Important notice

This test does not constitute a medical diagnosis, nor does it predict life expectancy. It is an informative tool intended to improve and motivate your self-care.

DNA methylation

The calculation is done through DNA methylation. Although all the cells in your body have the same instruction manual (i.e. the same DNA), they do not all perform the same functions. This is due to epigenetics.

 

Methylation is like placing chemical stickers (methyl groups) on DNA, especially in certain regions called CpG sites. Methylation markers indicate the specific positions or patterns where these stickers are placed (or not placed), revealing whether a gene is on or off, without altering the DNA sequence itself.

 

As we age, methylation patterns change in predictable ways across thousands of sites in the genome. Hence the concept of the epigenetic clock: scientists have identified specific sets of these sites (known as CpG sites) that serve as reliable markers of ageing. By analysing their status, it is possible to estimate a person’s biological age.

 

The first epigenetic clock was created by researcher Steve Horvath in 2013 and showed that certain chemical “switches” in our genome follow a very precise ageing pattern. Since then, other studies have confirmed that these clocks not only predict age with high accuracy, but are also linked to future health: a biological age higher than chronological age is often associated with a greater risk of disease and shorter life expectancy. In contrast, healthy habits such as exercise, good nutrition and stress reduction can help the epigenetic clock indicate a younger age.

 

Biological age based on DNA methylation is calculated by analysing chemical patterns in the genome that change over time; these patterns function as an “epigenetic clock”, scientifically validated by numerous studies.

How is the calculation performed?

A DNA sample is collected (usually from saliva or blood).

 

This is analysed using laboratory techniques such as microarrays or bisulphite sequencing, which detect the degree of methylation at relevant CpG sites.

 

The data is input into statistical algorithms trained on large population cohorts.

 

The result is an estimate of epigenetic age, which may differ from chronological age depending on factors such as lifestyle, diet, stress or disease.

 

The result is an estimate of the epigenetic age, which may differ from the chronological age depending on certain factors, especially the four fundamental pillars:

 

• Diet and supplementation
• Sleep quality
• Physical activity
• Stress management