Bile acid, or lithocholic acid (LCA), may be linked to cell longevity, according to findings published in the journal Aging. This is because exposure of the acid to free-living yeast can lead to improved health.

Prior research has resulted in this compound improving liver and pancreatic health in mice. For this study, a team of researchers analyzed more than 19,000 molecules, including the bile acid, to determine the anti-aging effects of LCA.

The investigators discovered that regardless of one’s daily caloric intake, the yeast longevity was improved by the bile acid. Furthermore, the results showed that during caloric restriction and stressor protein activity, the life-extending process continued to function properly.

“This leads us to believe that bile acids have potential as pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and various metabolic disorders, all of which are age-related,” said Alexander Titorenko, lead author of the study. He added that “they may indeed offer hope for a healthy aging life.”

In addition to the longevity benefits of bile acid, taking natural supplements containing resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, can help slow the signs of aging.