Improvement of metabolic parameters in healthy older adult men following a fasting calorie restriction intervention

Abstract

Objective: Calorie restriction and intermittent fasting are two dietary interventions that can improve aging. Religious fasting also suggested having similar benefit; however, such studies are still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of fasting calorie restriction (FCR) on metabolic parameters and DNA damage among healthy older adult men.

Methods: A randomized controlled study was done on men, aged 50–70 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Subjects were divided into two groups; FCR (reduction of 300–500 kcal/d combined with 2 days/week of Muslim Sunnah Fasting) and control. Assessment was ascertained at three time point; baseline, weeks 6 and 12. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profile, DNA damage and malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results: The FCR group reduced their energy intake for approximately 18% upon completion of the study. A significant interaction effect was found in body weight, body mass index, fat percentage, fat mass, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the ratio of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). A significant improvement (p < 0.001) in total DNA rejoining cells and MDA (p < 0.05) was also observed in the FCR group.

Conclusion: FCR improved metabolic parameters and DNA damage in healthy older adult men. Therefore, there is a need to further examine the mechanism of FCR.

• Aging
• calorie restriction
• fasting
• nutrition
• religious fasting

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the fieldworkers and health staff who participated during the data collection.