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A recent study led by researchers at the University of Jyväskylä and the Gerontology Research Center has revealed that a poor diet can accelerate biological aging in young adults. The study, published in Clinical Nutrition, tracked the biological aging of twin participants aged 20 to 25 years, offering new insights into how diet impacts aging at a cellular level.
Biological aging is a measure of how quickly one’s body is aging compared to their chronological age. Using epigenetic clocks, which track DNA methylation patterns to predict biological age, researchers found that young adults with diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed meats, fast food, and sugary drinks showed accelerated biological aging. Conversely, those who consumed more vegetables and fruits, with lower intakes of red meat and sugary beverages, had slower biological aging.
Postdoctoral researcher Suvi Ravi, who contributed to the study, notes, “Some of the observed associations may also be explained by other lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, smoking, and body weight. However, diet maintained a small independent association with aging even when we accounted for these factors.”
The study’s twin-based design allowed for the exploration of genetic influences on biological aging. Interestingly, the results suggested that it was the shared genetic background, not the shared childhood environment, that primarily explained the relationship between diet and aging. Despite this genetic influence, Ravi emphasizes that adopting a health-promoting diet can benefit everyone, regardless of genetic predisposition.
This research underscores the significant role diet plays in determining biological age and highlights the importance of healthy eating habits during young adulthood. Future research could explore how specific dietary patterns interact with other lifestyle factors to influence aging.
For further details, the study can be accessed in the Clinical Nutrition journal (DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.12.018).
Disclaimer: The findings of this study are based on a population of young adults aged 20 to 25, and the results may not apply universally. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes.
