Restriction of amino acids extends lifespan in fruit flies

[Guest guest]

Dietary restriction extends adult Drosophila melanogaster life span

when the concentration of dietary yeast is diluted in a media with

abundant carbohydrates. Here we vary the concentration of casein as a

source of amino acids in adult diet to uncover a quality of nutrient

yeast responsible for longevity control. Longevity is maximized upon

diet with intermediary levels of casein. Differences in survival are

not caused by elevated age-independent mortality; the longevity

maximum at intermediate casein does not arise because casein is

non-specifically harmful at higher concentrations. Furthermore,

fecundity increases when the level of dietary casein is elevated. The

demographic phenotypes of adult Drosophila maintained on intermediate

levels of casein resemble their response to limited dietary yeast.

Dietary restriction through dilution of yeast may extend longevity

because this limits the intake of amino acids.

PMID: 16616772

http://tinyurl.com/ydjcl6

-Happy Thanksgiving,

Diane