Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE)
The CALERIE (Comprehensive Assessment of Long Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy) was a two phases trial focused on testing the effects of caloric restriction (CR) in humans. Preliminary evidence suggests that caloric CR might increase lifespan and delay or slow the progression of a wide variety of age-related morbidities and chronic conditions. The goal of CALERIE Phase I was to retrieve information to assess feasibility and safety of a longer study. CALERIE Phase 2 was a three-site randomized controlled trial in young and middle-aged non-obese, healthy men and women to assess the effects of a two-year 25% CR regimen vs. an ad libitum diet control group. In CALERIE Phase 2, CR group participants achieved 12% CR and sustained 10% weight loss over two years. Research questions addressed posed particular emphasis on the adaptive responses thought to be involved in slowing aging and protecting against age-related disease processes. A further aim was to identify potential adverse effects of CR in humans. The CALERIE database contains physiological and immune functions, physical performance, psychological outcomes, dietary records, disease risk factors, blood chemistry and hematology.
The biospecimen repository includes serum, plasma, urine, buffy coat, muscle (vastus lateralis), and fat (subcutaneous abdominal).