Caloric restriction (CR) does not consistently extend lifespan in primates or mice, as several studies show no significant increase in lifespan despite trends favoring CR. Research from various sources, including a long-term study on rhesus monkeys and genetic variation studies on mice, indicates that while CR may delay disease onset, its impact on overall mortality is not statistically significant. Notably, CR responses tend to vary by genotype and dietary conditions may influence results.

1. Calorie Restriction does not extend
lifespan in primates (or mice)

2. 1935
30-40% lifespan
increase in rodents
on CR
McCay, C. M.; Crowell, Mary F. Prolonging the Life Span. The Scientific
Monthly, 1934, Volume 39, Issue 5, pp. 405-414

3. ?

4. 2009 Study on 41 Strains of Mice
40% CR vs Ad-Lib
“the longest lifespan achieved under DR did not
exceed the longest achieved under AL feeding”
increased deceased
male 5% 27%
female 21% 26%
Liao CY, Rikke BA, Johnson TE, Diaz V, Nelson JF. Genetic variation in the
murine lifespan response to dietary restriction: from life extension to life
shortening. Aging Cell. 2010 Feb;9(1):92-5.

5. 1989-2009 Study at University of Wisconsin
30% CR vs Ad Lib
Difference in “overall” mortality
is not statistically
significant, but trends in the
direction of a CR benefit.
Colman RJ, Anderson RM, Johnson SC, Kastman EK, Kosmatka KJ, Beasley TM,
Allison DB, Cruzen C, Simmons HA, Kemnitz JW, Weindruch R. Caloric restriction
delays disease onset and mortality in rhesus monkeys. Science. 2009 Jul
10;325(5937):201-4.

6. 1989-2009 Study at University of Wisconsin
30% CR vs Ad Lib
Difference in “overall” mortality
is not statistically
significant, but trends in the
direction of a CR benefit.
Control
monkeys
Colman RJ, Anderson RM, Johnson SC, Kastman EK, Kosmatka KJ, Beasley TM, were
Allison DB, Cruzen C, Simmons HA, Kemnitz JW, Weindruch R. Caloric restriction
delays disease onset and mortality in rhesus monkeys. Science. 2009 Jul obese.
10;325(5937):201-4.

8. 1987-2012 NIA CR Study
Control diet was not ad-lib to avoid obesity.
30% CR on Rhesus Monkeys
Began 1987
No Lifespan
Mattison JA, Roth GS, Beasley TM, Tilmont EM, Handy AM, Herbert RL, Longo DL,
Allison DB, Young JE, Bryant M, Barnard D, Ward WF, Qi W, Ingram DK, de Cabo R.
Impact of caloric restriction on health and survival in rhesus monkeys from the
Increase On CR
NIA study. Nature. 2012 Aug 29.

9. Summary
Obese < CR
Normal = CR
CR response varies by genotype (risky)