Results of a decades long study published today in the journal Science suggest that calorie restriction may be associated with a longer lifespan. The study, led by Richard Weindruch at the University of Wisconsin, examined patterns in a sample of 76 rhesus monkeys -- half of whom consumed a diet with about 30% lesser calories than the diets of monkeys allowed to eat when hungry.

Calorie restriction was started when the monkeys became adults -- which was at about 7 to 14 years of age. The animals were then followed until their late 20's and survival rates were compared between the two groups.

The researchers found that by the time monkeys were in their late 20's (corresponding to late adulthood in humans), 63% of calorie restricted animals were still living compared to 45% of the monkeys who ate when hungry. The rate of death due to cardiovascular disease was especially high in the free eaters compared to the those that were fed fewer calories (14 deaths versus 5 deaths).

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Living the Science Recommended Resources: Health Benefits of Calorie Restriction
The CR Way: Using the Secrets of Calorie Restriction for a Longer, Healthier Life