The findings revealed that lower levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, ASAT, GGT, ALP, TIBC (total iron building capacity), and LD were associated with a greater likelihood of becoming a centenarian.
And those with very low levels of total cholesterol or iron “had a lower chance of reaching 100 years as compared to those with higher levels.”
Balanced take on cholesterol and iron
“We found that a higher total cholesterol level was associated with a higher chance of becoming centenarian, which stands in contrast to clinical guidelines regarding cholesterol levels but is in line with previous studies showing that high cholesterol is generally favorable for mortality in very old age,” the study reports.
Similarly, very low iron levels were associated with lower odds of reaching 100 – pointing to the importance of maintaining balanced, not extreme lab values.
Genes and lifestyle
According to Modig, the results “suggest a potential link between metabolic health, nutrition and exceptional longevity.”
“The study, however, does not allow any conclusions about which lifestyle factors or genes are responsible for the biomarker values. However, it is reasonable to think that factors such as nutrition and alcohol intake play a role. Keeping track of your kidney and liver values, as well as glucose and uric acid as you get older, is probably not a bad idea,” she explained.
“That said, chance probably plays a role at some point in reaching an exceptional age. But the fact that differences in biomarkers could be observed a long time before death suggests that genes and lifestyle may also play a role,” Modig added.
What this means for you
This isn’t a call to chase perfection in your lab results. It’s a reminder that staying within healthy mid-range values may be more beneficial for long-term healthContinue reading…
