Dr. Valter D. Longo, PhD

Valter D. Longo, PhD, is a biogerontologist and nutrition scientist affiliated with University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology in Los Angeles, California, specialising in biogerontology, fasting and nutrition for longevity. He serves as Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences and Director of the Longevity Institute.

Particular areas of attention include fasting and fasting-mimicking diets; nutrient sensing genes and cellular protection; and diet, ageing and age-related disease.

Nutrition science is a research discipline rather than a clinical one: its output is evidence that clinicians, dietitians and governments then apply. Dr. Valter Longo is best known within it for biogerontology, fasting and nutrition for longevity.

Who Dr. Valter Longo Is

• Full Name And Credentials: Valter D. Longo, PhD
• Profession: Biogerontologist and nutrition scientist
• Field Of Focus: Biogerontology, fasting and nutrition for longevity
• Current Position: Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences and Director of the Longevity Institute
• Institution: University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Sees Patients: No, this specialist works in research and education

Where Dr. Valter Longo Studied

The qualifications below are drawn from the institutional, professional body and publisher sources listed at the end of this profile.

• Undergraduate: BS, University of North Texas
• Doctorate: PhD in biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, studying antioxidant enzymes and anti-ageing genes
• Fellowship: Postdoctoral research, University of Southern California

Dr. Valter Longo Professional Focus

Published professional sources describe the work of Dr. Valter Longo as centred on:

• Fasting and fasting-mimicking diets
• Nutrient sensing genes and cellular protection
• Diet, ageing and age-related disease
• Nutrition during cancer treatment
• Time-restricted eating and longevity dietary patterns

What Dr. Valter Longo Leads

• Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
• Director, USC Longevity Institute
• Director, Longevity and Cancer Program, IFOM Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan
• Professor of Biological Sciences, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
• Developer of the fasting-mimicking diet, tested in laboratory and clinical studies
• Author of The Longevity Diet, published 2018
• Founder of the nutrition technology company L-Nutra, an interest disclosed and managed under the conflict of interest policies of his university

Professional Recognition Of Dr. Valter Longo

• Named by Time magazine to its first list of the 50 Most Influential People in Health Care
• Nathan W. Shock Memorial Lecture Award, National Institute on Aging
• Principal investigator on a 10 million dollar National Institute on Aging programme
• His fasting research featured in the BBC Horizon documentary Eat, Fast and Live Longer

Location Details For Dr. Valter Longo

University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

Los Angeles, California. This is an academic and research base rather than a patient clinic. Enquiries about research, teaching or media are handled by the institution rather than by this directory.

Nutrition And Longevity Explained

Research on nutrition and longevity asks whether dietary patterns, meal timing and periods of fasting can slow the biological processes of ageing rather than only preventing specific diseases. Laboratory work points to nutrient sensing pathways inside cells that respond to how much and how often we eat. Human evidence is younger and more limited, and fasting approaches are not suitable for everyone, particularly during pregnancy, in older frail adults or alongside diabetes medication.

Related Nutrition And Longevity Profiles

If you are comparing specialists, these profiles cover closely related areas of nutrition:

• Dr. Rhonda Patrick, micronutrients and healthy ageing at FoundMyFitness
• Dr. Kevin Whelan, gastrointestinal dietetics at King’s College London
• Dr. Sarah Berry, personalised nutrition science at King’s College London and ZOE
• Dr. Shilpa Ravella, gastroenterology and nutrition at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, with rural health practice in Hilo, Hawaii

Browse the full dietitian and nutritionist directory for more specialists.

Working With Dr. Valter Longo On Research Or Education

This specialist does not offer individual consultations. Dr. Valter Longo works in research, teaching and public health nutrition. Research, teaching and media enquiries go to University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology directly. For personal dietary advice, see a dietitian or nutritionist registered in your own country, or use the enquiry button on this page and we will point you towards a practising specialist in the directory.

Your Questions About Dr. Valter Longo

What did Dr. Valter Longo study?

PhD in biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, studying antioxidant enzymes and anti-ageing genes. Full training details appear in the education section above.

What are the qualifications of Dr. Valter Longo?

Valter D. Longo, PhD. Full credentials are listed above.

What position does Dr. Valter Longo hold?

Dr. Valter Longo is Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences and Director of the Longevity Institute, based at University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

What is Nutrition And Longevity?

Nutrition And Longevity is the area of nutrition science concerned with biogerontology, fasting and nutrition for longevity. Specialists working in it, including Dr. Valter Longo, study how diet relates to health and translate those findings into guidance.

Has Dr. Valter Longo received professional recognition?

Yes. Named by Time magazine to its first list of the 50 Most Influential People in Health Care. Further awards and distinctions are listed above.

Does Dr. Valter Longo hold leadership roles in the field?

Yes. Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. A fuller list of appointments appears above.

Where The Information About Dr. Valter Longo Comes From

• USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology faculty profile
• USC Longevity Institute
• IFOM Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan

Fact Checking Process For This Dr. Valter Longo Profile

This profile was compiled from the public professional sources listed above, including university faculty pages, professional register and society records, journal author statements and publisher biographies. Qualifications, appointments and awards were checked against at least two independent sources where available. Last reviewed on 30 October 2026.

Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.

Please Note Before Acting On The Dr. Valter Longo Profile

Information only, not medical or dietary advice, and not a listing for appointments. For individual guidance, see a registered dietitian or your own doctor.