Scientists at Boston University have identified a distinct metabolic signature in the blood of people who live past 100. Centenarians showed unusually high levels of certain bile acids and preserved steroid levels — patterns linked to lower risk of death. These findings could pave the way for biomarkers and therapies that help people age healthier and longer.
What do people who live to 100 have in common? Beyond good genes and healthy habits, researchers at Boston University may have found a chemical clue hiding in their blood. A new study published in GeroScience identified a distinct metabolic "fingerprint" in centenarians — one that goes beyond the normal markers of aging and appears tied to exceptional longevity.
The team analyzed blood samples from 213 participants in the New England Centenarian Study, using a metabolomics assay to measure roughly 1,495 small molecules. Compared to typical older adults, centenarians had notably elevated levels of certain primary and secondary bile acids and better-preserved steroid levels — patterns consistently linked to lower mortality risk. A machine-learning "metabolomic clock" was also developed to estimate biological age from these metabolite levels.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: If validated in larger, more diverse populations, this research could lead to blood tests that measure biological age and guide personalized strategies — from diet to medication — to help people stay healthier well into old age.
