Researchers say that most short-term randomized controlled trials have found that TRE improves certain measures of cardiometabolic risk, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. However, the long-term effects are unknown.

The goal of this study was to determine whether TRE is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, not just specific causes.

To gather information about the dietary patterns of the more than 20,000 American adults who participated in the study, the research team examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2018 and compared it to compared with information on people who died in Retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Mortality Index Database.

In addition to the previously mentioned findings about increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, researchers found that people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and eating hours between 8 and 10 hours had a 66% higher risk of dying from stroke or heart disease. Did.

TRE also did not reduce the overall risk of death from any cause.

However, eating less than 16 hours a day was associated with a lower risk of death in people with the disease.

The study authors said in a press release that they were “surprised” by the results because TRE showed short-term cardiometabolic effects.

“It is critical for patients, especially those with pre-existing heart disease or cancer, to be aware of the association between the eight-hour meal window and increased risk of cardiovascular death,” said lead author Victor Wenze.・Dr. Zong said. D.

“Our findings encourage a more careful and individualized approach to dietary recommendations, ensuring that recommendations are consistent with individual health status and the latest scientific evidence. .”

Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, said the increased risk may be due to underlying metabolic effects and dietary patterns.

“Restricting food intake to eight hours can lead to overconsumption during the meal period, especially if the individual is compensating by eating large meals or eating unhealthy foods,” she explained. “This can contribute to metabolic dysregulation such as insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar levels, and increased inflammation, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.”

Best also noted that long-term fasting can trigger a stress response in the body, raising cortisol and affecting cardiovascular health.

Continued “extreme dietary patterns” can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, which can further exacerbate cardiovascular risk factors, she said.

“Thus, while intermittent fasting can provide benefits such as weight loss and improved metabolic health when practiced properly, an 8-hour time-restricted eating window can affect overall diet quality and lifestyle. If not followed carefully and balanced with style factors, it can pose a risk.” € Best Conclusion.

“This study doesn’t actually show a cause-and-effect relationship between intermittent fasting and cardiovascular death, just a correlation,” said Katherine Rall, MD, a registered dietitian at Happy V. ”.

This means that although there is a statistical association between TRE and deaths, the study is not structured in such a way that it can be conclusively said that there was not some third factor that actually caused these deaths. It means that.

“We also can’t control other underlying factors, such as what people were eating or what underlying health conditions they had,” she says.

Karishma Patwa, M.D., a cardiologist at the Manhattan Department of Cardiology in New York City and a contributor to LabFinder, says, “TRE shouldn’t be completely eliminated, but it’s important to always live a healthy lifestyle and avoid luxuries.” The focus should be on spending time.” In moderation. ”

When it comes to specific diets, Patois suggests the Mediterranean-DASH diet, also known as the MIND diet.

“The Mediterranean DASH diet has been shown to reduce CV risk,” she said.

This diet provides a fusion of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.

Both of these meal plans focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

It also recommends avoiding processed foods, added sugars, and excessive sodium intake.

One study found that people who ate their meals that day within eight hours had a 91% increased risk of cardiovascular death.

People with cancer or heart disease also had a higher risk of cardiovascular death.

The study also found that this dietary pattern was not associated with longer life.

Time-restricted eating can have metabolic effects that affect cardiovascular health.

A safer eating pattern may involve moderation and healthy food choices.