Metabolomics of Aging: Sub-study of the Healthy Elderly Active Longevity (HEAL) Study

Study Summary

This research is being done to learn more about healthy aging. We hope to learn which bodily processes or functions are important for the elderly to maintain good health. Metabolites (for example, glucose) are small molecules in our bodies that are used in all bodily reactions. Looking at their levels in healthy elderly people may help researchers find out which processes lead some people to get to disease and others to not. Metabolites are the basic building blocks for people. They are used to construct larger complexes(such as proteins), relay signals from one part of the body to another, and as a source of energy. While most people have essentially the same types of metabolites, the relative levels of these metabolites vary from one individual to another. These levels reflect the body's state of growth, development, and reproduction. An appropriate balance in metabolites is important to maintaining general health. Conditions like cancer and diabetes result in disrupted levels of metabolites that are associated with changes in bodily functions. Deviations from normal levels of metabolites can be used as a signature for disease. Researchers have discovered that a disruption in unique metabolite levels is associated with human aging. In this study we hope to learn which, if any, of these disruptions are associated with the onset of age-related disease.