Hofer · Frontiers in nutrition 2021 · narrative review · n=?

Caloric Restriction Mimetics in Nutrition and Clinical Trials.

Cited 109 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review without systematic methodology or primary human data in the abstract

PubMed 34552954 · doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.717343 · record verified 2026-08-30

What was done

This narrative review synthesized literature on dietary sources, availability, and intake levels of caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs), as well as their reported effects across clinical trials. The evaluated substances included glycolytic inhibitors (such as D-allulose and D-glucosamine), hydroxycitric acid, NAD+ precursors, polyamines (such as spermidine), polyphenols (including resveratrol, dimethoxychalcones, curcumin, EGCG, and quercetin), and salicylic acid.

What was found

No quantitative findings, sample sizes, or effect estimates were reported in the abstract. The authors noted qualitatively that CRM candidates activate autophagy, extend lifespan and healthspan in model organisms, and improve disease markers without requiring caloric reduction.

Why it matters

Caloric restriction mimetics may offer a nutritional approach to elicit the longevity and healthspan benefits of dietary restriction without the challenge of reducing total calorie intake.

Limits

As a narrative review, the abstract provides no systematic search strategy, selection criteria, or quantitative synthesis. No human clinical trial effect sizes, sample sizes, or adverse effect data are provided in the abstract.

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