Let’s talk biological age tests…

…and see if they are beneficial

We all have come across it at some point. Some of our high school friends seem to barely look any different to when we last sat an exam together. Others look all worn out by life. We all intuitively know that there is more to aging than the amount of candles on a birthday cake. So how far are we from reversing the clock? Well, still quite far. But…

DNA and aging

The good news is that in the last 20 years there have been some exciting discoveries in the science of aging. We now much better understand DNA and its impact on aging.

Over the course of time a variety of biological age tests have been developed in order to establish aging more accurately and understand how it can be slowed down using an analysis of various biomarkers. Now with the tests being so easily accessible, but still quite pricey you might be thinking if it is worth it before you commit yourself to spending a few hundred dollars. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and let’s get stuck in! We will cover a few nitty gritty things but we promise to keep it simple!

Biological vs Chronological Age

• Biological age is an attempt to measure how cells in your body and its various organs are aging using certain biomarkers. During our life, molecular changes turn on and off various genes in our DNA, either naturally or as a result of our behavior.
• Chronological age is your calendar age that starts from the minute you were born.

Genetics vs Epigenetics

• Genetics is an aging factor we cannot change, our DNA sequence.
• Epigenetics is the study of how lifestyle and environment affect our genes. Not the DNA sequence but how the DNA sequence is read by our body. The good thing is that we can influence epigenetics as an aging factor. For instance we may have a genetic predisposition for cardiovascular disease. With a healthy lifestyle choices such as having a good nutrition or amount of exercise we can reduce the risks that those genes create.

What can biological age tests actually measure?

Various tests focus on various biomarkers but these are the main ones you might come across if you dig deeper into what your provider offers.

DNA methylation

• Analysis of blood molecules in order to establish how your DNA is chemically turning on and off genes. You can measure this at the beginning of the DNA strand where methylation occurs. This way you can understand which specific genes are turned on and off. This process is changing in the course of life.

Telomere length

• Telomeres are DNA protein structures located at the end of chromosomes. They help with the cell replication and division. This process of shortening telomeres in humans has been well researched and is a popular method of measurement.

NAD⁺

• NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a beneficial coenzyme that can be detected from a blood sample. It decreases with age and the speed varies for men and women.
• Would you like to know more about NAD⁺? Head to our article Is NMN the answer to longevity in humans?

Gut microbiome

• Gut microbiome changes with age and eventually becomes less varied. These changes can be used as one of the tools helping us understand changes connected to aging.

IgG Glycome

We can measure complex sugars N-glycans from blood. These are attached to the IgG antibody which is an important antibody commonly found in blood. The composition of the IgG glycome changes with age, health, and lifestyle choices.

Transcription changes

• RNA molecule helps with getting the gene instructions to be ‘read’ and carried out. Various factors connected to aging impact how this transcription is done.

Metabolome changes

• In order to keep our cells working and growing, we need metabolites. The biochemical reactions connected to this result in metabolome. Metabolome then impacts the final physical appearance of an organism. Advanced metabolomic aging increases risk of illness and mortality.

Proteome changes

Proteome is a complete set of proteins which changes in response to various factors connected to aging. Proteins are molecules that do most of the work in cells in order to keep organs functioning.

Limitations of biological age tests

• Currently, quite a few biological age tests ask for your chronological age and then utilize this information in order to produce results. This information should not be necessary.
• There are various test methods available with varied results, examples of such involve, blood, skin, mouth swab, saliva test. For instance blood tests seem to be more accurate than saliva tests. But of course one test will never give us the most accurate picture. Like with everything, there is no miracle solution or test. In order to get the most accurate information, biological data from blood, stool, urine, saliva, microbiome, whole body scan and cancer screening, blood pressure and heart rate, all taken on a regular basis under similar conditions should be done.
• Many biological age tests produce a single age result. But what use is it to us other than enabling us to open a bottle of champagne to celebrate good results? Or wash away the sorrow of the less favorable outcome? Such information does not give us much to work with or improve. Various parts of our body are aging differently. Any test needs to give us much more in depth analysis. It should also give us an indication of how prone we are towards certain illnesses based on our specific biomarkers.
• Knowing all this you won’t be surprised to learn that if you try various biological age tests, you might experience widely different results even if you do them at the same time.

Why to do a test?

Certainly not to fear the results! Rather to establish a baseline. By repeating the test in regular intervals you should get a better understanding which health interventions could be undertaken.

So given the known limitations and major flaws, are biological age tests worthwhile? Yes, if they influence making healthier lifestyle choices or lead to early discovery of treatable disease. Also if they can be helpful in discovering early onset of certain illnesses and get patients enroll in clinical trials.

Let’s stay in touch!

Have you done biological age testing? If so, what has your experience been? If not, what are your thoughts? Let us know on Linkedin or Instagram or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on fitness, nutrition, health and longevity. If you would like to join me for a workout, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

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DISCLAIMER: This article and any associated social media is created for entertainment and informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.