Are you ready to live 10 years longer?

A study led by D'Antona G. and colleagues from Pavia University in Pavia, Italy found mice eating a diet supplemented with a combination of valine, leucine and isoleucine - essential amino acids, lived 774 days, 95 days longer than those who did not use the supplements. 

The study, published in the Oct 6, 2010 issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, also found the amino acid supplement improved the stamina and muscle coordination of the elderly mice and increased the number of mitochondria - the organelles where the body power is generated.  

Amino acids are the basic building blocks for all proteins including enzymes, which are important in maintaining all physiologic functions.  Extending lifespan implies that this combination of amino acids may also protect against diseases.

Jimmy Downs and editing by Rachel Stockton