For decades, researchers have been trying to unravel why a severe and prolonged reduction in calorie intake extends life for many animals. Now, a team has found a molecule that could provide caloric restriction in a pill ― at least for flies and worms.
The molecule, called lithocholic acid, is made by bacteria in the gut and aids the digestion of fats. In two papers1,2 published on 18 December in Nature, researchers show that lithocholic acid can extend lifespan in nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and make old mice spry again.
There is no evidence yet that taking lithocholic acid would have the same effect in humans. At high doses, it could be toxic.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-04220-5
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The size effect of the bile acid is ridiculously low. Not even close to what a CR can do.
Here is the paper:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08329-5#Fig4
Here is the result:
I prefer to focus on the big interventions until proven otherwise.
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