Researchers have developed a test to analyze metabolites in the blood, which can indicate the rate at which a person’s body is aging. Artificial intelligence (AI) played a significant role in the study, enabling highly accurate predictions.
The Study
Experts from King’s College London conducted a comprehensive investigation, training and testing 17 AI algorithms. The study used data from over 225,000 participants in the UK Biobank, aged 40 to 69 at the time of sampling.
The primary goal of the research was to determine how well various “metabolic aging clocks” can predict lifespan and their reliability in assessing health and aging markers.
Key Insights
- Metabolic Age vs. Chronological Age
The test measures “metabolic age,” which reflects how old the body is on a biological level. One of the main indicators is metabolites—small molecules produced during metabolic processes, such as when food is broken down.The difference between a person’s predicted metabolic age and their actual chronological age, referred to as the “delta mileage,” reveals whether the body is aging faster or slower than expected. - Blood Markers and Aging
Researchers assessed around 170 blood markers, finding that accelerated aging—where metabolic age exceeds chronological age—is often associated with chronic illnesses and general health issues. Participants with higher metabolic age were more likely to exhibit signs of frailty. - Telomere Length and Mortality Risk
Individuals with accelerated aging also had shorter telomeres (the protective “caps” at the ends of chromosomes commonly used as an aging indicator) and higher mortality risks.
Potential Applications
The researchers suggest that this type of testing could identify health risks before symptoms emerge. Unlike chronological age, which cannot be altered, biological age can potentially be influenced by lifestyle changes and interventions.
“Such testing could help identify health risks before symptoms appear. Unlike chronological age, which is unchangeable, biological age is potentially within our control,” the authors noted.
Limitations
Interestingly, while accelerated aging correlated with poorer health outcomes, slower metabolic aging did not strongly correlate with higher health metrics. This led researchers to conclude that the test is primarily useful for identifying risks related to diseases and increased mortality, rather than as a comprehensive measure of overall health.
Implications
This breakthrough highlights the potential of metabolic aging clocks as tools to complement traditional health markers. They could play a vital role in preventative healthcare by providing early warnings about a person’s risk for chronic conditions and other health challenges.