Blood test to predict how long you will live

Scientists in a multinational study have identified a range of metabolites in the blood which are linked to ageing and could be used to predict the actual age of a person and their likely age at death. By analysing the metabolites of 6055 sets of twins using GC/MS and LC/MS techniques, the abundances of 22 specific compounds added together increased steadily with age from below 20 years to over 65 years.

One particular metabolite, C-glycosyl tryptophan, was strongly associated with birth weight, which is known to influence the health of an individual in old age. It also correlated with chronological age as well as the age-related factors of lung function, bone mineral density and cholesterol levels. This is the first time that this compound has been linked to ageing, report the group in International Journal of Epidemiology.

The gene governing the levels of C-glyTrp can be modified epigenetically (by the lifestyle, diet or environmental influences of the individual) supporting the role of this compound in ageing.

The findings could eventually lead to a blood test to highlight the overall health and speed of ageing of people as well as provide novel treatments for age-related diseases.