Study Shows Diet Changes May Lower Biological Age in Older Adults

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered that altering your diet, even in later years, could slow aging signs in as little as one month. They conducted a study involving 104 participants, aged between 65 and 75, examining the effects of different diets on biological aging.

Different Diets Tested

The study introduced four distinct diets. Two were omnivorous, combining protein sources from animals and plants. The remaining two diets derived 70% of their protein from plants. Among these, one omnivorous diet was high in fat, while the other focused on carbohydrates. Similarly, the two semi-vegetarian diets followed the same distinction. Each diet accounted for 14% of energy from protein.

“Biological age,” as defined in the study, refers to how old the body appears based on health indicators (biomarkers) rather than actual age in years.

Scientists gathered data from 20 diverse biomarkers, such as cholesterol and insulin levels, to evaluate how dietary adjustments impacted biological aging over four weeks.

Results of the Study

The findings revealed that participants consuming diets rich in complex carbohydrates and plant-based foods showed reductions in their biological age. Three out of four diet groups exhibited reduced biological ages after four weeks. However, those on the high-fat omnivorous diet didn’t experience significant changes.

According to the study, biomarker profiles can indicate overall health and potential longevity better than chronological age.

“Diets rich in complex carbohydrates and plant-based components presented the most substantial improvements,” the researchers concluded.

Preliminary Insights

Caitlin Andrews, who led the study, emphasized caution regarding the findings. “While specific dietary adjustments show promise, it’s premature to assert they will definitively extend lifespan,” Andrews expressed.

The preliminary nature of the results suggests that further investigation into the long-term benefits is necessary.

Fox News Digital approached the University of Sydney researchers for additional insights. Teresa Mull from Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team contributed to the coverage of this study.