December 10, 2003 NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS "Nutrition news is important. We help you understand it!" Today's Topic: Eat Less, Live Longer During November 2003, several media outlets, including the New York Times, published stories about people who are intentionally eating fewer calories than they need in the hopes of living to 120 or 140 years old. Most of the science behind this idea is based on mice given low calorie diets but sufficient vitamins, minerals, and protein to meet their needs. There was a reduction of heart disease during the World Wars when food was in short supply in Europe. And heart disease is the number one killer in most affluent countries. But we also know that people eating the most calories and getting exercise regularly have a low rate of heart disease. HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: After a few years on this diet, it may seem like 120 years. Although adherents to this diet may be correct, we will have to wait a long time to find out. We do know that skinny animals do not tolerate cold as well. Unless you are going to make supplements one of your favorite food groups, getting all your nutrients from this type of diet is very difficult.