Red Blood Cell Proteins Can Track Biological Aging and Predict Health a Decade Later
This study suggests red blood cell proteins could serve as accessible markers of biological aging.
Researchers built a protein-based aging clock from the red blood cells of over 13,000 blood donors. People with conditions like G6PD deficiency and sickle cell trait showed accelerated molecular aging. Iron supplementation appeared to reverse some of that acceleration. The molecular age scores predicted real-world outcomes like hemolysis and donor activity over a 12-year follow-up.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
Topics
Related Studies
All researchExercise Helps Aging Brains Most If You're Older or Mostly Sedentary
Middle-aged and older adults who moved more had healthier-looking brain wiring on MRI scans, but the benefit wasn't the same for everyone.
Broken Elastin Bits May Drive the Joint Wear That Comes With Aging
Scientists found that when your body's elastin (the protein that keeps tissue springy) breaks into fragments, those bits trigger…
Staying Fit Before Age 70 Linked to Nearly Half the Alzheimer's Risk
Older adults with better heart and lung fitness had a much lower chance of developing Alzheimer's later on.