As we grow older, many of us notice more frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or a nagging throat irritation. While lifestyle factors and age‑related physical changes are often blamed, a groundbreaking 2025 study suggests that ageing and gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may share a deeper biological connection – one written into our genes【1】. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding why reflux becomes more common and harder to manage in later life, and reinforces the value of objective, non‑invasive reflux testing with tools like Pepfast.
Researchers used genome‑wide association studies (GWAS) to examine the genetic overlap between GERD and five key ageing traits: frailty index (FI), telomere length (TL), longevity, parental lifespan, and facial ageing【1】. Two traits stood out:
Frailty Index (FI) – a measure of physical vulnerability – showed a positive genetic correlation with GERD. Seventy‑three shared genetic variants were identified, suggesting that people genetically predisposed to frailty may also be more prone to reflux【1】.
Telomere Length (TL) – a well‑established marker of biological ageing – was genetically associated with a higher risk of GERD. The study found 148 overlapping genetic markers, one near the FAM49A gene that may influence both cellular ageing and digestive function【1】.
Interestingly, the link was specific to biological markers of ageing (frailty and telomere length) rather than appearance‑based traits like facial ageing, or longevity measures【1】.
The research does not claim that ageing causes reflux, but it does suggest that some individuals are genetically predisposed to both accelerated biological ageing and reflux symptoms. This could explain why certain people develop troublesome reflux later in life, even without obvious lifestyle triggers, and why symptoms sometimes resist standard treatments.
The study also identified that many of the shared genes are most active in brain regions such as the cortex and frontal cortex, hinting at a role for the brain‑gut axis【1】. This aligns with clinical observations that stress, sleep disorders, and depression can worsen reflux.
For healthcare providers and patients alike, this genetic insight reinforces a key message: objective diagnosis is essential, especially when symptoms are persistent or appear in older adults. Relying solely on symptom checklists or empirical acid suppression can miss the underlying cause.
Pepfast pepsin detection kit offers a simple, non‑invasive reflux test that detects the presence of pepsin – a stomach enzyme that should never be found in saliva. A positive result provides direct, objective evidence of gastric reflux, helping clinicians distinguish GERD from other conditions with similar symptoms (e.g., eosinophilic oesophagitis, functional heartburn). Clinical studies have validated that salivary pepsin testing demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing both GERD and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)【2】【3】. For older adults, who may be poor candidates for invasive tests like endoscopy or 24‑hour pH monitoring, a saliva test is particularly valuable.
As genetic research advances, we may see more personalised approaches to reflux management – tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile. In the meantime, accurate testing remains the cornerstone of effective care. If you or a family member experiences persistent heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, or hoarseness – especially later in life – consider a pepsin test like Pepfast to confirm whether reflux is truly the cause.
Maxhealth Innovative Meditech (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. provides end‑to‑end diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for GERD and LPR, including Pepfast (rapid non‑invasive pepsin test), Peptest (lab‑based confirmatory test), and Gasrelief (alginate physical barrier therapy). All products hold CE, FDA, and NMPA clearances. For distribution inquiries, please contact our commercial team.
1. Is reflux a normal part of ageing?
No. While reflux becomes more common with age, it is not inevitable. Genetic predisposition combined with age‑related changes may increase risk, but accurate testing can identify those who need treatment.
2. How can a saliva test like Pepfast help older adults?
Pepfast is non‑invasive, requires no fasting or sedation, and provides results in 15 minutes. It is ideal for older patients who may not tolerate endoscopy or 24‑hour pH monitoring.
3. What is pepsin, and why is it important?
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced only in the stomach. Its presence in saliva is a direct biomarker of reflux, proving that stomach contents have travelled up into the throat or airways.
4. Can genetic testing predict my risk of reflux?
Currently, genetic testing is not routine for GERD. The new research highlights biological pathways, but clinical diagnosis still relies on symptoms and objective tests like Pepfast.
5. Should I stop my acid medication before taking Pepfast?
Your doctor can advise you. Because Pepfast detects pepsin (not acid), it works even if you are taking acid‑suppressing drugs. However, always follow your clinician’s instructions.
【1】Wu Y, Zhang L, Chen H, et al. Shared genetic architecture between gastroesophageal reflux disease and ageing‑related traits: a genome‑wide association study. Scientific Reports. 2025;15(8):12563.
【2】Wang YF, Yang CQ, Chen YX, et al. Validation in China of a non‑invasive salivary pepsin biomarker containing two unique human pepsin monoclonal antibodies to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease. Journal of Digestive Diseases. 2019;20(6):278‑287.
【3】Kucova I, et al. The Diagnostic Value of the Peptest in Detecting Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;10(16):3621.
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