Dietary zinc restriction mimics protein restriction and extends lifespan in Drosophila

Dietary restriction extends lifespan in model organisms, mainly through dietary amino acids. Compared to macronutrients, the effect of dietary micronutrients on organismal lifespan has not been intensively investigated. Here, using a synthetic diet, we test whether restriction of each micronutrient, including vitamins and minerals, affects lifespan and fecundity in adult Drosophila. While restriction of many of these micronutrients have either negative or no impact on lifespan, zinc (Zn) restriction alone can increase it. Dietary Zn restriction (ZnR) decreases fecundity, increases starvation resistance, and promotes preference for feeding amino acids, in adult females, phenocopying dietary amino acid restriction. Our study demonstrates that dietary intake of trace elements has profound impacts on physiology and lifespan, and that limiting dietary zinc may be a strategy to improve the healthspan of animals.