Look for ‘really dramatic changes’ in your body at these two ages: Stanford study

We know the body changes over time, but new research suggests those shifts may be more sudden and staggering than previously thought.

A new study from Stanford Medicine reveals that many of the body’s molecules and microorganisms starkly rise or fall in numbers at two specific times — ages 44 and 60.

Researchers drew this conclusion after assessing thousands of molecules — including RNA, proteins and metabolites — and their microbiomes, the collection of bacteria, viruses and fungi that live on and inside us, in people 25 to 75 years old.

Researchers found that 81% of the molecules studied displayed non-linear fluctuations, meaning they underwent more change at certain times than others. The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Nature Aging.

Michael Snyder, chair of genetics and the study’s senior author, imparts, “We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that’s true no matter what class of molecules you look at.”

Researchers believe these dramatic changes are reflected in significant transformations within the body.