Lifelong restriction of dietary valine has sex-specific benefits for health and lifespan in mice

Many of the benefits of protein restriction (PR) are mediated by reduced consumption of dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; leucine, valine and isoleucine), and restriction of BCAAs is sufficient to extend healthspan and lifespan in mice. The metabolic benefits of BCAA restriction are mediated by isoleucine and valine, with isoleucine restriction being sufficient to extend lifespan in male mice.

However, the effect of valine restriction on healthy aging remains unknown. In this study, we placed young C57BL/6J mice of both sexes on either control or valine restricted (Val-R) diets and followed them longitudinally as they aged. We found that Val-R-fed male and female mice displayed significantly improved glucose regulation and increased energy expenditure, coinciding with decreased body weight and adiposity.