Despite the growing interest in calorie restriction and intermittent fasting in the scientific community, there is a lack of standardization in their implementation in humans. Clinical trials have had to create their own protocols, with the fasting mimicking diet being a recent development in this field. The challenge lies in the difficulty of monetizing these practices, leading to a lack of detailed assessment or improvement in protocols. It is unlikely that the current approaches are optimal, and little effort is being made to enhance them.
Caloric restriction, when carefully managed, can be an effective strategy for weight control and obesity management in humans. It has the potential to impact the aging process and prevent various diseases. Implementing caloric restriction involves creating a balance between energy intake and expenditure. However, micronutrient intake may be reduced without proper supplementation. Research on micronutrient requirements during caloric restriction is limited, highlighting the need for further exploration in this area.
Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1363181