title: Nutrition and energetics in rodent longevity research.
abstract: The impact of calorie amount on aging has been extensively described; however, variation over time and among laboratories in animal diet, housing condition, and strains complicates discerning the true influence of calories (energy) versus nutrients on lifespan. Within the dietary restriction field, single macronutrient manipulations have historically been researched as a means to reduce calories while maintaining adequate levels of essential nutrients. Recent reports of nutritional geometry, including rodent models, highlight the impact macronutrients have on whole organismal aging outcomes. However, other environmental factors (e.g., ambient temperature) may alter nutrient preferences and requirements revealing context specific outcomes. Herein we highlight factors that influence the energetic and nutrient demands of organisms which oftentimes have underappreciated impacts on clarifying interventional effects on health and longevity in aging studies and subsequent translation to improve the human condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
authors.forename: Victoria K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Gibbs
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. Electronic address: dsmithjr@uab.edu.
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D031204:Caloric Restriction / Q000379:methods; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000494:pharmacology; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D008136:Longevity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins
keywords: Carbohydrate; Dietary restriction; Longevity; Macronutrients; Protein; Thermogenesis