Abstract

Numerous studies have reported beneficial effects for fasting in cellular and animal models, but human studies have shown conflicting results. Recently, a new diet has been introduced both in the scientific literature and in the lay media, the so-called fasting-mimicking diet. It is mainly characterised by a diet period that imitates fasting (generally 4–5 consecutive days) consisting of low or very low-calorie intake with a low or very low contribution of carbohydrates and proteins and a high fat intake. This protocol has been tested in some experimental animal models that have studied different outcomes, and in two small clinical trials that have reported some alleged beneficial effects especially on cardio-metabolic risk parameters. However, these clinical trials suffer from many limitations that require attention. The purpose of the present paper is to review the experimental and clinical studies that have investigated this particular dietary approach and to critically discuss the results.

摘要

大量研究报道了在细胞和动物模型中禁食的有益作用，但人体研究显示出相互矛盾的结果。近来，在科学文献和非常规媒体中都引入了一种新的饮食，即所谓的禁食模仿饮食。它的主要特征是节食期（禁食期通常是连续4-5天），包括低热量或极低热量的摄入，碳水化合物或蛋白质的低或极低贡献以及高脂肪的摄入。该方案已在一些研究不同结局的实验动物模型中进行了测试，并且在两项小型临床试验中进行了测试，这些试验报告了一些据称的有益作用，尤其是对心脏代谢风险参数的影响。但是，这些临床试验存在许多需要引起注意的局限性。