Researchers discovered that intermittent fasting increases myelin levels in aged mice, which in turn enhances neural function and coordination.

The fasting group exhibited a higher prevalence of longer myelinated fibers, suggesting potential benefits from fasting on myelination processes.

In physical function tests, fasting mice outperformed their control counterparts, demonstrating improved coordination by matching the performance of young mice on a balance beam test and holding on longer in a wire hanging test.

Additionally, levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) were significantly higher in fasting mice, although no increase in MAG was observed in the motor cortex.

While this study was limited to mice, it aligns with previous research suggesting that dietary interventions, like intermittent fasting, could support brain health in aging populations.

The findings underscore the need for further research to explore the potential benefits of intermittent fasting on myelin and muscle coordination in older humans.

Interestingly, while the fasting mice showed reduced axonal diameters, they also had increased myelin levels, highlighting a complex relationship between myelin and axonal health.

A recent study involving three groups of mice—ten young, ten older, and eight older mice subjected to intermittent fasting for ten weeks—has revealed significant insights into the effects of dietary interventions on brain health.

However, cognitive function, as assessed through a Y maze test, showed no benefits from intermittent fasting in aged mice.

Brain connectivity analysis indicated altered connections in the fasting group, with reduced connectivity in ten areas and increased connectivity in seven, particularly those associated with motor functions and sensory input.

Muscle analysis revealed that although maximum nerve-to-muscle signal strength remained unchanged, fasting mice exhibited higher average signal strength, leading to quicker reactions and greater force exertion.