Discover Your Biological Age with Our Telomere Test

Telomeres are sections of DNA that form a protective cap at the end of each chromosome in every cell of the body. When a cell divides, the telomere gets a tiny bit shorter, until there is no more telomere left to protect DNA from “unraveling,” and the cell dies. Cellular death causes the body to age, thus making telomeres a novel biomarker for biological age. The longer one’s telomeres, the younger one’s biological age. Moreover, the rate at which telomeres shorten is accelerated by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, genetic pre-disposition, and other lifestyle habits. Telomere shortening, when expedited, contributes to cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, and cancers.

The patient Telomere Score is calculated based on the patient's telomere length on white blood cells (T-lymphocytes). This is the average compared to telomere length on lymphocytes from a sample of the American population in the same age range. The higher the telomere score, the "younger" the cells. A Telomere Score that is above the average line is desirable.

Testing can be done as often as every 6 months, but at least once per year. To evaluate the rate of aging and make adjustments in nutrition, nutritional supplements, weight management, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications known to influence telomere length.

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Age adjusted telomere length is the best method to date to assess biological age using structural analysis of chromosomal change in the telomere. Serial evaluation of telomere length is an indicator of how rapidly one ages relative to a normal population. Therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may slow aging and age-related diseases.

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Telomeres are sections of DNA at the end of each chromosome that serve as a cap to your genetic material. Every time a cell replicates, its telomere will become shorter. Shorter telomeres imply a shorter life span for a cell.

Age adjusted telomere length is the best method to date to assess biological age using structural analysis of chromosomal change in the telomere. Serial evaluation of telomere length is an indicator of how rapidly one ages relative to a normal population. Therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may slow aging and age-related diseases.

Fortunately, you can enhance your body's ability to methylate efficiently by ensuring adequate intake of key nutrients. Methylation relies on several B vitamins and mineral cofactors.

Methyl Donors: Nutrients like serine and choline donate methyl groups to proteins, aiding in methylation.

Methylating Factors: Vitamin B12 and zinc support this process by regulating methylation reactions.

However, be cautious not to over-supplement, as an abundance of methyl-donor nutrients can lead to over-methylation. Balancing your nutrient intake is essential for optimal methylation

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An inflammatory diet, or one that increases oxidative stress, will shorten telomeres faster. This would include refined carbohydrates, fast foods, processed foods, sodas, artificial sweeteners, trans fats and saturated fats. A diet with a large amount and variety of antioxidants that improves oxidative defense and reduces oxidative stress will slow telomere shortening. Consumption of 10 servings of fresh and relatively uncooked fruits and vegetables, mixed fiber, monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, cold water fish and high quality vegetable proteins can prevent premature shortening. In addition, caloric restriction is advised combined with an exercise program. Fasting for 12 hours each night at least 4 days per week may also be recommended.

Everyone can benefit from an MTHFR gene test, as it's a one-time genetic test. It is especially valuable for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, pregnancy complications, or unexplained health issues in these areas. This test helps understand genetic predispositions and tailor health strategies accordingly.

Age adjusted telomere length is the best method to date to assess biological age using structural analysis of chromosomal change in the telomere. Serial evaluation of telomere length is an indicator of how rapidly one ages relative to a normal population. Therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may slow aging and age-related diseases.

The Patient Telomere Score is calculated based on the patient's telomere length on white blood cells (T-lymphocytes). This is the average compared to telomere length on lymphocytes from a sample of the American population in the same age range. The higher the telomere score, the "younger" the cells. A Telomere Score that is above the average line is desirable.

• It is recommended to reduce all known cardiovascular risk factors, reduce Hemoglobin A1c, reduce homocysteine and HS-CRP. Consider ordering our Cardi-A1c.
• Reduce blood pressure.
• Maintain ideal body weight.
• Stop smoking.
• Optimize sleep and exercise.
• Treat insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome by evaluating micronutrient deficiencies.

Consider ordering our Micronutrient Test.

Oxidative stress will shorten telomere length and cause aging in cellular tissue. Targeted supplementation is key, as antioxidants work synergistically and must be balanced to work most effectively and avoid inducing a pro-oxidant effect. Increasing antioxidant capacity at the cellular level is critical to maintaining telomere length. Consider ordering our Micronutrient Test.

Shorter telomeres have been associated with metabolic abnormalities, obesity and several degenerative diseases including cancer, dementia and cardiovascular disease. In vitro studies have shown that telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which will shorten telomere length and enhance cellular aging. Minimizing associated risk factors that are linked to shortened telomere activity is recommended and include:

• Reduce oxidative stress
• Correct micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin D
• Change sedentary lifestyle/increase physical activity
• Avoid weight gain or obesity
• Correct insulin resistance

Studies have shown that telomere length is strongly associated with CVD risk, nutritional deficiencies (particularly antioxidants) and cancer and testing may be a useful biomarker for risk assessment.