An analysis of 120 metabolites using new technologies has enabled American scientists to discover a potential key to “eternal youth.”
A recently published study in the scientific journal Nature Communications reveals that a amino acid called threonine may help humans develop an effective “elixir of immortality.”
The research team from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging (USA) utilized advanced machine learning and systems biology technologies to analyze and correlate vast datasets from both fruit flies and humans to identify key metabolites that influence longevity in both species.
Threonine, an amino acid found in both animal and plant proteins, has the potential to serve as a basis for future “elixirs of immortality” – (AI Illustration: ANH THƯ).
A total of 120 metabolites from 160 strains of fruit flies were examined under both restricted and normal diets.
The goal was to reveal how different gene types respond to diet to affect longevity and health.
Subsequently, they cross-referenced their findings with human data from the massive UK Biobank biological data repository. Ultimately, they filtered out the name “threonine.”
The name threonine is not unfamiliar if you often follow medical research.
It is one of the 20 essential amino acids that you must obtain through food, playing a crucial role in collagen and elastin production, blood clotting, and fat metabolism.
This amino acid also participates in various other functions of the immune, nervous, and digestive systems…
Now, the authors have discovered that threonine can extend lifespan in a manner specific to different gene types and genders.
In fruit flies, those with higher levels of threonine-related metabolites enjoy healthier and longer lives. Models suggest that this is also true for humans.
“I believe most of us have stopped expecting to find a miraculous intervention for aging. Our method offers an alternative way to develop precision medicine for gerontology,” stated the lead author, Professor Pankaj Kapahi.
Scientists will validate this discovery further through clinical studies, aiming to design “elixirs of immortality” that work to counteract age-related issues.
For individuals, ensuring an adequate intake of this “elixir of immortality” is certainly essential.
Threonine is abundant in both animal and plant proteins. The required threonine intake for adults is 15mg per kg of body weight: For example, a person weighing 70kg needs about 1050mg of threonine daily.
According to My Food Data, 100g of lean beef provides up to 1595mg of threonine, 100g of lean chicken offers 1438mg, while lean pork contains 1363mg, tuna has 1311mg, and eggs provide 604mg.
In terms of plant protein sources, the threonine content is generally lower, so if you do not consume meat or fish, you need to be cautious about potential deficiencies.
The richest plant source of threonine you can supplement is pumpkin seeds, which provide 998mg per 100g.
Soybeans and soybean products are also good options: 100g of boiled soybeans provides 723mg of threonine, while tofu contains 785mg.
Among the top 10 foods and drinks richest in threonine are milk, which provides 144mg of threonine per 100g of fresh milk, while green peas offer 201mg of threonine for the same amount consumed.
Other seafood, beans, and seeds, as well as dairy products, also contain moderate amounts of threonine.
