A recent study emphasizes the importance of adolescents seeking guidance from a healthcare professional prior to initiating any intermittent fasting plan. This consultation is crucial to evaluate the potential risks and benefits, as well as to identify the most suitable approach tailored to their specific needs. The research, published in Cell Reports, revealed that while short-term fasting is safe for individuals of all ages, prolonged fasting may lead to issues with insulin production in young individuals, mirroring early-stage Type 1 diabetes.

Potential risks of intermittent fasting for teens

A German study revealed that intermittent fasting produced contrasting effects on mice of varying ages. While it enhanced health outcomes in older mice, it negatively impacted the development of pancreatic cells in younger mice, indicating possible risks for adolescents and young adults.

The findings of the study underscore the significant influence of age on the advantages or disadvantages associated with intermittent fasting. Extended fasting was found to hinder cell development in younger subjects, particularly affecting the insulin-producing beta cells. These outcomes raise important concerns regarding the safety of intermittent fasting practices for children and teenagers.

“Our study confirms that intermittent fasting is beneficial for adults, but it might come with risks for children and teenagers,” stated Stephan Herzig, a professor at the Technical University of Munich and director of the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer at Helmholtz Munich.

More about the study

The research examined three distinct groups of mice: young (comparable to human adolescence), middle-aged (adult), and elderly. Each group adhered to a specific eating regimen that involved a 24-hour fasting period followed by 48 hours of normal eating. The researchers monitored the physiological effects of this regimen over both short-term (5 weeks) and long-term (10 weeks) durations.

Initially, all age groups exhibited improvements in their glucose metabolism, which is a favourable outcome. However, after prolonged periods of intermittent fasting, notable differences became apparent among the age groups. While the older and middle-aged mice continued to experience positive effects, the young mice began to exhibit concerning changes.

“Intermittent fasting is generally believed to be beneficial for beta cells, so we were taken aback to discover that young mice produced less insulin following the extended fasting,” stated co-lead author Leonardo Matta from Helmholtz Munich.

Conversely, the older mice demonstrated tangible benefits from the prolonged fasting intervals. Their insulin-producing cells functioned more effectively, and they exhibited enhanced blood sugar regulation. In contrast, the middle-aged mice maintained consistent functionality, indicating that mature organisms respond to fasting differently than those still in development.

This age-related response calls into question the widely held notion that intermittent fasting is universally advantageous. The findings imply that while mature adults may gain from this dietary approach, younger individuals might be exposing themselves to potential risks, especially if they persist with this practice over extended periods.

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