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Evidence Review
Caloric Restriction
Verdict
PromisingEvidence Tier
B
Moderate evidence
Human Studies
Yes — CALERIE trial
Typical Cost
$0/mo
Caloric restriction extends lifespan in nearly every organism tested, from yeast to primates. The CALERIE trial showed 25% caloric restriction in humans improved cardiometabolic markers over 2 years. However, sustained caloric restriction is extremely difficult to maintain, and human lifespan extension remains unproven. The biological plausibility is strong; the practical implementation is the challenge.
The full evidence review — including what the CALERIE trial showed and why the most proven longevity intervention in animals is so hard to study in humans — is in Section 3 (Fasting & Dietary Protocols) of The Anti-Longevity Playbook.
Reviewed by Dr. Ramy Khalil, MD · Double Board-Certified Internal Medicine · Last updated March 2026
Does caloric restriction extend human lifespan?
CR extends lifespan in nearly every organism tested. The CALERIE trial showed improved cardiometabolic markers in humans. Human lifespan extension remains unproven, and sustained CR is extremely difficult.
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