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Caloric Restriction Delays Disease Onset and Mortality in Rhesus Monkeys

Ricki J. Colman, Rozalyn M. Anderson, Sterling C. Johnson, Erik K. Kastman, Kristopher J. Kosmatka, T. Mark Beasley, David B. Allison, Christina Cruzen, Heather A. Simmons, Joseph W. Kemnitz,

Science · 2009 · 2.2K citations · 14 references

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TL;DR

Caloric restriction delays aging and extends lifespan across species, yet its effect on disease resistance and mortality in primates has remained unclear. The study aimed to determine whether long‑term caloric restriction reduces disease incidence and mortality in rhesus monkeys. Researchers conducted a 20‑year longitudinal adult‑onset caloric‑restriction trial in rhesus monkeys. Moderate caloric restriction lowered aging‑related mortality, increased survival from 50 % to 80 %, and reduced the incidence of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and brain atrophy, demonstrating slowed aging in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract

Caloric restriction (CR), without malnutrition, delays aging and extends life span in diverse species; however, its effect on resistance to illness and mortality in primates has not been clearly established. We report findings of a 20-year longitudinal adult-onset CR study in rhesus monkeys aimed at filling this critical gap in aging research. In a population of rhesus macaques maintained at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, moderate CR lowered the incidence of aging-related deaths. At the time point reported, 50% of control fed animals survived as compared with 80% of the CR animals. Furthermore, CR delayed the onset of age-associated pathologies. Specifically, CR reduced the incidence of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and brain atrophy. These data demonstrate that CR slows aging in a primate species.