Unveiled findings from blood tests indicate the reasons certain individuals reach a venerable century.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Swedish AMORIS cohort have identified twelve key blood-based biomarkers associated with exceptional longevity. The study, which involved 44,000 Swedes aged 64 to 99, has shed light on the biological signatures of centenarians.
The study found that uric acid, a marker of inflammation, was lower in centenarians and played a predictive role. Individuals with lower uric acid levels had a 4% chance of reaching 100, compared to 1.5% for those with the highest levels.
Metabolic markers such as total cholesterol and glucose were also associated. Centenarians tended to have moderated, not extreme, glucose levels, with very few having glucose above 6.5 mmol/L. The kidney function marker, creatinine, was lower in centenarians, with very few having levels above 125 µmol/L.
Liver function markers like alanine aminotransferase (Alat), aspartate aminotransferase (Asat), albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) were also examined. Most of these showed links to longevity except Alat and albumin, which did not show significant associations.
Indicators related to nutrition and anemia, including iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), were also associated with the likelihood of exceptional longevity.
Interestingly, rather than extreme values, a pattern of biological "moderation" across these biomarkers from an earlier age correlated with higher chances of living past 100 years. This suggests that controlled metabolic, inflammatory, and nutritional states are key biological signatures of exceptional longevity in this large Swedish cohort studied over 35 years.
The study also found that 85 percent of centenarians were female, and for most biomarkers, the median values didn't differ significantly between centenarians and non-centenarians. However, higher levels of total cholesterol and iron and lower levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, ASAT, GGT, ALP, TIBC, and LD were associated with a greater likelihood of becoming a centenarian.
The study provides valuable insights into the link between metabolic health, nutrition, and exceptional longevity. It also suggests that maintaining a balanced diet, reducing the amount of red meat, seafood, alcohol, and sugary sodas, and adding supplements like CoQ10 may help lower uric acid levels and support metabolic health, potentially increasing the chances of reaching 100 years of age.
As the number of centenarians continues to rise, understanding the biological factors associated with exceptional longevity is crucial for developing strategies to promote healthy aging and extend lifespans.
[1] Reference for the study [2] Another reference related to the study [4] A fourth reference for the study or related information
- The study concluded that maintaining a balanced diet, reducing the consumption of red meat, seafood, alcohol, and sugary sodas, and adding supplements like CoQ10 could potentially lower uric acid levels, supporting metabolic health and increasing the chances of reaching 100 years of age.
- In addition to uric acid, the study found that indicators related to nutrition and anemia, such as iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), were also associated with the likelihood of exceptional longevity.
- Interestingly, the study revealed that rather than extreme values, a pattern of biological "moderation" across these biomarkers from an earlier age correlated with higher chances of living past 100 years.
- The findings of this study emphasize the importance of brain health, nutrition, and wellness in managing chronic diseases and medical-conditions associated with aging, as researchers identified twelve key blood-based biomarkers associated with exceptional longevity.
