The same pattern appeared with iron and iron-binding capacity: very low levels or very high levels pointed to reduced odds of reaching 100. For glucose, the trend was straightforward — consistently high blood sugar was associated with lower chances of long life. This aligns with years of research showing that long-term high glucose can put stress on the heart, blood vessels, and other organs.
Kidney and liver markers also played a meaningful role. Elevated creatinine, which may reflect reduced kidney function, was linked with lower odds of living to 100. Several liver enzymes — including GGT, ALP, and LD — showed similar associations. These markers often rise with liver strain, alcohol use, certain medications, or metabolic stress.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) displayed a U-shaped pattern, where both unusually high and unusually low levels were tied to reduced odds of extreme longevity. This suggests that not only liver strain but also factors like reduced muscle mass or malnutrition might influence long-term outcomes.
Uric acid offered one of the clearest findings: higher levels were associated with lower odds of reaching 100, while lower levels were linked with higher odds. Since elevated uric acid can be connected with inflammation and metabolic issues, the result fits within existing medical understanding.
In a smaller subset of participants, researchers also looked at C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation. Lower CRP levels were linked with a greater likelihood of reaching 100, although this data was not available for everyone in the study.
Across all the biomarkers, the theme was remarkably consistent: balance mattered more than perfection. Extreme highs and extreme lows often signaled something out of alignment in the body, while moderate, stable values tended to reflect better long-term health.
The study does not claim that a single blood test can predict who will live to 100. Longevity is shaped by many factors — genetics, lifestyle, social environment, stress, nutrition, and chance. But these findings suggest that everyday lab markers can offer clues about the body’s long-term resilience.
Ultimately, the message is grounded and practical: maintaining stable, healthy levels across common biomarkers may support better aging over time. There are no miracle numbers or quick formulas, only the steady importance of metabolic balance, low inflammation, and good overall organ function.
Reaching 100 isn’t about one moment or one choice. It’s built quietly, often reflected in the simplest tests — the ones taken during routine care, long before a person reaches old age.