Health tech brand, OptimallyMe, has launched the UK’s first epigenetic DNAm analytic test, which aims to optimise longevity and reduce ageing.
OptimallyMe’s exclusive ‘DNA Methylation and Epigenetic Age Test’ is a brand-new analytics tool, that provides comprehensive insights into genetic makeup, health, and the ageing process.
While many people invest serious time and money in the biohacking arena, until the launch of this new test with its accompanying personalised health tech dashboard, there has been no real way to actually measure quantifiably if these investments work.
The test analyses DNA methylation patterns with scientific techniques to uncover epigenetic age based on the Horvaths Clock methodology GrimAge2.
Unlike the genetic DNA methylation tests that are on the market, this test focuses on ‘epigenetic DNA methylation’ and identifies completely different biomarkers, which no other DNA test measures.
These biomarkers (risk factors) are associated with specific organ/system ageing and include:
- Metabolic ageing (with HbA1c as a risk factor)
- Heart Ageing (CRP)
- Lung Ageing (PACKYRS)
- Immune Ageing (Leptin)
- Vascular Ageing (PAI-1)
- Cellular Ageing (ADM)
- ECM Ageing (TIMP-1)
- Kidney Ageing (Cystatin C)
- Brain Ageing (B2M)
- and Muscle Ageing (GDF).
Genetic DNA methylation analyses the methylation status of DNA to identify genetic patterns that may predispose individuals to certain diseases or conditions, typically centring on specific genes to assess hereditary risks.
Mina Stanisavljevic, a specialist in Molecular Biology and Physiology, and product research and developer’ at OptimallyMe, explains: “By testing epigenetic mDNA, we obtain a biological age to contrast with chronological age. For example, if someone is 26 years old chronologically, their biological age might be 30. The aim is for biological age to be the same as, or even less than, chronological age. In cases where the biological age is greater – as in the given example – we can pinpoint which organ/system is ageing most and provide tailored recommendations on reducing the biological age back to the chronological level.
“This way, we help people stay younger and healthier for longer. for instance, if a person’s kidney-related biomarker (risk factor), cystatin C, is increased, it indicates that kidneys are affecting ageing process. Therefore, we focus on strategies to optimise this biomarker (personalised recommendations with lifestyle, diet, supplementation implementations), thus potentially improving kidney health and reducing biological age.”
She continues: “Overall, at OptimallyMe our goal is to help individuals live healthier, longer lives. Our innovative health dashboard has also been designed to pull in health data beyond testing, including data from smart wearable devices, a series of health questionnaires and even a skin health tool, holding all health data in one place for a holistic overview.”
