Researchers at College Kings London have found 22 metabolites that are created during molecular changes before birth and during childhood that they believe can be used to predict how old people will look.
The finding could pave the way for a blood test on babies to determine their chances of age-related illness so that proper medical care can be given earlier, before the disease actually occurs.
One of the metabolites scientists have discovered, C-glyTrp, has been associated with bone mineral density and lung function, and is also linked with birth weight.
"Scientists have long known that a person's birth weight is an important determinant of health in middle and late life and that underweight people are more susceptible to age-related illness," says Professor Tim. Spector of College Kings, in a statement.
"Until now, the molecular mechanisms linking low birth weight with health or illness in old age have been unknown, but this finding has revealed one of the molecular pathways involved."
Scientists made the discovery by studying the metabolites in blood samples from six thousand twins.
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