Health
Aging process could accelerate due to ‘forever chemicals’ exposure, study finds
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A new study suggests that middle-aged men may be more vulnerable to faster biological aging, potentially linked to exposure to “forever chemicals.”
The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, examined how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, could impact aging at the cellular level.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware, food packaging, water-resistant fabrics and other consumer products, the study noted.
Their chemical structure makes them highly resistant to breaking down, allowing them to accumulate in water, soil and the human body.
Chinese researchers analyzed blood samples from 326 adults enrolled in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2000.
A new study suggests that middle-aged men could face accelerated biological aging at the cellular level due to exposure to PFAS. (iStock)
The researchers measured levels of 11 PFAS compounds in participants’ blood and used DNA-based “epigenetic clocks” — tools that analyze chemical changes to DNA to estimate biological age — to determine how quickly their bodies were aging at the cellular level, the study stated.
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Two compounds, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA), were detected in 95% of participants.
Higher concentrations of those chemicals were associated with faster biological aging in men of certain age groups, but not in women.
“People should not panic.”
The compounds most strongly linked to accelerated aging were not the PFAS chemicals that typically receive the most public attention, the researchers noted.
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“The associations were strongest in adults aged 50 to 64, particularly in men,” Dr. Xiangwei Li, professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the study’s corresponding author, told Fox News Digital.
“While this does not establish that PFAS cause aging, it suggests that these widely present ‘forever chemicals’ may be linked to molecular changes related to long-term health and aging.”
The study found that two of the compounds were detected in 95% of participants, and higher levels were linked to faster biological aging in men ages 50–64. (iStock)
Midlife may represent a more sensitive biological period, when the body becomes more vulnerable to age-related stressors, according to the researchers.
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, may influence biological aging markers, potentially increasing vulnerability to environmental pollutants.
While Li said “people should not panic,” she does recommend looking for reasonable ways to reduce exposure.
That might mean checking local drinking water reports, using certified water filters designed to reduce PFAS, and limiting the use of stain- or grease-resistant products when alternatives are available.
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Meaningful reductions in PFAS exposure will likely depend on broader regulatory action and environmental cleanup efforts, Li added.
The researchers noted that midlife could be a particularly sensitive stage, when the body is more susceptible to stressors associated with aging. (iStock)
Study limitations
The researchers outlined several important limitations of the research, including that the findings show an association, but do not prove that PFAS directly causes accelerated aging.
“The study is cross-sectional, meaning exposure and aging markers were measured at the same time, so we cannot determine causality,” Li told Fox News Digital.
The study was also relatively small, limited to 326 adults age 50 or older, which means the findings may not apply to younger people or broader populations.
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Researchers measured PFAS levels using data collected between 1999 and 2000, and today’s exposure patterns may differ.
Li added that while PFAS is known to persist in the environment and the body, these results should be validated through larger, more recent studies that follow participants over time.
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More than half of people over 50 have experienced hemorrhoids, according to the National Institutes of Health and other medical sources.
To help patients and providers navigate this common issue, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently released updated clinical practice guidelines in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The update focuses on a simple approach, emphasizing lifestyle modifications over quick-fix products.
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Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins that develop both internally and externally. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they can range from a minor annoyance to a source of significant pain and rectal bleeding.
Experts estimate that one in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids that irritate them. They become more common with age.
They are also particularly common during pregnancy due to increased pelvic pressure, though these cases can usually be managed with conservative symptom care.
The guidelines warn against the overuse of topical steroids. While they can reduce inflammation, using them for more than two weeks can cause irritation. (iStock)
One takeaway from the AGA update is that a promising treatment for hemorrhoids is often found in the pantry rather than the pharmacy. The experts labeled increased fiber intake as a “reasonable first-line therapy.”
By softening the stool and increasing its bulk, fiber reduces the need for straining, a culprit behind hemorrhoid flare-ups.
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Most Americans are nowhere near the recommended daily fiber intake.
The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend 22 to 28 grams for women and 28 to 45 grams for men, but data suggest that 90% of women and 97% of men fall short.
Experts labeled increased fiber intake as a “reasonable first-line therapy” against hemorrhoids, but current data shows many Americans aren’t getting enough. (iStock)
The AGA highlighted that restroom habits are also a contributing factor.
In an era where many people take their smartphones into the bathroom, prolonged sitting and straining can lead to increased pressure. The updated guidelines recommend avoiding long sessions that exacerbate symptoms.
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People may reach for sitz baths or topical creams at the first sign of discomfort, but the AGA says there is limited data to support their long-term effectiveness.
Because rectal bleeding can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions, a physical exam is recommended before beginning any treatment plan. (iStock)
The guidelines also warn against the overuse of topical steroids. While they can reduce inflammation, using them for more than two weeks can cause the skin to thin and become more irritated.
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While lifestyle changes are important, the AGA emphasizes that a proper diagnosis is vital. Because rectal bleeding can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions, a physical exam is recommended before beginning any treatment plan.
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For persistent or severe cases, patients may need office-based procedures or surgical intervention.
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