Research paper
Mattson MP, Allison DB, Fontana L, Harvie M, Longo VD, Malaisse WJ, Mosley M, Notterpek L, Ravussin E, Scheer FAJL, Seyfried TN, Varady KA, Panda S. Meal frequency and timing in health and disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014;111(47):16647-16653. doi:10.1073/pnas.1413965111. PMID: 25404320. PMCID: PMC4250148.
Why we cite it
Perspective paper in PNAS by 13 researchers spanning neuroscience, metabolism, circadian biology, oncology, and nutrition. Synthesizes evidence from evolutionary biology, circadian science, and molecular mechanisms to argue that modern eating patterns (three meals plus snacks) are evolutionarily abnormal and that intermittent energy restriction produces metabolic shifts to fat/ketone metabolism with four key adaptive responses: cellular stress resistance (hormesis), improved bioenergetics and mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory effects, and enhanced autophagy. Advocates for evidence-based dietary policies considering not just what people eat but when and how often. Referenced in companion 428 for the case that meal frequency affects metabolic state.