It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.
Exploratory analysis of a trial: 3 cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet were associated with lower insulin resistance, less liver fat, a 'younger' immune system, and a lower estimated biological age. Secondary/exploratory analysis, to be confirmed.
View the study (study) →In mice, 4 days of FMD reduce the size of several organs and, upon refeeding, stem and progenitor cells increase and regeneration occurs. The cycles extended lifespan, rejuvenated the immune system, and generated new neurons in the hippocampus of old mice. In a pilot trial in people, three cycles lowered risk factors for aging, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
View the study →Randomized trial with 100 healthy adults: 5 days of FMD per month for 3 months lowered weight, trunk and total fat, blood pressure, and IGF-1, with no serious adverse effects.
View the study →In mice with a multiple sclerosis model, 3-day cycles of FMD reduced severity in all animals (symptoms disappeared in 20%), regenerated myelin precursor cells, and remyelinated axons. In patients, there are preliminary data that it is safe and feasible.
View the study →Diet · Highest evidence: Low-moderate · 1 finding
The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) was designed to achieve effects similar to those of prolonged fasting with less risk: about 4-5 days of a diet very low in calories, sugars, and protein, and rich in unsaturated fats. In mice, after each cycle and on returning to normal eating, stem and progenitor cells increase and several organs regenerate; repeated cycles extended lifespan, rejuvenated the immune system, and generated new neurons in the hippocampus of old mice (Brandhorst 2015, preclinical (A)). In models of multiple sclerosis it regenerated myelin precursor cells and remyelinated axons (Choi 2016, preclinical (A)).
In people, a randomized trial with 100 healthy adults showed that three monthly cycles lower weight, trunk fat, blood pressure, and IGF-1, with no serious adverse effects (Wei 2017, RCT (AA)). Regeneration through stem cells, however, has only been demonstrated in animals.
Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.
Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.