Humans do not always biologically age at the same speed as their chronological age. When biological aging progresses faster than chronological aging, it can lead to increased risks of illness and early death. Recent research indicates that a diet lacking in vegetables and fruits, but heavy on red meat, fast food, and sugary drinks, may speed up biological aging, even in young adults.
Humans do not always biologically age at the same speed as their chronological age. When biological aging progresses faster than chronological aging, it can lead to increased risks of illness and early death. Recent research indicates that a diet lacking in vegetables and fruits, but heavy on red meat, fast food, and sugary drinks, may speed up biological aging, even in young adults.
The pace of biological aging measures the gap between one’s chronological age and biological age, revealing whether someone is biologically older or younger than their actual age. This aging can be assessed using epigenetic clocks, which are advanced computational models that utilize machine learning to determine biological age based on the presence of methyl groups that influence gene expression.
A research project at the University of Jyväskylä and the Gerontology Research Center examined if diet can forecast biological aging rates in young adults. The study involved twins aged 20 to 25.
Findings indicated that diets with low consumption of fruits and vegetables and high intake of red and processed meats, fast food, and sugary drinks were linked to an increased rate of biological aging. On the other hand, a diet abundant in fruits and vegetables, while limiting meat, fast food, and sugary drinks, was associated with slower biological aging.
‘Some of the correlations identified might also be influenced by other lifestyle factors such as exercise, smoking, and body weight, since healthy and unhealthy habits often coexist in the same individuals,’ comments postdoctoral researcher Suvi Ravi. ‘However, diet still showed a small independent link to aging, even after considering other lifestyle elements.’
Given that the study involved twins, researchers could explore the genetic impact on the relationship between diet and biological age. Findings suggest that a common genetic background, rather than the twins’ shared upbringing, accounts for the connection between diet and aging in young adulthood. ‘That said, a healthful diet can still be advantageous for everyone,’ Ravi notes.
This study is part of a broader project titled ‘The role of nutrition in the prevention of common diseases,’ funded by the Juho Vainio Foundation. Data from the FinnTwin12 study was utilized for this research. In total, 826 twins and 363 twin pairs took part, with dietary habits assessed through a food frequency questionnaire that asked participants about the regular consumption of 55 different food items.
The lead researcher, Suvi Ravi, is part of the GenActive research group, which studies genetic and lifestyle factors that affect biological aging, health, and overall functional ability. The group is headed by Elina Sillanpää, Associate Professor of Health Promotion.
