The science behind AGEs
Browse through our hand-picked list of relevant publications.
The discovery
AGE Scanner
AGEs are glycated proteins that accumulate in our tissue: in the eyes, the kidneys, the liver, the inside of our blood vessels, the heart, and even the brain. These hazardous substances make our tissue less flexible, trigger inflammation, and even affect organ function in the long run.
Roughly 20 years ago, Dutch doctors at the University Medical Center in Groningen (UMCG) discovered that AGE levels could be calculated by taking advantage of their fluorescent properties. Shining a small amount of UV light on the skin enables AGE fluorescence to be measured.
There is lots of research on AGEs and health. Here's a selection of peer reviewed publications that relate AGEs to metabolic health using Diagnoptics' technology.
Science abstract
1. AGEs from food may contribute to build up of AGEs in the body
Chen, Jinluan, Komal Waqas, Robby Carlo Tan, Trudy Voortman, M. Arfan Ikram, Tamar E. C. Nijsten, Lisette C.P. G.M. de Groot, André G. Uitterlinden, and M. Carola Zillikens. “The Association between Dietary and Skin Advanced Glycation End Products: The Rotterdam Study.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 112, no. 1 (July 1, 2020): 129-37.
Simplified Takeaway
- Compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) build up in the body over time and are linked to aging and chronic disease.
- This study from the Rotterdam Study suggests that AGEs from food may contribute to this buildup, especially in people who are otherwise healthy.
- In people with conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, AGE levels are likely driven more by internal processes and reduced clearance rather than diet alone.
- Bottom line:
- Diet can play a role in AGE accumulation
- This effect may be more relevant for prevention and healthy aging
- Supporting the body’s ability to process and eliminate AGEs is just as important as reducing intake
Implications for Practitioners
- Diet and the way food is prepared matters for prevention.
- Focus on reducing high-AGE foods (e.g., heavily processed, fried, grilled) alongside supporting overall metabolic health.
- In clients with diabetes or kidney issues, prioritize blood sugar control and detox/clearance pathways, as internal AGE production may outweigh dietary sources.
2. Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE) accumulation in the skin is associated with depression: The Maastricht study
Dooren, Fleur E. P. van, Frans Pouwer, Casper G. Schalkwijk, Simone J. S. Sep, Coen D. A. Stehouwer, Ronald M. A. Henry, Pieter C. Dagnelie, et al. “Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE) Accumulation in the Skin Is Associated with Depression: The Maastricht Study.” *Depression and Anxiety* 34, no. 1 (January 2017): 59–67.
Simplified Takeaway
- Depression is common and often linked with chronic conditions like diabetes, but the underlying biology is still not fully understood.
This study from the Maastricht Study suggests that higher buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body is linked to more depression symptoms and a higher likelihood of depression.
This connection was seen in both:
Physical symptoms (like fatigue or low energy)
Mental/emotional symptoms (like low mood or lack of interest)
- Interestingly, AGEs measured in the skin (long-term accumulation) were linked to depression, while AGEs measured in the blood were not, suggesting that chronic buildup over time may matter more than short-term levels.
Bottom line:
- AGE accumulation may play a role in the development of depression
- Long-term metabolic stress and inflammation could be key drivers
- Supporting metabolic health and reducing AGE burden may be relevant not just for physical health, but also for mental well-being
Implications for Practitioners
- Mental health and metabolic health are closely linked; AGE buildup may play a role in both.
- Focus on blood sugar balance, reducing chronic low-grade inflammation, and lowering dietary AGEs (e.g., less fried/processed food). This will support energy, mood, and resilience.
- Small lifestyle changes may support both mood and overall health.
3. AGEs in infants according to the type of feeding and mother’s smoking habits
Federico, Giovanni, Martina Gori, Emioli Randazzo, and Francesco Vierucci. “Skin Advanced Glycation End-Products Evaluation in Infants According to the Type of Feeding and Mother’s Smoking Habits.” *SAGE Open Medicine* 4 (2016): 2050312116682126.
Simplified Takeaway
- Even early in life, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can build up in the body.
- This study found that:
- Formula-fed infants had higher AGE levels than breastfed infants
- Maternal smoking increased AGE levels in infants, even when breastfeeding
- This suggests that both early nutrition and environmental exposures influence AGE accumulation from infancy, possibly starting during pregnancy.
Implications for Practitioners
- Encourage breastfeeding where possible, as it may help reduce early AGE exposure.
- Strongly support smoking cessation during pregnancy and lactation.
- Highlight that AGE exposure begins very early in life, making prenatal and early-life care especially important for long-term health.
4. Rosemary extract supplements lower AGE levels and reduce oxidative stress while improving skin quality
Guiotto, Anna, Alessandra Pecorelli, Zoe Diana Draelos, Audrey Gueniche, Margarita Yatskayer, and Diane B. Nelson. “Reversing Oxinflammation Associated with Glycative Stress and Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products with a Dietary Supplement Containing Rosemary Extract.” *The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology* 18, no. 3 (March 2025): 34–38.
Simplified Takeaway
Skin aging is partly driven by glycation and oxidative stress, which lead to buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
This study found that a dietary supplement with rosemary extract helped:
Reduce AGEs in the skin
Lower oxidative stress
Improve visible skin quality (texture, tone, overall appearance)
This suggests that targeted nutritional support may help counteract skin aging processes from within.
Implications for Practitioners
- Consider antioxidant-rich interventions, including plant extracts like rosemary, to help reduce glycation and oxidative stress.
- Support clients with “inside-out” skin health approaches, combining nutrition with topical care.
- Emphasize that managing glycation is not just about aging, but overall cellular health.
5. AGEs and lifestyle habits in the general Japanese population
Isami, Fumiyuki, Brett J. West, Sanae Nakajima, and Sho-Ichi Yamagishi. “Association of Advanced Glycation End Products, Evaluated by Skin Autofluorescence, with Lifestyle Habits in a General Japanese Population.” *The Journal of International Medical Research* 46, no. 3 (March 2018): 1043–51.
Simplified Takeaway
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) naturally increase with age, but lifestyle plays a big role in how much builds up.
This study found that healthier habits were linked to lower AGE levels, including:
Being physically active
Not smoking
Getting enough sleep
Managing stress
Eating less sugary food and having regular meals
This suggests that daily lifestyle choices strongly influence long-term AGE accumulation.
Implications for Practitioners
Focus on foundational lifestyle habits; they can meaningfully reduce AGE buildup over time.
Encourage clients to prioritize:
Movement, sleep, and stress management
Reducing sugar intake and avoiding smoking
Reinforce that small, consistent habits can support healthier aging and lower metabolic stress.
6. Anti-AGE antioxidants: The relationship between free radicals and Advanced Glycation End products
Journal, Ijaers. “Anti-AGE Antioxidants: The Relationship between Free Radicals and Advanced Glycation End-Products.” Accessed August 28, 2024.
Simplified Takeaway
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are linked to many age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Free radicals (oxidative stress) play a key role in increasing AGE formation in the body.
This review suggests that antioxidants can help reduce or counteract AGE buildup, sometimes referred to as “anti-AGE” effects.
Implications for Practitioners
- Address both glycation and oxidative stress together, as they are closely connected.
- Emphasize antioxidant-rich diets and lifestyle strategies (e.g., whole foods, plant-based nutrients).
- Support clients in reducing overall oxidative load through:
- Stress management
- Reducing processed foods
- Encouraging nutrient-dense eating
- Position antioxidants as a key tool for healthy aging and chronic disease prevention.
7. Dietary Advanced Glycation End products and their associations with body weight on a Mediterranean diet and low-fat vegan diet
Kahleova, Hana, Tatiana Znayenko-Miller, Giulianna Motoa, Emma Eng, Alex Prevost, Jaime Uribarri, Richard Holubkov, and Neal D. Barnard. “Dietary Advanced Glycation End-Products and Their Associations with Body Weight on a Mediterranean Diet and Low-Fat Vegan Diet: A Randomized, Cross-over Trial.” *Frontiers in Nutrition* 11 (August 8, 2024).
Simplified Takeaway
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in food may influence body weight, not just aging and disease risk.
In this study, a low-fat vegan diet significantly reduced dietary AGEs and led to weight loss, while a Mediterranean diet did not change AGE intake or weight.
The more AGEs decreased, the more weight participants lost—independent of calorie intake.
Implications for Practitioners
Reducing dietary AGEs may be a useful strategy for weight management, beyond just counting calories.
Encourage plant-based, low-fat, minimally processed diets, which naturally tend to be lower in AGEs.
Focus on food quality and cooking methods, not just energy intake.
Position AGE reduction as a metabolic health tool, supporting both weight and long-term health.
8. The Association between the level of Advanced Glycation End products and objective skin quality parameters
Martinovic, Dinko, Daria Tokic, Mislav Usljebrka, Slaven Lupi-Ferandin, Livia Cigic, Lucija Vanjaka Rogosic, Sasa Ercegovic, et al. “The Association between the Level of Advanced Glycation End Products and Objective Skin Quality Parameters.” *Life* 13, no. 2 (February 2023): 256.
Simplified Takeaway
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are linked to visible and measurable signs of skin aging.
Higher AGE levels were associated with:
More skin redness and pigmentation
Lower hydration
Weaker skin barrier function
This suggests that AGEs play a key role in skin quality and aging across all age groups.
Implications for Practitioners
Address glycation as a root factor in skin aging, not just surface-level treatments.
Support clients with anti-glycation strategies (diet, lifestyle, antioxidants).
Combine internal approaches (nutrition, metabolic health) with topical skincare for better results.
Frame skin health as a reflection of overall systemic health and aging processes.
9. The Association between various smoking behaviors, cotinine biomarkers and skin autofluorescence
Waateringe, Robert P. van, Marjonneke J. Mook-Kanamori, Sandra N. Slagter, Melanie M. van der Klauw, Jana V. van Vliet-Ostaptchouk, Reindert Graaff, Helen L. Lutgers, et al. “The Association between Various Smoking Behaviors, Cotinine Biomarkers and Skin Autofluorescence, a Marker for Advanced Glycation End Product Accumulation.” *PloS One* 12, no. 6 (2017): e0179330.
Simplified Takeaway
Smoking and even secondhand smoke increase AGE buildup in the body, as measured in the skin.
The more exposure to smoke, the higher the AGE levels.
The good news: AGE levels can improve after quitting smoking, gradually returning closer to normal over time.
Implications for Practitioners
Strongly encourage smoking cessation and reducing secondhand smoke exposure as part of anti-aging and metabolic health strategies.
Highlight that smoking contributes to internal aging processes, not just visible damage.
Reinforce that it’s never too late—quitting can reverse some AGE-related damage over time.
10. Skin Autofluorescence, a non-invasive biomarker for Advanced Glycation End products, is associated with the metabolic syndrome and its individual components
Waateringe, Robert P. van, Sandra N. Slagter, Andre P. van Beek, Melanie M. van der Klauw, Jana V. van Vliet-Ostaptchouk, Reindert Graaff, Andrew D. Paterson, Helen L. Lutgers, and Bruce H. R. Wolffenbuttel. “Skin Autofluorescence, a Non-Invasive Biomarker for Advanced Glycation End Products, Is Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome and Its Individual Components.” *Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome* 9 (2017): 42.
Simplified Takeaway
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), measured in the skin, are higher in people with metabolic syndrome (a cluster of risk factors for diabetes and heart disease).
The more metabolic risk factors someone has, the higher their AGE levels tend to be.
This suggests that AGE buildup is closely linked to overall metabolic health.
Implications for Practitioners
View AGE accumulation as a useful marker of metabolic stress and disease risk.
Focus on improving key risk factors:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol balance (HDL)
Blood sugar regulation
Use AGE-related concepts to help clients understand the connection between lifestyle, metabolism, and long-term disease risk.
11. Lifestyle and clinical determinants of Skin Autofluorescence in a population-based cohort study
Waateringe, Robert P. van, Sandra N. Slagter, Melanie M. van der Klauw, Jana V. van Vliet-Ostaptchouk, Reindert Graaff, Andrew D. Paterson, Helen L. Lutgers, and Bruce H. R. Wolffenbuttel. “Lifestyle and Clinical Determinants of Skin Autofluorescence in a Population-Based Cohort Study.” *European Journal of Clinical Investigation* 46, no. 5 (May 2016): 481–90.
Simplified Takeaway
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body are influenced not just by disease, but also by everyday lifestyle and health factors.
Higher AGE levels were linked to:
Aging and higher body weight
Higher blood sugar levels
Smoking
Kidney function
Even habits like coffee consumption
This shows that AGE buildup reflects a combination of metabolic health and lifestyle choices.
Implications for Practitioners
Take a holistic view of AGE accumulation, considering multiple lifestyle and clinical factors together.
Prioritize:
Blood sugar balance
Healthy weight management
Smoking cessation
Recognize that AGE levels can vary widely between individuals; personalization is key.
Use AGE concepts to help clients understand how daily habits impact long-term health risks.
12. A physically active lifestyle is related to a lower level of Skin Autofluorescence in a large population with chronic-disease
Zande, Saskia Corine van de, Jeroen Klaas de Vries, Inge van den Akker-Scheek, Johannes Zwerver, and Andries Jan Smit. “A Physically Active Lifestyle Is Related to a Lower Level of Skin Autofluorescence in a Large Population with Chronic-Disease (LifeLines Cohort).” *Journal of Sport and Health Science*, September 26, 2020, S2095-2546(20)30123-X.
Simplified Takeaway
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are linked to aging and chronic disease.
This study found that more physical activity is associated with lower AGE levels, especially in people with chronic conditions.
In general, being more active appears to support lower long-term AGE accumulation and healthier aging.
Implications for Practitioners
Encourage regular physical activity as a key strategy to reduce AGE buildup.
Emphasize movement as part of anti-aging and metabolic health support, not just fitness.
Highlight that activity is particularly beneficial for clients with chronic disease or higher metabolic risk.
Clients & partners
Grow with us
Together with leading institutes and companies, we advance science and bring the AGE Scanner into real-world practice.
Stay up to date
Practical insights
in your inbox
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a few updates per year with practical tips, client cases and the latest insights on how AGE measurement can support your practice. Clear, relevant, and easy to apply.