Researchers are always looking for common denominators found in centenarians — biological, social, even financial. Though direct cause-and-effect can be difficult to demonstrate, more often than not, at least the insights can be useful in directing future research.
A new study finds common denominators among people who have lived 100 or years or more: they have lower levels of three key compounds.
As reported here, quoting Dr. Karin Modig, associate professor at Sweden’s Karolinska Insitutet, “Those who made it to their hundredth birthday tended to have lower levels of glucose, creatinine and uric acid from their 60s onwards. Very few of the centenarians had a glucose level above 6.5 earlier in life, or a creatinine level above 125.”
The study was based on data from 44,000 people in Sweden, born between 1893 and 1920, who had health assessments at ages 64 to 99. Researchers then follow up on the people for up t o35 years. “Over 1,224 of them (2.7%) lived to be 100 years old.”
The overwhelming majority (85%) of centenarians were female.
Researchers also studied the levels of total cholesterol and iron. According to professor Modig, “The people in the lowest out of five groups for levels of total cholesterol and iron had a lower chance to reaching 100 years as compared to those with higher levels.”
According to the professor, the study points up the value of keeping track of kidney and liver values, as well as glucose and uric acid. It may also lead to more sophisticated blood tests and/or analysis to predict longevity.
(Photo credit: Jacoblund at iStock by Getty)
