There are a variety of risks that are associated with calorie restriction diets. These include: loss of muscle mass, reduced bone density, memory loss, anemia, dizziness, and depression. Due to the reduced caloric intake, malnutrition is also a concern, with inadequate intakes of vitamins and nutrients leading to heart failure and death ("Calorie restriction," 2007). Of primary concern is the reduced intake in fatty acids, which is often associated with a low-fat, calorie restricted diet (Tsai et al., 2004).
Conclusion:
As humans continue their pursuit of evading the aging process, one method has gained considerable scientific interest -- the calorie restriction diet. By reducing the amount of calories consumed by 20 to 40%, studies have shown an increase in life span in organisms from yeast to humans. However, there are risks involved in this diet that need to be taken into consideration.
References
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Calorie restriction:Is this anti-aging diet worth a try? (11 May 2007). Retrieved April 21, 2009, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anti-aging/HQ00233.
Levenson, C. & Rich, N. (Sep 2007). Eat less, live longer? New insights into the role of caloric restriction in the brain. Nutrition Reviews, 65(9). Retrieved April 21, 2009, from Alt HealthWatch.
Masoro, E. (2007). Role of hormesis in life extension by caloric restriction. Dose-Response, 5(2). Retrieved April 21, 2009, from Academic Search Complete.
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Tsai, E., Brown, J., Veldee, M., Anderson, G., Chait, A., & Brunzell, J. (2004). Potential of essential fatty acid deficiency with extremely low fat diet in lipoprotein lipase deficiency during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth, 4. Retrieved April 21, 2009, from Academic Search Complete.
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