Children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds may face lifelong consequences in terms of their health and aging process, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 European children, found that socioeconomic status can leave a biological imprint on children, affecting the length of their telomeres—a marker for aging.
Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten as we age, making them a measurable indicator of biological aging. The research revealed that children from less privileged backgrounds had shorter telomeres on average compared to their more affluent peers. This difference in telomere length could set disadvantaged children on an accelerated aging trajectory, potentially increasing their risk of disease and early death later in life.
The study, published in the journal eBioMedicine, is the largest to date examining the impact of economic status on the aging trajectory of children. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for public health policies to address these disparities and protect children’s long-term health and development.
The research team collected data from 1,160 children aged 6 to 11 years old in six European countries, categorizing them into high, medium, and low affluence groups based on family affluence scores. The analysis revealed that children from high affluence families had, on average, 5% longer telomeres compared to children from low affluence families. Girls also had longer telomeres than boys, with an average difference of 5.6%.
Additionally, the study found that children with higher body mass index (BMI) had shorter telomeres, highlighting the complex interplay between socioeconomic status, health, and biological aging. The researchers also observed lower cortisol levels in children from medium and high affluence groups compared to those from low affluence backgrounds, although the direct link between cortisol and telomere length was not established.
While the study identified limitations, such as the relative measurement of telomere length and the use of urine samples for cortisol analysis, it underscores the need for public health policies to reduce health inequalities and provide all children with an equal opportunity for a healthy future. By addressing these disparities early on, we can help mitigate the long-term consequences of economic disadvantage on children’s health and well-being.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health and implementing policies that promote health equity from childhood, setting the stage for a healthier and more equitable future for all children, regardless of their economic background.
