a doctor or registered dietitian is recommended to develop a personalized plan to enhance healthspan and meet specific needs. While the evidence on dietary interventions for healthspan and quality of life is valuable, cautious interpretation is advised due to varying study quality and methodological limitations. Experts caution against intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets for healthy aging or disease prevention, citing concerns over long-term sustainability, potential nutrient deficiencies, and questionable effects on heart health. Pairing the Mediterranean diet with caloric restriction or intermittent fasting may be a feasible approach for disease prevention, particularly in the incidence of obesity and related disorders. Individual preferences, metabolic health, and specific health goals should guide the choice of dietary interventions, emphasizing the importance of knowledge dissemination and motivation for the successful implementation and maintenance of these strategies.
