Restriction of calorie intake (10-40% reduction) has health benefits and improves survival in many species. However, new findings show that non-human primates receiving a reduced-calorie diet do not live longer than control animals given a healthy diet. In a >=20-year study conducted at the National Institute of Aging (NIA), Dickerson, USA, calorie restriction did not increase longevity or influence cause of death in macaques that were aged 16-23 years when the diet was imposed. However, these animals weighed less and had lower serum levels of triglycerides than did controls. Additionally, male macaques in the calorie-restricted group had lower levels of fasting glucose, cholesterol and plasma free isoprostane, a marker of oxidative stress.
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