DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age)

Overview

DNAm PhenoAge is a measure of biological age, which reflects how well your body is ageing at the cellular level compared to your actual age. It is based on DNA methylation patterns - chemical changes in DNA that affect how genes function. Unlike your chronological age, PhenoAge can indicate whether your body is ageing faster or slower due to lifestyle, inflammation, and metabolic health. A higher PhenoAge suggests increased risk of age-related diseases, while a lower PhenoAge indicates a slower ageing process and better overall health. Tracking this biomarker can help guide lifestyle changes to improve longevity and well-being.

Testing Levels:

• High ( Years) - A PhenoAge that is higher than your chronological age suggests that your body is ageing at an accelerated rate. This can be linked to increased inflammation, metabolic issues, and a higher risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. It’s a signal to evaluate lifestyle habits, reduce stress, and focus on health interventions that can slow the ageing process.
  
  
• Mid - Your biological ageing process is on track if your PhenoAge aligns with your chronological age. Your cells function as expected, and your risk for age-related diseases aligns with the general population. This suggests a well-balanced lifestyle and good overall health.
  
  A PhenoAge that is higher than your chronological age suggests that your body is ageing at an accelerated rate. This can be linked to increased inflammation, metabolic issues, and a higher risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. It signals to evaluate lifestyle habits, reduce stress, and focus on health interventions that slow ageing.
  
  If your PhenoAge is significantly lower than your chronological age, it suggests exceptional health and longevity potential. Your cells are youthful, and your risk for chronic diseases is likely reduced. This indicates that your body is ageing at a slower rate, possibly due to a highly optimised lifestyle and good genetic factors.
  
  
• Low ( Years) - If your PhenoAge is significantly lower than your chronological age, it suggests exceptional health and longevity potential. Your cells are youthful, and your risk for chronic diseases is likely reduced. This indicates that your body is ageing at a slower rate, possibly due to a highly optimised lifestyle and good genetic factors.

Why We Test DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age)

Testing DNAm PhenoAge is a powerful tool for assessing your biological ageing process. It helps identify whether you are ageing faster or slower than expected and offers guidance on optimising your lifestyle for long-term health. Since PhenoAge is linked to disease risk, it is an early warning system for age-related conditions, allowing for proactive changes to reduce risk and improve quality of life.

What Affects It

DNAm PhenoAge is influenced by a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Poor diet, smoking, high stress levels, lack of sleep, and sedentary behaviour can accelerate biological ageing, increasing PhenoAge. Chronic inflammation, high blood sugar, metabolic disorders, and exposure to pollutants can also speed up ageing at the cellular level. On the other hand, a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, good sleep habits, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight can help slow biological ageing, keeping your PhenoAge closer to (or even younger than) your actual age.

How to Improve

If PhenoAge is high or approaching the high limit, focus on interventions that slow biological ageing: a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods, regular physical activity (especially strength training and cardiovascular exercise), stress management (such as mindfulness, meditation, or therapy), good sleep hygiene, and reducing exposure to toxins. If PhenoAge is within or below the expected range, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help sustain youthful cellular function and longevity.

Common Name: DNAm PhenoAge