Greater hand grip strength is associated with greater probability of healthier aging and living longer. The explanation for this positive association may be, in part, the action of proteins in the blood circulation. In particular, proteins that affect inflammation and immunity responses may be at work. One of the leading proteins positively associated with the chance for a longer and healthier life is Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) [Liu 2025].
SELENOP is known to be the primary transporter of selenium in the blood. It carries selenium in the form of selenocysteine from the liver to the body’s tissues and organs. In times of scarcity of selenium, SELENOP distributes the selenium in a hierarchical priority manner. The brain and the testes and the thyroid gland are high-priority recipients of selenium [Schomburg 2022].
As the primary transporter of selenium in the blood circulation, SELENOP is a functional biomarker of selenium intake and status. It is especially useful as a serum biomarker of selenium status until a saturated SELENOP status has been achieved, i.e., until SELENOP levels reach a plateau. It also plays a role in the neutralization of harmful free radicals and in the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels [Liu 2025].
Biological Aging Data from the Berlin Aging Study
In the Berlin Aging Study, low circulating levels of SELENOP predicted more rapid biological aging and a greater decline in physical performance. In this cross-sectional study enrolling 1,568 older participants (mean age: 68.8 years; 51% women), researchers compared selenium status with various measurements of biological age versus chronological age. Their findings indicated that low selenium status is associated with greater biological aging [Vetter 2025].
Biological Aging Data from the Hand Grip Strength Study
Liu et al enrolled 27,828 healthy adults aged 64 years or older who were
likely to survive to age 80. The researchers defined “healthy aging” as
survival to age 80 without developing any major chronic diseases. They evaluated the relationship between absolute or relative hand grip strength and the likelihood of healthy aging.
Then, in a subset of 3,366 participants, the researchers assessed the presence of various proteins in the plasma of individuals with greater and lesser hand grip strength.
Analysis revealed that higher levels of absolute and relative hand grip strength were associated with a 67% (absolutely greater) and a 92% (relatively greater) higher probability of healthy aging, respectively.
Altogether, 16,844 of the 27,828 (60.5%) study participants achieved healthy aging [Liu 2025].
Of the 298 proteins identified in the study participants’ blood, the researchers pinpointed 50 proteins that showed a significant association with healthy aging. Thirteen proteins showed a positive influence; 37 showed an inverse influence on health aging. SELENOP was one of the most important positive influences [Liu 2025].
Conclusion: SELENOP and Biological Aging
The 2025 Liu study findings point to the action of Selenoprotein P as an important factor in healthy aging.
Greater hand grip strength is positively associated with a greater likelihood of healthy aging.
Sources
Liu ZY et al. Proteomic signatures of grip strength and healthy aging among older adults: A prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank. Clin Nutr. 2025 Aug 23;53:60-68.
Schomburg L. Selenoprotein P – Selenium transport protein, enzyme and biomarker of selenium status. Free Radic Biol Med. 2022 Oct;191:150-163.
Vetter VM et al. Low blood levels of selenium, selenoprotein P and GPx3 are associated with accelerated biological aging: results from the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II). Clin Epigenetics 2025, 17(1):62.
The information presented in this review article is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as such.