Myths vs facts: VKORC1 and Langlebigkeit

VKORC1 encodes vitamin K epoxide reductase, a key enzyme in vitamin K recycling and blood coagulation. It is best known for its role in warfarin sensitivity. A common myth is that VKORC1 variants predict longevity. While some studies have explored links to arterial calcification or bone health, the evidence for a direct effect on lifespan is weak and inconsistent. Most associations come from pharmacogenetics or GWAS, not from longevity cohort studies. Consumer DNA tests often report VKORC1 for drug response, but marketing claims about 'longevity genes' are not supported by current science. The truth: VKORC1 influences how your body handles vitamin K and anticoagulants, but it does not determine how long you will live. If you see a test claiming otherwise, treat it as marketing, not evidence-based medicine.