How the Accumulation of Minerals Might Cause Aging in Humans

Is "overmineralization" the reason behind aging?

This 8-minute documentary film postulates the theory that human aging is due to "overmineralization" – the accumulation of minerals such as iron and calcium.

The excess iron theory has been suggested before as an explanation to why women live about 5 to 8 years longer than men. Because women lose iron through menstruation, their iron levels are constantly lower than men's. The theory says that there is not only a correlation but a causation between age and iron levels. Keeping iron levels low should thus slow down aging in men as well.

The most interesting point in the documentary is that during childhood years, when minerals are used by the growth process, biological aging has not really begun. Only when growth has stopped do minerals begin to accumulate in the body and begin to cause aging. The document further suggests that in later life the rate of aging actually declines, because mineral levels reach a certain point above which they don't accumulate further.

Keep in mind, though, that the video is also an ad for a product called Longevinex®, which is said to help with this overmineralization. The objectiveness of the film can be debated, but the theory itself is quite interesting.

For information on anti-aging and longevity, see these posts:

End Aging to End Anxiety: Filmmaker Jason Silva Talks about Immortality
Growing New Body Parts: Breakthroughs in Regenerative Medicine
Drinking 10 Cups of Green Tea Daily and Not Smoking Could Add 12 Years to Your Life
Green Tea Reduces the Formation of AGEs