‘Anti-ageing’ pill mimics the effects of dieting (without actually cutting down on food)

Repeated scientific studies have shown that there is a simple way to fend off many of the signs of ageing – but it’s one that people aren’t keen on doing.

Studies in fruit flies, roundworms and people have shown that cutting calorie intake by about a third can improve cardiovascular health – and extend life.

But there might be an easier way: a new University of Colorado Boulder study found that a natural supplement called nicotinomide riboside (NR) it mimics the effects of calorie restriction.

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The pill kick-starts the same chemical pathways – and also tends to improve blood pressure and arterial health, particularly in those with mild hypertension, the study found.

The researchers compared two groups of health men, one given NR, and one given a placebo.

Professor Doug Seals said, ‘This was the first ever study to give this novel compound to humans over a period of time.

‘We found that it is well tolerated and appears to activate some of the same key biological pathways that calorie restriction does.’