It appears that caloric restriction works by slowing biological
aging in many ways, including decreasing ROS damage to cells, limiting
inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and repairing damaged
cells. Certain nutrients have demonstrated similar effects, leading one
group of researchers (Lemon JA et al 2005) to attempt to mimic CRON
with a formula containing 31 ingredients that included a wide range of
antioxidants and nutrients that have been extensively studied in humans
(such as vitamin E, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, glutathione precursors,
and essential fatty acids).
This formula was given to normal mice and mice that over-expressed
growth hormone. The mice that over-expressed growth hormone were larger
and had a shorter life span than the normal ones, presumably because
they aged faster.
The results were dramatic. Supplementation extended the life span of
the growth hormone mice by 28 percent, to 431 days. In normal mice,
supplementation extended life span by 11 percent on average, from 688
days to 765 days (Lemon JA et al 2005).
How does this 11 percent increase in longevity in normal mice
compare to caloric restriction? Although a CRON group was not included
in the study described above, other investigators have reported that 40
percent restriction in calories increased survival in the same strain
of mice about 19 percent (Forster MJ et al 2003). Thus, supplementation
yielded about half as much longevity as caloric restriction.
Unfortunately, this mix of nutrients was developed for mice and
isn't available for humans. However, the Vitamin Depot Online.com Foundation is
able to offer many of the same nutrients that were used in this study
at doses more appropriate to humans.
Vitamin Depot Online.com Foundation Recommendations
Although there are no studies confirming that CRON extends life span
in primates or humans, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it
works in other life forms (including invertebrates, mice, rats, dogs,
and other animals tested in laboratories) by increasing markers of
longevity or by actually increasing longevity.
Before going on a CRON program, the Vitamin Depot Online.com Foundation
recommends that you obtain a blood chemistry profile. This will allow
you to monitor your progress through subsequent blood tests. During
CRON, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels should fall, as should
insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels. HDL should rise. Blood
pressure, which can be measured at most pharmacies without charge,
should fall. For more information on blood testing, call 1-800-544-4440
or visit www.lef.org. If you intend
to practice severe caloric restriction (30 percent to 40 percent), we
recommend that you do so under the care of a knowledgeable physician.
The Vitamin Depot Online.com Foundation suggests that you reduce calories by
eating plenty of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, soluble fiber,
and lean protein. For more advice on a healthy diet, see your physician
or a qualified nutritionist, or call 1-800-544-4440.
Before each meal, take one of the following:
8 to 9 grams (g) of Enhanced Fiber Food Powder (flavored or unflavored)
8 to 9 g of high lignan flaxseed powder
3 to 6 capsules of PGX soluble fiber blend
With each meal, take one to four capsules of Super Digestive Enzymes to ensure efficient absorption of nutrients.
Supplement with the following nutrients:
Vitamin Depot Online.com Mix—Follow label directions (some supplements listed above are already contained in the Mix).
Acetyl-L-carnitine—300 milligrams (mg) of acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride and 320 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine arginate dihydrochloride
An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be
launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of
the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects.
These include:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Coenzyme Q10
See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if
you take CoQ10 and have diabetes. Several clinical reports suggest that
taking CoQ10 may improve glycemic control and the function of beta
cells in people who have type 2 diabetes.
Statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin) are known to decrease CoQ10 levels.
DHEA
Do not take DHEA if you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or could have prostate, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
EPA/DHA
Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin
(Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of
bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
Fiber
Take fiber supplements with a full 8-ounce glass of water.
Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily while taking fiber.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using flaxseed before any surgical procedure.
Consult your doctor before taking flaxseed if you have hemophilia or if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Flaxseed can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Garlic
Garlic has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using garlic before any surgical procedure.
Garlic can cause headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vertigo,
watery eyes, asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and
diarrhea.
Ingesting large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath and body odor.
Ginkgo biloba
Individuals with a known risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage,
systematic arterial hypertension, diabetes, or seizures should avoid
ginkgo.
Do not use prior to or after surgery.
Avoid concomitant use of ginkgo with NSAIDS, blood thinners, diuretics, or SSRI’s.
Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhea) may occur.
Allergic skin reactions may occur.
Elevations in blood pressure may occur.
Ginseng
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Overuse of ginseng can increase blood pressure.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you take
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or warfarin
(Coumadin). Taking NSAIDs or warfarin with ginseng can increase the
risk of bleeding.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have
diabetes. Taking ginseng can cause an extreme drop in your blood
glucose level.
Ginseng can cause breast pain, vaginal bleeding after menopause, insomnia, headaches, and nosebleeds.
Lipoic Acid
Consult your doctor before taking lipoic acid if you have diabetes
and glucose intolerance. Monitor your blood glucose level frequently.
Lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels.
Melatonin
Do not take melatonin if you are depressed.
Do not take high doses of melatonin if you are trying to
conceive. High doses of melatonin have been shown to inhibit ovulation.
Melatonin can cause morning grogginess, a feeling of having a
hangover or a “heavy head,” or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea
and diarrhea.
Vitamin E
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a
history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic
stroke, or hemophilia.
Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure.
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