Scientists may have found a way to extend lifespan without strict dieting; here’s what the research shows

For ages, humanity has sought the key to longevity through various means. While the mythical philosopher's stone remains elusive, science has identified a reliable method to extend lifespan in animals: dietary restriction. This practice activates biological mechanisms that decelerate aging and enhance longevity. However, strict dieting is often challenging and unsustainable. The critical question now is whether we can achieve similar benefits without drastically altering our eating habits. Could science develop treatments that mimic calorie restriction, offering a longer, healthier life without persistent hunger?

The Promise of Rapamycin and Metformin

Over the past decade, researchers have been studying molecules that emulate the biological effects of reduced food intake. Two prominent compounds under investigation are rapamycin and metformin. These compounds offer the potential to increase lifespan without the physiological and psychological burdens of constant dieting.

A recent study from the University of East Anglia compared the effects of these drugs to those of dietary restriction. The results revealed that rapamycin exhibited life-extending effects almost as consistently as eating less, while metformin did not demonstrate the same longevity benefits.

The Science Behind Dietary Restriction

Dietary restriction has long been considered the gold standard in anti-aging research. Initial studies demonstrated that laboratory rats on lower-calorie diets lived longer than their normally fed counterparts. Subsequent research has reinforced that reduced calorie consumption through portion control or intermittent fasting can extend life across various species.

However, maintaining strict dieting regimens is difficult, and excessive restriction can be detrimental to health. This has spurred scientists to explore alternatives that offer similar benefits with fewer drawbacks.

Rapamycin and Metformin: Anti-Aging Contenders

Rapamycin, discovered in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, is a powerful immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Its anti-aging properties stem from its ability to inhibit a key molecular switch (mTOR) that signals nutrient abundance to cells. By suppressing this signal, rapamycin mimics the effects of dietary deprivation at the cellular level. A combination of rapamycin with trametinib has even been found to further prolong the lifespan of mice.

Metformin, a compound derived from the French lilac plant, is commonly prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Similar to rapamycin, it targets the body's nutrient-sensing mechanisms. Its established safety record and widespread use have made it a promising candidate for life extension.

However, a review of 167 studies involving eight vertebrate species, from fish to rats, found no consistent evidence that metformin prolonged lifespan. This suggests that it may not fully replicate all the benefits of dietary restriction, at least when used alone.

The Verdict: Diet, Rapamycin, and Metformin

The research evaluated three interventions:

• Dietary restriction (reducing intake)
• Rapamycin
• Metformin

The findings were clear:

• Dietary restriction remains the most reliable method for increasing lifespan.
• Rapamycin is a close second, showing promising results in multiple species and both sexes.
• Metformin did not produce consistent benefits.

The study indicates that rapamycin is a leading candidate in the search for effective anti-aging treatments.

The Future of Aging Research

While aging is not a disease, it is a primary risk factor for many chronic conditions, including cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Slowing the aging process, even modestly, could lead to healthier, longer lives and reduced healthcare costs, particularly as global populations age. However, it's important to note some cautionary findings. A few studies have shown shortened lifespans with rapamycin or dietary restriction. Furthermore, most studies have been conducted on laboratory animals, not humans.

Dr. Edward Ivimey-Cook from the University of Glasgow emphasizes, "While our findings don't advocate for widespread Rapamycin use just yet, they do reinforce the need for continued research into its potential for promoting healthy aging. This also opens up broader conversations around the development of longevity-focused treatments."

Dr. Sultanova supports this view, noting, "Our results highlight drug repurposing as a promising strategy for enhancing both healthspan and lifespan." Both Rapamycin and Metformin are currently undergoing human clinical trials, with definitive results pending.