Dietary restriction of micronutrients to slow ageing and treat disease

Ageing is a major challenge in our society. Many age-related diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and dementia are thought to share mechanisms fundamental to the ageing process. Interventions into ageing itself therefore have the potential to transform our well-being. The most potent of these interventions is dietary restriction (DR): reducing food intake but avoiding malnutrition. Previous research has suggested intake of protein is responsible for these effects. In my lab I recently found that restriction of micronutrients can have similar effects. I propose that the restriction of micronutrients is easier to apply in humans and will also provide us more information on the underlying mechanisms that could be used to develop drugs. My fellowship will use a comprehensive study in the fruit fly to test the effects of micronutrients on lifespan and disease. These studies will together provide novel insights on how to reap the health benefits of DR.