Valter Longo

Valter Longo is an Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist known for his research on the role of fasting and nutrient response genes in promoting longevity and healthspan. He is a professor of gerontology and biological sciences at the University of Southern California (USC) and the director of the USC Longevity Institute.

Early Life and Education

Valter Longo was born in Genoa, Italy. He moved to the United States to pursue higher education. Longo received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of North Texas and later earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Research and Contributions

Longo's research primarily focuses on the mechanisms of aging and the development of dietary interventions to promote longevity. He is best known for his work on the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), a dietary regimen designed to mimic the effects of fasting while providing essential nutrients. This diet has been shown to have various health benefits, including improved metabolic health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced longevity.

Fasting and Longevity

Longo's studies have demonstrated that periodic fasting can activate cellular pathways that promote stress resistance, cellular repair, and regeneration. His research has shown that fasting can reduce the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone associated with aging and cancer, and increase the levels of protective proteins such as sirtuins and autophagy-related proteins.

ProLon Diet

Longo is also the creator of the ProLon diet, a commercially available version of the Fasting Mimicking Diet. The ProLon diet is a five-day meal program that provides the body with essential nutrients while mimicking the effects of fasting. It has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and reduced inflammation.

Awards and Recognition

Valter Longo has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of aging and longevity, including the Nathan Shock Award from the National Institute on Aging and the Merz Professorship in Aging Research.

Publications

Longo has published extensively in scientific journals and has authored several books on aging and nutrition. His book, "The Longevity Diet," outlines his dietary recommendations for promoting health and longevity based on his research findings.

See Also

• Gerontology
• Caloric restriction
• Autophagy
• Sirtuins
• Insulin-like growth factor 1