Scientist Discover Key Longevity Difference in Blood of Those Who Live Past 90

People who live to be 100 or older, also called centenarians, have become the fastest-growing demographic group in the world. Since the 1970s, their numbers have roughly doubled every ten years, captivating the interest of researchers worldwide.¹ While the aging process has been a topic of debate for millennia, modern science is shedding light on key factors that contribute to longevity, particularly through new discoveries related to blood biomarkers.²

The Study Behind the Discovery

In a groundbreaking study published in GeroScience, researchers analyzed health data from 44,000 Swedes aged between 64 and 99. This dataset, which spanned over 35 years, revealed significant insights about the blood profiles of individuals who lived to be 100 years old.³ A total of 2.7% of participants (1,224 people) reached the century mark, and 85% of these centenarians were female. The study focused on a range of biomarkers, including cholesterol, glucose, and creatinine levels, among others, to explore how these metrics correlated with exceptional longevity.

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Biomarkers Linked to Longevity

The research unveiled that certain blood biomarkers—particularly lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid—were consistently associated with individuals who lived past 90 years of age. These markers are linked to metabolic health, kidney function, and the body’s ability to process food. Remarkably, centenarians typically had blood glucose levels below 6.5 mmol/L and creatinine levels under 125 µmol/L. These findings suggest that maintaining metabolic health could be key to a longer life.

The Role of Cholesterol and Liver Function

The study also examined other important biomarkers, such as total cholesterol and liver function markers like alanine aminotransferase (Alat) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The data showed that individuals with lower cholesterol and better liver function had a higher likelihood of reaching 100 years. Interestingly, the connection between cholesterol and longevity was more nuanced, as people with very low levels of cholesterol also had a decreased chance of reaching 100. This highlights the delicate balance required for long-term health.

The Complex Interaction of Genetics and Lifestyle

While the study offered significant insights into the biomarker profiles of centenarians, it did not conclusively identify which specific lifestyle factors or genetic predispositions influenced these results. However, the researchers suggested that factors like nutrition and alcohol intake likely play a role. For example, lower uric acid levels were linked to higher chances of longevity, indicating that diet and kidney health are important considerations.

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The Bigger Picture: Metabolic Health and Longevity

The findings from this research suggest that monitoring glucose, creatinine, and uric acid levels may be important for individuals hoping to live a longer life. Although the differences in biomarker values between centenarians and non-centenarians were not drastic, they were significant enough to indicate a potential link between metabolic health and exceptional longevity. As researchers continue to explore the biological mechanisms behind aging, these discoveries offer a promising direction for future health interventions.

A Path Forward for Longevity Research

The study’s findings underscore the complexity of aging and the importance of continued research into biomarkers that could help unlock the secrets of a long, healthy life. While lifestyle factors such as diet and alcohol intake may play a role, genetic predispositions and random chance also contribute to one’s ability to reach 100. Tracking and managing key biomarkers from an early age may be a crucial strategy for those hoping to join the ranks of the world’s centenarians.

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