A new study examines the changes our bodies go through as we age, finding once adults hit their 40s and 60s, these changes may cause significant differences in cardiovascular health and immune function. 

The study was published on August 21 in Nature Aging. Researchers found molecules and microorganisms both inside and outside our bodies go through dramatic changes, first at about 44 years old and then again at 60 years old. 

“While it’s obvious that you’re aging throughout your entire life, there are two big periods where things really shift,” said the study’s senior author, Michael Snyder, a professor of genetics and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford Medicine to NBC News. “There’s a big shift in the metabolism of lipids when people are in their 40s and in the metabolism of carbohydrates when people are in their 60s.”

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Shifts in the Body’s Metabolism

Stanford scientists examined blood and other biological samples of 108 volunteers between 25 and 75 years old. These participants donated samples for several years. Researchers tracked molecules in the samples including RNA and proteins as well as microbiomes. 

They found the metabolic changes do not indicate people in their 40s are burning calories more slowly, but the body is breaking down food differently. The health consequences are not clear right now.

Snyder suggests people in their 40s keep a close eye on their lipids, especially LDL cholesterol. Lipids are fatty substances, including LDL, that perform a host of functions in the body. However, they can be harmful if they build up in the blood.

“If they start going up, people might want to think about taking statins if that’s what their doctor recommends,” he said.

Snyder also encourages people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, by eating beneficial foods and working out regularly. When it comes to exercising, warming up is key as you age.

“Knowing there’s a shift in the molecules that affect muscles and skin, you might want to warm up more before exercising so you don’t hurt yourself,” he said.

Still, analysts are calling this study and important step forward, despite not knowing the consequences of metabolic changes for older adults. 

“Right now, we have to acknowledge that we metabolize food differently in our 40s, and that is something really new,” said Dr. Lori Zeltser, professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University. 

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