In the United States, aging-based research can hold the key to extend our lifespan. Scientists suggest that a specific nutritional adjustment could have positive effects on longevity.
The key: isoleucine
For years, the scientific community has explored aging, but so far, No one has discovered a magic remedy to counter the effects of time. Nowadays, many studies target the cellular level, aimed at not reversing but to adapt the body mechanisms to aging. A potential avenue for this adaptation is by the diet, as indicated by a study published in the review Cell Metabolism in 2023.
This study, led by the University of Wisconsin in Madison (United States), flew under the radar at the time and focus on isoleucine, a very special amino acid. Isoleucine is classified as an “essential” amino acid, one of the twenty major amino acids coded by the genome of protein synthesis.
However, the human body does not produce isoleucine, and Must be obtained by a diet– Printed from fish, meat, eggs, legumes, dairy products and nuts. Essential for good body function, this amino acid helps repairing tissues, energy production and several metabolic functions.
A risky modification
The purpose of the American study was to test the effects of reducing the intake in isoleucine in mice. According to the results, male mice experienced a Average increase in the lifespan of 33%While women have seen a 7%increase. Other beneficial effects noted included better regulation of blood sugar, an increase in muscle mass and a reduction in the incidence of certain cancers.
Currently, there is no evidence that similar results could apply to humans. It should be noted that our bodies are more complex than those of the mouse, and more importantly, The modification of the contribution of an amino acid seems risky Because it could disrupt certain unwanted biological functions. Consequently, the authors of the study do not recommend a sudden and / or uncontrolled reduction in isoleucine, but rather suggest avoiding excess by choosing foods that contain it more carefully. Researchers also plan to develop treatment to change the biological activity of isoleucine or to modulate your absorption without making significant food changes.
Although these results are promising, several uncertainties remain. For example, the exact mouse mechanisms should be accurately translated into human physiology, and the dose or optimal level of isoleucine necessary to increase the lifespan without causing long -term problems must still be determined.
