Table 1

Summary of aging-related diseases affected by caloric restriction in experimental animal models and clinical trials^a

Diseases

Findings

Rodents

Nonhuman primates

Humans

References

Cancer

CR prevents a broad range of cancer incidences, including breast and gastrointestinal cancer.

Y

Y

Y/?

[17,13,23]

Diabetes

CR improves glucose homeostasis and prevents diabetes.

Y

Y

Y

[18,13,23,24]

Cardiovascular diseases

CR lowers blood pressure and favorably alters lipid profile, resulting in significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and related complications.

Y

Y

Y

[19,13,22-24]

Neurodegenerative diseases

CR reduces aging-associated neuronal loss and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Y

Y

Y/?

[20,13,23]

Immune deficiencies

CR delays the onset of T-lymphocyte-dependent autoimmune diseases.

Y

Y/?

Y/?

[21]

^aCR, caloric restriction; Y, CR has effects on relevant physiological changes; Y/?, not resolved or not reported.

Li et al. BMC Medicine 2011 9:98   doi:10.1186/1741-7015-9-98