A recent study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on the profound effects of dietary choices on biological aging. Researchers from UC San Francisco investigated the dietary habits of participants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study (NGHS), focusing on their impact on epigenetic age—a measure of biological aging at the molecular level.
The study, conducted between 2015 and 2019, followed up with a cohort originally enrolled during their youth (ages 9-19) from 1987 to 1997. Participants, now aged 36-43, provided data on their diets through detailed 3-day food diaries. Key findings revealed a significant correlation between sugar intake and accelerated biological aging in women, as measured by the GrimAGE2 algorithm. For each additional gram of daily sugar intake, participants experienced an increase in their GrimAGE2 score equivalent to 7 days of aging.
Conversely, adherence to diets rich in antioxidants or anti-inflammatory foods—such as the Mediterranean diet and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index—was associated with slower biological aging. Researchers also developed a new nutrient index tailored for the study, which further demonstrated the beneficial effects of micronutrient-rich diets on epigenetic age.
Dr. Lorna Harries, a professor of molecular genetics, emphasized the importance of aging clocks in understanding cellular and molecular aging processes. She noted that while these clocks provide invaluable insights into aging mechanisms, they may measure different aspects of cell physiology that do not always directly translate to functional outcomes.
The study, which included equal representation of Black and white women, marks a significant step in understanding racial disparities in aging research. It underscores the potential of dietary interventions to mitigate the effects of aging-related processes driven by factors like inflammation and blood sugar levels.
Despite its contributions, the study acknowledges limitations, including its focus on a cohort slightly younger than those typically used to develop the GrimAGE2 algorithm. Nonetheless, experts like Dr. Harries stress the relevance of such research in developing targeted interventions aimed at improving cellular health and longevity.
In conclusion, the study underscores the critical role of diet in influencing biological age, advocating for dietary strategies rich in antioxidants and low in sugars to potentially slow down the aging process at the cellular level.