Fasting, not calorie count, boosts lifespan in mice: study - FRANCE 24

Researchers looking at mice on different diets found those who were fed fewer calories in a single daily feeding lived longer than mice eating the same number of calories distributed throughout the day.

"Instead, calorie restricted diets ensure that mice are fasted for much of the day – and that imposed fasting-period (when we eat) is critical for the benefits of calorie restriction to life and health.".

The study shows that mice on a calorie restricted diet with 21 hours between meals lived about half a year longer than mice who ate as much as they wanted at any time of day.

Mice with constant access to a low-calorie diet, on the other hand, lived lightly shorter lives than the control group, even though they consumed fewer calories.

"The imposed fasting period is essential for the benefits of a calorie restricted diet," Lamming said.

Though their longevity was not measured, the mice in the last group -- which fasted without reducing calorie intake -- showed just as many health benefits as the group that ate fewer calories and fasted.