The Trace Elements of Drinking Water and Longevity Phenomenon

Abstract

The narrative review explores how the level of trace element intake and its retention influence life expectancy and centenarian longevity of the blue zones (longevity hot spots) in Mayang, China in comparison to Ikaria Island. Both Mayang City in China and Ikaria Island have the greatest population of centenarians. Since the beginning of time, mankind has been interested in eternal life, and the answer may exist in these longevity hot spots like Mayang, China and Ikaria Island. Empires and civilizations were built on the promise of a ‘forever life,’ and many fundamental questions provided a basis to explore the trace elements of drinking water and the longevity phenomenon. Such fundamental questions derived from ‘what warranties our existence,’‘what are we made of and ‘can we live forever’ which contribute to the quest for longevity. Though much is known about how some people reach old age compared to those who die relatively young, there is a need to further understand beyond ‘Nature vs. Nurture.’ Since genetics is not the only factor contributing to a long life, there must be other factors such as trace elements that allow humans to become centenarians. Collective results from different studies with a focus on water toxicity levels, nutrient intake, and centenarians’ hair and urine may help determine the common denominator for the phenomenon of longevity, which may significantly contribute to the body of literature.