Combined associations of tea consumption and smoking with accelerated biological aging among oilfield workers

This study aimed to examine the individual and combined associations of tea consumption and cigarette smoking with accelerated biological aging among oilfield workers.

Logistic regression was used to assess the associations of tea consumption and cigarette smoking with accelerated biological aging, defined using the PhenoAge algorithm, with results reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Interaction and stratified analyses by shift work status were performed to evaluate additive, multiplicative, and context-specific effects. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the observed associations.

High-level tea consumption was associated with increased odds of accelerated aging (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.72), whereas low-level or binary tea intake showed no significant effect. Cigarette smoking was strongly linked to accelerated aging (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.42-2.31). In combined analyses, smokers with low or high tea intake had greater odds compared with non-smokers who did not drink tea (low-level: OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.49-3.01; high-level: OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.64-3.21), while tea alone among non-smokers was not significant. Stratified analyses by shift work indicated stronger combined effects among non-shift workers. Interaction analyses showed a modest additive interaction (RERI = 0.11, AP = 0.09, S = 2.33) and evidence of multiplicative interaction (P = 0.025).

As the first study to investigate the joint effects of tea consumption and cigarette smoking on accelerated biological aging, our analysis revealed that tea consumption may amplify the aging-related risk associated with smoking. These findings highlight the importance of integrated nutritional and behavioral strategies to mitigate accelerated biological aging in occupational populations.