Differences in blood work unveil the secret behind centenarians' longevity
In a groundbreaking study, researchers in Sweden have uncovered significant blood biomarkers associated with individuals who live past the age of 90 and increase the likelihood of becoming centenarians. The study, which included 12,240 participants from the Amoris cohort, observed 44,000 Swedes over 35 years.
The findings suggest that those who live past 100 consistently maintain distinct blood biomarker patterns. Notably, centenarians rarely had glucose above 6.5 mmol/L, indicating better blood sugar control. Their creatinine levels were also lower, reflecting better kidney function, with very few centenarians having levels above 125 µmol/L.
Lower uric acid levels, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, were also observed in centenarians. On the contrary, higher total cholesterol and iron levels were associated with a greater likelihood of becoming centenarians, suggesting adequate lipid and iron homeostasis play protective roles.
Most other biomarkers tested, aside from alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and albumin, showed some connection to longevity, even when adjusting for age, sex, and disease burden.
The study also implicates additional biochemical and genetic factors in longevity. These include higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, genetic factors like the FOXO3A gene variant, better DNA repair mechanisms, and robust immune system and metabolic function.
According to a 2022 estimate by the United Nations, there are currently 593,000 centenarians living in the world. The UN projects this number will rise to 3.7 million by 2050.
The researchers compared the biomarker profiles of people who went on to live past the age of 100 and their shorter-lived peers. The study found that for most biomarkers, the median values didn't significantly differ between centenarians and non-centenarians. However, centenarians rarely displayed extremely high or low values for biomarkers like glucose and creatinine.
Some foods that help reduce uric acid, such as almonds and the DASH diet, can lower blood uric acid levels by as much as 1.3 milligrams per deciliter. To lower uric acid levels, it is suggested to reduce the consumption of red meat, seafood, alcohol, and sugary sodas.
Adding a CoQ10 supplement to your regimen may help keep creatinine levels low. CoQ10 also supports metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.
The study, the largest on this topic to date, shows that centenarians had homogeneous biomarker profiles that distinguish them from typical aging populations and promote extreme longevity.
References: 1. ScienceAlert (2025-08-05) - Blood biomarkers linked to turning 100: https://www.sciencealert.com/the-blood-of-exceptionally-long-lived-people-suggests-key-differences 2. HealthAndMe (2025-08-06) - Centenarian blood biomarker study: https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/centenarian-blood-reveal-what-might-be-the-secret-to-living-past-100-3-biomarkers-of-longevity-article-152419758/amp 3. Wikipedia - Centenarian (2025-07-21) - Antioxidant enzymes and genetics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centenarian 4. Peter Attia MD (2025-08-03) - Metabolic and immune system role in aging: https://peterattiamd.com/ericverdin/
- The study found that centenarians, compared to non-centenarians, have distinct blood biomarker patterns that promote extreme longevity and may indicate better blood sugar control, kidney function, and lower uric acid levels.
- To help reduce uric acid levels and potentially contribute to better health and wellness, it is recommended to follow a diet low in red meat, seafood, alcohol, and sugary sodas.
- Some studies suggest that adding a CoQ10 supplement to your regimen may help lower creatinine levels, support metabolic health, and maintain better insulin sensitivity.
- The study emphasizes the potentially important role of antioxidant enzymes, genetic factors like the FOXO3A gene variant, better DNA repair mechanisms, and robust immune and metabolic function in promoting longevity during aging.
