The study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä and the Gerontology Research Center delved into the impact of diet on biological aging in young adults. Twins between the ages of 20 and 25 were the study participants, and the findings were published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
The research revealed that diets characterized by low consumption of vegetables and fruits, alongside high intake of red and processed meat, fast food, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks, were linked to accelerated biological aging. On the contrary, diets rich in vegetables and fruits, while low in meat, fast food, and sugary beverages, were associated with slower biological aging.
Postdoctoral researcher Suvi Ravi noted that while other lifestyle factors like physical activity, smoking, and body weight could influence the results, diet maintained an independent association with aging even when these factors were considered. The study also explored the genetic influence on the relationship between diet and biological age, finding that a shared genetic background among twins explained the connection, rather than shared childhood environments.
It is important to highlight that a health-promoting diet can benefit individuals regardless of genetic predispositions. The study underscores the significance of dietary choices in influencing biological aging outcomes in young adulthood.
For more information on this study, you can refer to the article “Suboptimal dietary patterns are associated with accelerated biological aging in young adulthood: A study with twins” published in Clinical Nutrition in 2024. The DOI for the publication is 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.12.018.
This insightful research sheds light on the interplay between diet, genetics, and biological aging, emphasizing the role of a healthy diet in promoting longevity and overall well-being.
