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Epigenetics & Biological Aging

Your genes stay the same throughout life, but how they're used can change. Epigenetic tests look at chemical marks on your DNA that shift with age and lifestyle.

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics describes changes that affect how genes are switched on or off without changing the DNA sequence itself. The best-studied epigenetic mark is DNA methylation: small chemical tags attached to DNA at specific sites.

Methylation patterns change with age. Researchers have developed "epigenetic clocks" that use these patterns to estimate biological age, which can differ from your age in years.

How it differs from other genetic tests

Genetic tests read the DNA you were born with. Results generally don't change.
Epigenetic tests measure methylation marks on your DNA right now. Results can change over time and may be retested.
Epigenetic DNA methylation is different from the methylation pathway involving MTHFR and COMT, which is about genetic variants in enzymes.

Established: DNA methylation patterns change with age, and epigenetic clocks correlate with chronological age. Emerging: how well biological-age estimates predict future health in an individual, and how much they respond to lifestyle changes, is still being researched.

Important limitations: Biological-age estimates are research-based and vary between methods. They don't diagnose any condition or predict how long you will live.

Related Tests

dnaPower · purchased on dnaPower's website

MapmyEpigenome DNA Methylation Test

$1,258.00 · price set by dnaPower

What's tested: DNA methylation patterns, as described by dnaPower.
What it explores: Epigenetic insights into how you are aging.
Why it may be relevant: Measures epigenetic marks that can change over time, unlike genetic tests.
Sample: At-home kit from dnaPower; see dnaPower for sample details

View Test

dnaPower · purchased on dnaPower's website

totalPower + MapmyEpigenome Bundle

$1,657.00 · price set by dnaPower

What's tested: The totalPower genetic report plus MapmyEpigenome DNA methylation analysis.
What it explores: Inherited genetic tendencies and current epigenetic patterns together.
Why it may be relevant: Pairs the genes you were born with and how they are currently being used.
Sample: At-home kit from dnaPower; see dnaPower for sample details