Previous studies have shown that a diet low in sulfur-containing amino acids can cause animals to lose fat rapidly. At the same time, this type of diet has been linked to a longer lifespan, writes SciTechDaily.
However, there is a downside. According to research published in Aging, this diet weakens bones.
It reduces bone density and lowers the number of cells that build bone tissue.
At the same time, the amount of fat in the bone marrow increases, which may affect bone strength.
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Testing new methods
The study, led by Naidu B. Ommi from the Orentreich Foundation, investigated whether it is possible to avoid these problems.
The researchers worked with overweight mice and tested different ways of influencing the body’s metabolism.
The focus was particularly on the substance glutathione, which is important for cellular function.
Among other approaches, the researchers used a compound called BSO, which lowers glutathione levels without changing the diet.
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By comparing different groups, they were able to observe how both weight and bones were affected by the various treatments.
A key difference
The results showed a clear difference. Mice on the restrictive diet lost weight but also developed weaker bones.
In contrast, mice treated with BSO lost weight without sustaining bone damage.
According to the study, it may be possible to achieve fat loss without negatively affecting bones.
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However, the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed before the method can be widely used.
Sources: SciTechDaily and Aging.
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