After four weeks of alternate day fasting, participants had more ketone bodies, even on non-fasting days, which have been shown to promote health in various ways such as protecting the heart.
Ketone bodies, which are molecules produced by the body during fasting, have been found to have anti-aging effects on the vascular system, which could reduce the occurrence of diseases related to blood vessels, such as cardiovascular disease.
Scientists are also researching how ketone bodies may protect against Alzheimer's.
The participants were found to have reduced levels of sICAM-1. This molecule has been linked to age-associated disease, including cardiovascular disease, and inflammation.
Another reduced hormone was triiodothyronine, which regulates metabolism.
Triiodothyronine is a hormone made partly by the thyroid gland and has previously been linked to longevity in humans.
Variations in thyroid function have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
The participants had reduced amino acids, in particular the amino acid methionine. This has been shown to extend the life of rodents in experiments.
To assess how ADF affects the immune system of people long term, the researchers had included a group of 30 people who had already practiced more than six months of strict ADF before the study.
Even after half a year, participants' markers of immune function - such as white blood cells, monocytes and B cells - were stable.
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