Faculty Peer Reviewed A low calorie diet, high adiponectin
levels, new anti-cancer agents, and for patients on
erythropoietin, hemoglobin levels between 9-12 g/dL are on the
prescription pad this summer. The New York Times reported that a
low calorie diet may extend life in primates. Researchers at the
University of Wisconsin have been studying rhesus monkeys and
the effects of low calorie diets on their health and mortality.
As the average lifespan of rhesus monkeys is 27 years, the study
started over 20 years ago and is still ongoing. Monkeys on low
calorie diets, defined as 30% less calories than regular diets,
have had fewer incidences of diabetes, cancer, and
cardiovascular disease. We already know that low calorie diets
and decreased obesity prevent diabetes. However, having high
levels of adiponectin, a hormone secreted only by fat cells, may
also protect against diabetes. A meta-analysis published in JAMA
of 13 prospective studies of plasma adiponectin levels before
the onset of diabetes in patients s