# Caloric restriction

Caloric restriction is a sustained cut in your energy intake. Typically that is 10 to 30% below eating freely (ad libitum), but without malnutrition. It switches on conserved nutrient-sensing pathways, including AMPK and sirtuins. At the same time, it turns down mTOR and insulin/IGF-1 signaling. In many rodent models, it extends lifespan. But the effect varies, by strain, sex, age at the start, and protocol. The two non-human primate trials even gave different results (Wisconsin versus NIA). In humans, the CALERIE-2 trial improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced inflammation. (People there achieved about 12% restriction, below the 25% target.)

## Sources

- Mattison JA, Colman RJ, Beasley TM, Allison DB, Kemnitz JW, Roth GS, et al.. (2017). Caloric Restriction Improves Health and Survival of Rhesus Monkeys. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14063
- Kraus WE, Bhapkar M, Huffman KM, Pieper CF, Krupa Das S, Redman LM, Villareal DT, Rochon J, Roberts SB, Ravussin E, Holloszy JO, Fontana L; CALERIE Investigators. (2019). 2 years of calorie restriction and cardiometabolic risk (CALERIE): exploratory outcomes of a multicentre, phase 2, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30151-2

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/glossary/caloric-restriction · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_