People who eat fewer calories for many years have more proteins in their muscles that help clean up damaged proteins and cell parts, which might explain why calorie restriction could slow aging.
Scientific Claim
Long-term calorie restriction in humans is associated with higher levels of molecular chaperones and autophagic mediators in skeletal muscle compared to control groups, which are involved in cellular protein quality control and removal of dysfunctional proteins and organelles, suggesting a potential mechanism for CR's effects on aging.
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is observational and only shows association, so 'associated with' is appropriate. The claim correctly states the finding without implying causation.
Source Excerpt
“Our data indicate that CR in humans is associated with sustained rises in serum cortisol, reduced inflammation, and increases in key molecular chaperones and autophagic mediators involved in cellular protein quality control and removal of dysfunctional proteins and organelles.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Evidence (1)
The abstract states that CR is associated with increases in molecular chaperones and autophagic mediators involved in cellular quality control. The connection to aging is a theoretical interpretation of the finding.
Long-Term Calorie Restriction Enhances Cellular Quality-Control Processes in Human Skeletal Muscle.