Les effets de la nutrition sur la longévité

Each living species seems to be characterized by a fixed lifespan, 3 weeks for Caenorhabditis Elegans, 120 years for mankind. A small proportion of human beings reach this limit, but the number of centenarians rapidly increases. The gerontogenes of C. Elegans are identified as well as the factors modifying their expression. The most important among them is caloric restriction. However, caloric restriction is not a realistic recommendation for humans, and even though it would be, it is not certain that it would be efficient to modify man lifespan. Physical activity might have an effect on lifespan through the maintenance of mitochondrial function, more than antioxidants. Nutrition is capable to prevent or delay chronic degenerative diseases, which are the first causes of death, cardiovascular diseases and cancers, especially if associated with other lifestyle factors. Beside, nutrition might improve the quality of life of ageing people by improving mobility and decreasing loss of cerebral functions. The best preventive dietary pattern seems to be the Mediterranean pattern.