What’s in Prolon? Unboxing the Science of Longevity
Key takeaways:
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Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) supports fat burning, cellular repair, and healthy aging—without complete food deprivation.
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Each item in the Prolon box is scientifically designed to nourish the body while keeping it in a fasting state.
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The program works by staying under key nutrient-sensing pathways that are linked to aging and metabolic dysfunction.
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Soups, fasting-friendly bars, snacks, and supplements are all precisely portioned and formulated to stay under the body’s nutrient-sensing radars and nourish the body throughout the fast.
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More than a meal plan, Prolon is a convenient, safe, and science-backed longevity protocol developed through decades of research at the USC Longevity Institute.
Fasting has been linked to a range of health benefits, from weight loss and metabolic support to cellular rejuvenation and longevity. But for many people, going without food for long enough to reap those benefits can be difficult.
That’s why we developed the Prolon 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD). More than just a box of soups and snacks, it’s a carefully engineered system, grounded in nutrition technology and decades of research at the USC Longevity Institute under Dr. Valter Longo. Prolon’s 5-Day is designed to nourish your body while keeping it in a fasting state, triggering profound changes at the cellular level—all without full food deprivation. Each item in the box is intentionally formulated to support your body’s nourishment while maintaining the fasting state—activating fat burning, cellular renewal, and key longevity pathways. Here, we’re taking a look inside the box to see how our approach works to nourish your body while keeping it in a fasting state. We’ll explain the “why” behind each item, so you understand how every component works together to support fat-focused weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity.
The Prolon philosophy: Fasting with food, backed by science
At the heart of Prolon is a powerful idea: you can reap the benefits of prolonged fasting without giving up food. This is achieved through the FMD—a carefully balanced, plant-based nutritional program that provides calories but avoids triggering the body’s key nutrient-sensing pathways. These pathways detect the availability of nutrients such as sugars, amino acids, and fats, and then trigger specific cellular responses like growth, metabolism, and cellular repair.
Prolon focuses specifically on down-regulating the mTOR, IGF-1, and PKA pathways - which, when activated by high protein and sugar intake, can be associated with accelerated aging, fat storage, increased disease risk, and metabolic dysfunction.
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IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1): IGF-1 is a hormone that plays a major role in growth and development. It’s closely tied to protein intake (especially animal protein) and signals cells to grow and divide. Insulin, which rises in response to carbohydrates, can also trigger IGF-1 activity—though protein remains the more direct and powerful driver. While IGF-1 is important in early life, persistently high levels in adulthood have been linked to accelerated aging and reduced lifespan.
Why it matters in fasting:
Prolonged fasting reduces IGF-1 levels, which slows down cell growth and shifts the body from a “pro-growth” to a “pro-repair” state. This reduction helps promote autophagy (cellular cleanup), stem cell activation, and longevity-associated pathways.How the FMD affects it:
The FMD is low in proteins and sugars, nutrients that stimulate IGF-1 production, helping to keep this pathway suppressed to mimic the cellular response seen in actual fasting. -
mTOR (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin): mTOR is a nutrient-sensitive protein kinase enzyme that regulates cell growth, protein synthesis, and metabolism. It’s highly responsive to amino acids (especially leucine), insulin, and energy availability.
Why it matters in fasting:
When nutrients are scarce, mTOR is downregulated (turned off). This triggers a shift from building and growth toward stress resistance, cellular maintenance, and repair—crucial for healthy aging and disease prevention.How the FMD affects it:
By limiting calories and protein intake (particularly branched-chain amino acids), the FMD works to reduce mTOR activity. This enables the body to enter a state of reduced cellular proliferation and enhanced regeneration, similar to prolonged fasting. -
PKA (Protein Kinase A): PKA is an enzyme regulated by glucose and cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) levels that helps coordinate energy usage and stress response. It’s involved in breaking down glycogen (stored glucose in the body) and regulating metabolism.
Why it matters in fasting:
During fasting, glucose and insulin levels drop, which suppresses PKA activity. This, in turn, supports fat breakdown (lipolysis), ketone production, and cellular stress resistance.How the FMD affects it:
Because the FMD is low in sugars and total calories, it helps suppress insulin and glucose spikes, keeping PKA activity low. This supports the metabolic shift from glucose to fat as a fuel source—just as in traditional fasting.
The FMD was developed after years of clinical research by Dr. Longo and his team, to deliver key nutrients without activating these pathways, allowing your body to remain in a fasting state while still receiving essential nourishment.
What’s inside your Prolon box?
When you open your box, you’ll see a series of smaller boxes comprising each day’s individual meal plan so there’s no guesswork or confusion on what you can consume each day of your fast. Every component is crafted using our breakthrough nutrition technology and made with high-quality, plant-based ingredients, chosen for their nutrient profile. Our bars are cold-pressed to preserve nutrients, olives are sourced from premium Mediterranean groves, and soups are prepared to maintain flavor and micronutrient integrity. All chosen for a strategic, science-backed role in supporting cellular rejuvenation, metabolic health and overall vitality. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
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Nourishing plant-based soups
What they are: 100% plant-based soups. Flavors depend on the Prolon variety you choose and may include Minestrone, Vegetable, Carrot Ginger, Lentil Curry, or ready-to-eat organic Artichoke & Yellow Tomato and Broccoli & Quinoa.
What they do: Soups form the backbone of caloric intake during the five days. They’re packed with micronutrients, antioxidants and fiber to support satiety. Importantly, their plant-based protein content is kept low and carefully balanced to avoid stimulating nutrient-sensing pathways like IGF-1.
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Energy-sustaining L-Bars
What they are: Cold-pressed bars made from nutrient dense ingredients like macadamia nuts, almonds, and pecans. They also include the customer favorite Choco-Crisp Bar.
What they do: Our L-Bars (or Fasting Bars in the Expanded Variety) are clinically shown to keep your fat-burning ketones elevated, without breaking your fast while delivering monounsaturated fats and minimal plant protein for sustained energy and hunger control. They're not just filling—they're functional.
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Satisfying snacks: olives and kale crackers
What they are: Simple, savory snacks precisely portioned to align with fasting goals. Olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants, while kale crackers offer fiber and a satisfying crunch.
What they do: These snacks curb cravings, support fat metabolism, and offer phytonutrients linked to longevity. The olives are packed with oleic acid (a healthy monounsaturated fat) and antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. Kale crackers or chips offer fiber, a satisfying crunch and minimal processing. Both are precisely portioned to keep your body in a fasting-mimicking metabolic state.
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The unique L-Drink
What it is: A vegetable glycerine-based drink designed to support hydration and energy during the fast, without triggering an insulin response.
What it does: Glycerol is a non-glucose carbohydrate that can be used by the body for energy without triggering insulin or blood sugar spikes. During fasting, this helps protect lean muscle mass and stave off fatigue caused by dehydration. It also supports cellular hydration by helping to draw water into the cells, an often-overlooked factor in maintaining energy and cognitive clarity during caloric restriction.
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Essential supplements: Algal Oil and NR-1 (vegetable powder with vitamins and minerals)
What they are: A science-backed blend of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s formulated to meet your body’s micronutrient needs during the fast.
What they do: Even when calorie intake is low, your body still requires nutrients to maintain immune function, mitochondrial health and cellular repair. These supplements help ensure foundational health is supported throughout the program.
“When you’re in a fasting state, the body shifts into repair and rejuvenation mode — but it doesn’t stop needing essential nutrients. We selected algal oil and NR-1 because they provide exactly what’s most supportive during this unique window: plant-based omega-3s for cellular and brain health, and a carefully balanced blend of vitamins and minerals to keep mitochondrial function, immunity, and core repair processes running smoothly, even on low calories.” - Longevity Dietitian Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN
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Hydrating herbal teas
What they are: Caffeine-free herbal infusions like mint, hibiscus, and lemon, chosen for their detoxifying and digestion-supporting properties.
What they do: These herbal infusions support hydration, may help manage hunger, and provide a sense of comfort. Ingredients like mint, hibiscus or offer soothing benefits without interfering with the fasting goals of the program.
The science: How Prolon's components work together
Prolon’s 5-Day FMD is a meticulously engineered system rooted in decades of research. Each element in the program plays a role in supporting the body’s natural fasting response, without the need for total food deprivation. Here’s how the pieces fit together:
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Precise macronutrient ratios
At the core of Prolon’s effectiveness is its carefully calibrated macronutrient profile: low in protein, moderate in specific carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats. This balance is key to “tricking” the body into a fasting-like state. By limiting the intake of proteins and sugars—especially those that might activate nutrient sensors—Prolon avoids triggering a full fed-state metabolic response. Meanwhile, the inclusion of monounsaturated fats provides sustained energy and helps support ketone levels, mimicking the metabolic benefits of fasting. -
Nutrient-sensing pathways
As noted, fasting works, in part, because it stays under key nutrient-sensing pathways. These pathways control growth, metabolism and cellular aging—and they are highly sensitive to nutrient intake. The specific composition of Prolon is designed to avoid triggering these pathways. By delivering just enough nourishment to maintain function without activating growth signals the body enters a protective, regenerative mode. This is the heart of the FMD: providing calories without sending the “you’ve been fed” signal. -
Minimizing hunger and discomfort
One of the biggest challenges with traditional fasting is managing hunger, fatigue, and mental fog. Prolon is formulated to make the fasting experience more comfortable without compromising its benefits. While this is still a low-calorie program, the fiber in the nut bars and crackers as well as the healthy fats from nuts and olives can help promote satiety and stabilize energy levels. The L-Drink, with its glycerol base, provides a non-glucose energy source that supports hydration and muscle protection, two factors that may otherwise decline during prolonged calorie restriction. -
Clinically tested formulation
Unlike do-it-yourself fasting plans or generic low-calorie diets, Prolon’s formulation has been rigorously tested in multiple clinical trials. This exact blend of ingredients has been shown to deliver measurable health benefits. Studies have demonstrated outcomes such as reductions in visceral fat, improved markers of metabolic health, and even a measurable decrease in biological age (when used consecutively over three months). It’s the consistency, precision, and scientific validation that set Prolon apart from any other fasting approach.
Beyond the box: The true value of the Prolon kit
What’s in the box is only part of the story. Prolon’s 5-Day was designed not just to deliver the benefits of fasting, but to make the process safer, simpler and more sustainable. Here’s why the Prolon kit is more than just a nutrition plan:
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Convenience
With the 5-Day, there’s no need to calculate macros, portion ingredients, or spend hours prepping meals. Each day’s food is pre-portioned and clearly labeled, eliminating guesswork and reducing decision fatigue. You just follow the plan, and your body does the rest. -
Safety
Unguided prolonged fasting may come with risks, including nutrient deficiencies, excessive fatigue or muscle loss. Prolon delivers a carefully controlled nutritional formula that supports your body while keeping you in a fasting state. The program is developed and tested by medical and nutritional experts to ensure it’s both safe and effective. -
Effectiveness
Prolon isn’t based on trends —it’s grounded in clinical research. The exact formulation inside the kit has been shown in published studies to support key metabolic markers, reduce visceral fat, support cellular rejuvenation and even reduce biological age when followed for three consecutive months. It’s fasting with proven results. -
Support
Whether you’re fasting for the first time or the fifth, you’re not alone. Prolon provides access to guidance, daily tips, and group coaching (where available) to help you navigate the process and get the most out of your experience. -
A long-term health investment
Ultimately, Prolon isn’t just about five days—it’s about what those five days unlock. By tapping into your body’s natural regenerative processes, Prolon supports healthy aging, weight management, and metabolic health. It's a practical, science-based step toward longevity—delivered in one box.
Whether you're looking to jumpstart your metabolic health, support weight management, or invest in your long-term vitality, Prolon is more than just a box of food—it’s a science-backed longevity tool. Ready to experience the future of fasting for yourself? Discover the Prolon 5-Day FMD and begin your journey to a healthier, more vibrant you now.
Sources
Nature.com: Fasting-mimicking diet causes hepatic and blood markers changes
Nature.com: Lifestyle mediates the role of nutrient-sensing pathways in cognitive aging: cellular and epidemiological evidence
NIH.gov: mTOR Signaling in Growth, Metabolism, and Disease
NIH.gov: Neural pathways in nutrient sensing and insulin signaling
NIH.gov: The GH/IGF-1 axis in ageing and longevity
