Dr. John Ahlen, M.D.
Got your attention? What does this mean?
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) are essential components of growth and development in mammals. They promote and regulate cell growth, muscle mass, bone health, metabolism, and physiology. Rapid growth is good to a point but should slow down as we reach adulthood.
If the levels of IGF-1 and mTOR remain high into adulthood, DNA errors and dysfunctional cells develop, resulting in Parkinson’s disease, cancers, inflammation, and immune suppression. High levels are caused by diet. The number of calories and amount of protein ingested affects the amount of IGF-1 and mTOR produced by your body.
It’s best to follow the World Health Organization recommendations for protein intake: 0.8g protein/kg body weight (or up to 1.0g if 65+). Excess protein risks excess production of IGF-1/mTOR which accelerates aging. Foods known to promote excess IGF-1/mTOR production are fish, poultry, eggs, red meat, and dairy (in decreasing order of methionine production). Foods lowest in methionine production are beans, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits (high to low).
Doctors are learning the vital roles nutrition plays in human health. Recent studies show the amino acid methionine affects the lifespan of mammals by up to 40%. With proper nutrition, the average human lifespan could be 110 years.
It’s important to be aware of new advances in nutritional science and incorporate them into our diets and lifestyle. Then maybe we can live longer, healthier lives!
From a recent talk given at the SaddleBrooke Plant Based Nutrition Group. For information on other group events/talks, go to sbplantbased.com.