Study: Cutting daily sugar can reverse biological age

WEB DESK: Reducing daily sugar consumption by just over two teaspoons can slow biological aging, according to a new study from the University of California, San Francisco.

The research was published in JAMA Network Open. It suggests that cutting 10 grams of sugar from the diet each day can decrease biological age by approximately 2.4 months.

Read more: New study reveals how molecules organise chromosomes in cells

The study examined the dietary patterns and biological age of 342 women from the state of California, United States. The median age of the subjects was 39.

Researchers assessed the participants’ biological age by measuring levels of DNA methylation—a process that reflects cellular aging. They found that higher consumption of added sugar correlated with increased biological age, even when participants maintained otherwise healthy eating habits.

The study detailed that each gram of added sugar was linked to an acceleration in biological aging. Despite following a generally healthy diet, participants who consumed more added sugar showed signs of faster biological aging.

This aligns with previous research indicating that high sugar intake is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, including metabolic disorders and increased risk of chronic diseases.

The co-senior author of the study and professor at UCSF’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Elissa Epel stated that excessive sugar intake is a significant contributor to accelerated biological aging. The study’s results reinforce the connection between high sugar consumption and deteriorating metabolic health.

Participants in the study reported an average daily intake of 61.5 grams of added sugar, which is more than double the recommended limit of 30 grams per day. The researchers noted that added sugar contributes to several health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, which are linked to increased biological age.

The study also compared the effects of different dietary patterns on biological aging. It found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet—characterised by high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats—was associated with a slower biological age. This diet’s positive effects were diminished when high levels of added sugar were present.

Dr Barbara Laraia, who was involved in the study, pointed out that eliminating 10 grams of added sugar daily could lead to a reduction in age if sustained over time. The study suggests that focusing on reducing added sugar while maintaining a nutrient-rich diet could be beneficial for managing biological aging.

Read more: Study finds link between deep ocean warming and El Niño events

The researchers acknowledged that their data relies on self-reported dietary records, which may introduce limitations in accuracy. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the long-term effects of sugar reduction on biological age.