The Health-Promoting Effects and the Mechanism of Intermittent Fasting

Abstract

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern in which individuals go extended periods with little or no energy intake after consuming regular food in intervening periods. IF has several health-promoting effects. It can effectively reduce weight, fasting insulin levels, and blood glucose levels. It can also increase the antitumor activity of medicines and cause improvement in the case of neurological diseases, such as memory deficit, to achieve enhanced metabolic function and prolonged longevity. Additionally, IF activates several biological pathways to induce autophagy, encourages cell renewal, prevents cancer cells from multiplying and spreading, and delays senescence. However, IF has specific adverse effects and limitations when it comes to people of a particular age and gender. Hence, a more systematic study on the health-promoting effects and safety of IF is needed. This article reviewed the research on the health-promoting effects of IF, providing a theoretical basis, direction for subsequent basic research, and information related to the clinical application of IF.

Figure 1

Summary of biological mechanisms of IF intervention in obesity and T2DM.

Figure 2

Summary of biological mechanisms of IF intervention in cancer.

Figure 3

Summary of biological mechanisms of IF intervention in neurological diseases.

Figure 4

Summary of biological mechanisms of IF intervention in aging.

Figure 5

Summary of multiple biological mechanisms of IF. ULK1: uncoordinated 51-like kinase-1; mTORC1: mammalian target of rapamycin protein complex-1; BDNF: brain-derived neurotrophic factor; CREB: cAMP-response element-binding protein; IGF-1: insulin-like growth factor-1; AMPK: AMP-dependent protein kinase; PS-1: presenilin-1; PSD95: postsynaptic density-95; TrkB: tropomyosin receptor kinase B; Atg13: autophagy-associated gene 13; BNIP3: Bcl2/adenovirus E1B 19 kD-interacting protein 3; SPK2: sphingosine kinase-2; CARM1: coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase-1; GS: glutamine synthetase; Gln: glutamine; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase; Akt: protein kinase B; GSK3β: glycogen synthase kinase 3β.

Figure 6

Summary of the negative effects of IF.