Time‑restricted eating to lower cancer risk by boosting mitochondrial health
Impact of Time-Restricted Feeding in Reducing Cancer Risk Through Optimizing Mitochondria Function
Looks at whether eating only during an 8–12 hour window each day can improve cell energy (mitochondria) and lower cancer risk for older adults and people eating a Western‑style diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173766 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are using time‑restricted eating (only eating during an 8–12 hour window each day) to see how it affects the energy makers inside cells called mitochondria. They will study this approach in animal models that mimic aging and obesity and link those results to metabolic signs that matter in people. The team will check whether the eating schedule prevents weight gain, improves metabolism, and slows cancer development or growth. Findings may point to simple daily eating changes or biomarkers that could be tested in future human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies would be older adults or people with overweight/obesity who are willing to try a consistent daily eating window or provide metabolic samples for research.
Not a fit: People who are underweight, have eating disorders, or require specialized medical diets may not benefit from this approach and should not try it without medical advice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a simple, low‑cost eating pattern that lowers cancer risk by improving metabolism and mitochondrial health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies and short human trials have shown metabolic benefits and reduced tumor growth in some obese mice, but the approach remains unproven in aged subjects and long‑term human cancer risk reduction.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Panda, Satchidananda — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Panda, Satchidananda
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.