A study in mice found that limited intakes of isoleucine, one of the three essential amino acids used to build proteins in our bodies, slowed the impacts of ageing and even lengthened their lifespan. The researchers are now wondering if these findings could help people improve their longevity and quality of life. Isoleucine is one of three branched-chain amino acids we use to build proteins in our bodies, but since our cells can't produce it from scratch, we have to get it from sources like eggs, dairy, soy protein, and meats.
The mice were around six months old at the start of the study, which is the equivalent age of a 30 year old person. They could eat as much as they wanted, but only from the specific kind of food provided to their group. Restricting dietary isoleucine increased the lifespan and health span of the mice, reduced their frailty, and promoted leanness and glycemic control. Male mice had their lifespans increased 33 percent compared to those whose isoleucine was not restricted, and females had a 7 percent increase.
The mice given low isoleucine food also ate significantly more calories than the others, but rather than gaining weight, they actually burned more energy and maintained leaner body weights, even though their activity levels were no different. The researchers think restricting isoleucine in humans, either by diet or pharmaceutical means, has the potential to yield similar anti-ageing effects. Here are some examples of daily food products that contain a low amount of isoleucine: Ginger ,Honey, Margarine, Olives, Basil.
Restricting protein intake in general, for instance, has detrimental effects on the body, mouse or human. Translating this research for real-world human use is more complicated than just reducing intake of high-protein foods. Narrowing these benefits down to a single amino acid gets us closer to understanding the biological processes and potentially developing interventions for humans, like an isoleucine-blocking drug.
The research is published in Cell Metabolism.
by- AKSHANK OZA
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