Telomere Length and All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-analysis (registered report)

The researchers combined results from many studies of adults to look for a link between telomere length and death from any cause. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, the structures that carry our genetic information. Across the studies, people with shorter telomeres generally had a slightly higher risk of dying. These studies found a link, but they cannot show that short telomeres caused the deaths or that lengthening them would extend life.

What this means for you: This does not show that buying a telomere test or a supplement will help you live longer. Telomere length is influenced by many factors and is not a reliable personal guide to what you should do.