A Chinese study has come to a surprising conclusion, finding fasting and calorie-restricted diets may actually increase lifespan

Shanghai Jiao Tong University has sought to understand how life can be extended by reducing the calorie intake of mice by 30 per cent. Researchers found changes in specific bacteria in the digestive system, including Lactobacillus, which is correlated with long living.

Professor of Microbiology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Liping Zhao says: “We cannot directly translate everything from mice studies to humans, however, the principle is applicable to humans... we found that this calorie restriction can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and this might contribute to the extended lifespan and healthier status.”

Researchers hold some hope their findings could improve the lives of humans, but reiterate that “each person is different in genetics, in physical activity, age and agenda and everything, so the nutritional requirement for every person is different," according to Liping Zhao.

The study has been published in the journal Nature Communcations.