At Home Test - Biological Age – Cheek Swab

The scientific technique used for this test is DNA Methylation.  This type of testing approach is considered to be one of the most accurate. Your test results in the following areas will be compared to the population at large at various ages to calculate your biological age.

What is DNA Methylation?

A methyl group is a chemical entity composed of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. It acts as a fundamental building block in various biological processes and plays a crucial role in DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a biological process that modifies our cellular DNA by adding methyl groups, effectively signaling genes to turn on or off without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This molecular mechanism serves as a regulatory switchboard, modifying the expression of genes, influencing how they function, and affecting various biological processes in the body including the manifestation of various biological traits. Much like adding annotations or post-it notes to a book can alter how we interpret and interact with the text.

Predicting Biological Age with DNA Methylation

Recent advances in research have demonstrated that DNA methylation patterns can serve as reliable predictors of biological age. Scientists have developed epigenetic clocks, such as GrimAge, which analyzes specific DNA methylation markers to estimate an individual’s biological age. By scrutinizing thousands of these markers and their correlations, these clocks can accurately assess how an individual’s DNA has aged over time.

Interpreting GrimAge Results

Receiving your GrimAge report unveils a personalized snapshot of your biological age journey. A GrimAge lower than your chronological age signifies a promising start on your aging trajectory, indicative of a younger biological age. Percentile rank further contextualizes your results, offering insights into how you fare compared to others of the same chronological age. A percentile rank of 87 on your biological age test, it would mean that your biological age is younger than 87% of others of the same chronological age. By contrast, if you scored 50% or less, that means your biological age is higher than average compared to others of your same chronological age.

Embracing the Potential for Change

Perhaps most compellingly, GrimAge underscores the modifiability of biological age, offering hope in the quest for healthy aging. Armed with insights from GrimAge, individuals can track the impact of lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and anti-aging interventions on their rate of aging. This dynamic approach empowers individuals to take proactive steps in optimizing their health span and lifespan, ultimately shaping a future characterized by vitality and well-being.