Less Protein, Longer Life?

Avoiding an amino acid prevalent in meat and fish could be the key to longevity, a new study suggests. Previous research indicated that severe calorie restriction leads to a long life, but researchers at University College London achieved a similar longevity effect in fruit flies by reducing methionine levels in an otherwise normal calorie diet. Methionine is an amino acid common in meat, fish, and some nuts. Study co-author Matthew Piper says it is too early to say whether a dietary change could benefit humans, but the study suggests it is the type of protein, not the amount, that is important to health. The study was published December 2 in Nature.