The Top Biological Age Tests for Maximum Longevity

Why is it that some people live through two centuries, yet other young adults require around-the-clock care?

We know it’s more than physical age.

While genes play an important role in healthspan, lifestyle is the single biggest factor within our control.

But many markers of overall health, longevity, and wellness change slowly. Sometimes, over decades.

Quantifying and tracking your biological age can help tell you if your wellness routine is helping or harming your healthspan.

Today’s review of the best biological age testing kits will compare and contrast them, and reveal which (if any) is ideal for you.

Let’s get started.

Your Real Age: Chronological vs Biological

We’re all familiar with our chronological (often called calendar, actual, or physical) age. Every 365 days, it increments by one.

When we’re young, our bodies are most resilient against disease. As we can see with the proportionally low rates of chronic conditions. The older we get, the greater our risk.

But some individuals look and perform vastly above or below their calendar age.

You know that retiree that lives the lifestyle of a twenty-something and that looks the part? The one running marathons, traveling the world, and still setting personal records.

Conversely, that once fit 40-year old all but relegated to a wheelchair.

Biological age is an approximation of how well your body and mind actually function. This is revolutionizing the future of wellness.

Why biological age matters

Biological age depicts how well your physical body functions irrespective of your chronological age. As a measurement, it has existed for a while. While chronological age is fixed, biological age responds quickly to lifestyle.

Accurate “bio-age” testing serves fourfold:

• Diagnosing disease before symptoms appear
• Immediate feedback (positive or negative) on lifestyle interventions
• Determining the causes of aging
• Personalizing medicine to your unique biology

By the time we exhibit symptoms, diseases have progressed far. Often, the degeneration began decades before. Understanding biological age can help us course-correct and personalize treatments to our unique needs.

Testing biological age offers a window of insight into our current state that helps us understand our weaknesses and strengths. I consider it one of the top tips to live longer.

Live a biologically-compatible, healthy lifestyle, and you’ll likely have a lower biological age. Live recklessly and trash your body, and your biological age increases.

5 to 10 years from now, the health system that doesn’t use [epigenetic testing] data to improve their medical delivery is going to be deemed archaic.

Atul Butte

Therefore, quantifying your biological age can help you optimize your healthspan and quality of life.

Until recently, services offering the measurements were rudimentary, lacking useful and tangible results. Technology has come a long way.

New software, products, and services have arisen to help us accurately quantify our age.

Types of Biological Age Testing

In order to understand the usefulness of biological age, we must examine the differences between testing technologies.

Consumer-grade tests range from simple blood testing values to advanced epigenetic analysis.

Telomere testing (avoid)

Telomere testing and biological age used to be synonymous.

Telomeres are little caps on DNA that protect them from damage. Every time a cell multiplies, a tiny portion isn’t copied. That portion is the telomere. Each replication makes it shorter until the DNA gets damaged, and aging results. This is called the “telomere theory of aging” [R].

Testing telomeres promised to quantify the integrity of our DNA. Lower biological age translates into longer telomeres.

Theoretically useful, I began my research. I quickly discovered fundamental flaws with telomere testing that made it a waste of resources:

• Difficultly processing. PCR testing is notoriously inaccurate but considerably cheaper than the other methods. The same sample processed on a different day, by a different technician, or under and different conditions may yield different results.
• Too sensitive to lifestyle. The results of your test come down to factors like how much you slept or exercised, what you ate, time of your blood draw and many others. How can you draw any conclusions if your “baseline” results fluctuate 40% within the span of 1 day?
• Inconsistent results. Telomere length isn’t consistent throughout the body [R]. Some tissues always have longer telomeres, and some shorter. Consumer tests randomly sample telomere lengths of a small subset of your blood.
• Average telomere measurements. Your shortest telomeres tell far more than the average. You mostly care about the percentage that are critically short.

This article explains the futility of telomere testing in more detail [R]. Since it’s just as expensive (if not more) than other methods, with little predictive power, I prefer others.

Apps & online assessments (mediocre)

Over the last two years, biological age test calculators, apps, and quizzes have started appearing on the internet.

They’ve become quite popular. Why? You can use them at-home and get your results within mere minutes.

While nice in theory, they aren’t very accurate and do not portray what’s actually going on inside your body.

BioAge apps can help you spot obvious lifestyle issues, but they rarely reveal anything noteworthy. Some require you to input your (hopefully recent) blood labs too.

I plan on comparing my results of a few of these with the gold standard tests soon… but I don’t expect much.

Blood biomarkers (cheapest)

We know that certain indicators strongly correlate with disease. Biomarkers like:

• Inflammation
• Blood glucose and insulin
• Dysregulated immune system

Some companies have created their own proprietary aggregated health scores. Instead of comparing every individual blood test value and struggling to interpret the fluctuations, you focus on the score. With some, you’ll get a different score for each organ system. Others just give you a single overall score.

You live your life, make a few changes, and re-test. Then the score will help you determine whether it’s helping you get healthy or hurting.

While an elementary approach compared to the gold standard (discussed last), these algorithms are often available as inexpensive add-ons to your routine blood work. But you can also buy them standalone.

Due to their relative simplicity, they’ll also be more accurate than speculative new testing technologies. A 2023 pre-print study showed incredible potential accuracy of estimation using blood biomarkers [R].

Miscellaneous testing (good)

Research has focused on telomere testing, blood algorithms, and epigenetic methylation, but there’s a promising emerging category.

Scientists can tell a lot about your body and how well it’s working via other mechanisms.

Other new biological age testing technologies include:

• Cellular NAD levels
• Gut microbiome
• Sugar molecules (Glycans)

Accuracy varies from one testing method to the next and by the underlying technology.

For now, I recommend using epigenetic methylation technology (described below) for the most accurate measurement. Then you can supplement those results with any of the above tests to learn specifics and if particular lifestyle habits/products actually work.

Epigenetic methylation (best)

2013 proved a pivotal year in aging research.

Epigenetics is the study of how lifestyle “activates” and “deactivates” your genes. Things like smoking, drinking, stress, can deactivate good genes, and activate bad genes.

Epigenetic methylation testing examines which of these genetic “switches” we’ve activated. Leading researchers have anointed these “epigenetic clocks” the holy grail of understanding aging [R, R]. The first epigenetic test was called “Horvath’s Clock” named after the scientist who pioneered it.

Recent years have seen an explosion in tests, kits, and products offering these services.

Some of the things to look for in epigenetic age testing services include:

• Sample type. Virtually all studies have used blood samples. Since Saliva samples have less research, we don’t know if they’re accurate.
• Loci. The number of places on the DNA methylation has occurred. Testing more loci leads to more data, better recommendation accuracy, and greater ability to build future reports.
• Reproducibility. Under different conditions (different lab technician, different day, etc), will you results come out the same? If the same sample yields drastically different results, then the test becomes useless.
• Algorithm. How do their systems take these thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of loci measurements and build a report? The machine learning algorithm used can also make or great your results. Only a few algorithms have robust scientific evidence (DunEdin PoAm is the top algorithm).

Unfortunately, few companies disclose these important details. In all sciences, transparency is paramount.

To learn more, read this ultimate guide to the best epigenetic age testing kits.

Best Biological Age Testing Kits & Services

Biological age testing has attracted the world’s leading longevity researchers like Steve Horvath and David Sinclair.

But today, you’ll find all kinds of test kits on the market.

I suggest you keep the following criteria in mind when evaluating biological age testing services:

• Technology — how they determine biological age?
• Technique — what type of sample do they require?
• Privacy — do they protect your data or sell it to the highest bidder?
• Usability — will your results come with recommendations or just a number?
• Applicability — are your results unique or generic?

I’ve talked to biological age experts and compiled research. What follows are what I believe to be the best biological age testing services.

Best Epigenetic Test: TruDiagnostic TruAge

Epigenetic biological age testing is widely considered the best way to test your biological age. Hands-down, the top product to do that is TruDiagnostics’ TruAge.

They have the latest biological age clock, the most accurate algorithms (DunedinPACE, OMICmAge, SYMPHONYAge), and the most detailed actionable reports of any testing company.

With each report, you get personalized insights into 75+ key longevity biomarkers, the biological age of your 11 key organ systems, and a whole lot more.

For example, the SYMPHONYAge algorithm alone generates your biological age for your:

• Whole Body
• Lungs
• Heart
• Brain
• Hormones
• Metabolism
• Musculoskeletal
• Blood
• Liver
• Inflammation
• Kidney
• Immunity

You also learn about your weight loss ability, response to alcohol/smoking, physical fitness, and even other longevity biomarkers like telomere length.

It’s a bit more expensive than the other options, but becomes considerably more affordable (each test costs half the retail price) if you subscribe.

Since I discovered the company in 2022, this has become my go-to BioAge test.

If you have the budget and want the best, most accurate and helpful biological age insights, pick this kit.

Get TruAge Deal

Use TruDiagnostic discount code URBAN for 12% off

Best Immune Test: GlycanAge Biological Age

GlycanAge approached cellular age quantification in a novel way. Instead of blood algorithms, telomeres, or epigenetic testing, they opted to measure a special kind of sugar molecule (called glycans). Glycans indicate inflammation levels in your immune system.

Like any good test in this category, they’re most influenced by genes, lifestyle choices, and your environment.

GlycanAge features a diverse Scientific Advisory Board of folks from glycobiology, immunology, longevity, and molecular biology. They’ve been researching aging science for 20+ years and have accumulated dozens of studies that show the link between glycans and aging.

For the same price, I’d rather get epigenetic testing. But what stands out is that GlycanAge gives you a complimentary session with a scientist to understand your results, and then another with a healthspan doctor to help you make a game plan.

GlycanAge is a good choice if you want lots of 1-1 expert attention to help reduce your biological age.

Buy GlycanAge

Best Blood Test: Thorne Biological Age Test

Thorne has grown to become one of the most trusted names in supplements. They’re the exclusive brand relied on by Olympic teams, professional athletes, and those serious about purity and efficacy.

They’ve only recently begun biomarker testing.

Thorne’s Biological Age Test Kit takes a blood sample and displays your personal age score along with a breakdown of the age of your organ systems. Measurements include:

• Biological Age
• Age Rate
• Blood Age
• Lipid Age
• Liver Age
• Kidney Age
• Metabolic Age

Struggling kidneys but optimized metabolism?

This kit simplifies identifying your strengths and weaknesses. Of particular interest, I like that Thorne included a measure of Age Rate. Age Rate is vital, as it shows your current trajectory.

The process is standard. You fill out a health profile, go to your nearest lab for a blood draw, and get your insights and age score. Most people receive their report the next day.

State-of-the-art Onegevity Health Intelligence powers in-depth and accurate reports.

As it’s a new product, I expect it to become a go-to in the coming months.

Overall, Thorne’s test is the best value biological age service.

Buy Thorne Biological Age Test

Best Gut Test: Viome Full Body Intelligence Biological Age

Viome made waves in the health optimization community when they introduced the world’s first accurate consumer-friendly gut microbiome sequencing. Using “shotgun” sequencing technology combined with AI, they could accurately predict your inflammation and blood sugar responses to 400+ foods.

The apps clearly state your particular “superfoods” to enjoy in abundance and your “kryptonite” to avoid as much as possible.

More recently, they introduced the Viome Full Body Intelligence Test Kit. This upgrade adds a Cellular Health blood panel. After submitting your stool (yes, it’s needed to sequence your gut) and blood sample, several weeks later you receive over 30 high-level scores and subscores on your:

• Gut microbiome health
• Biological age
• Cellular function health
• Immune health
• Energy levels
• Stress response

This is the only test that measures both the health of your gut microbiome and also your human cells. Additionally, I like that they include a breakdown of your DNA and mitochondrial damage.

Every report comes with food, supplement, prebiotics, and probiotics recommendations. I hope that they one day include lifestyle modifications, disease risk, and specialized protocols.

I actually tried Viome many years ago, before they offered this cellular health upgrade. The machine learning algorithms needed more data back then. In early 2022, I reviewed Viome’s Health Intelligence test kit and was pleasantly surprised by my results.

If you don’t mind submitting blood and stool, Viome generates ample actionable biological health data at the price of $399.

Buy Viome Full Body Intelligence

Use the exclusive Viome code URBAN for $110 off

Best Free App: NOVOS Life

Longevity supplements manufacturer NOVOS Labs released a free, at-home, AI-powered, biological age assessment. It’s rumored to outperform some blood-based tests.

The app is built on the ENABL Age epigenetic clock [R].

Users answer a lifestyle questionnaire and their system turns that into a Lifestyle Score (out of 100). From there, you can see how your results compare to the social leaderboards, view personalized recommendations, and even chat with AI.

Questionnaires cannot capture this. But it’s a cool and interesting technology, nonetheless.

Take the Free NOVOS Life BioAge Test

Biological Age Testing Services I’d Avoid

After extensive research, I compiled a list of the companies I personally don’t feel comfortable using and my rationale behind each.

These could turn out to be viable options, and I will update this post with any new data I receive.

MyDNAge

MyDNAge is an epigenetic testing service that began in September 2019, seems to have struggled, and is slowly disappearing. Here’s why…

You pay $299 to have a meager 2,000 loci analyzed, wait 6-8 weeks to get your results, which ends up being a plain 1-page report. We don’t know which algorithm they use, so the results are pure speculation. Plus, there’s nothing about their reproducibility.

Look this one up on your favorite online retailer. Their 2.8-star overall rating, and “Currently Unavailable” status confirm my suspicions.

I do not recommend MyDNAge since there are better options.

EpiAging Test

I’m not sure what to think about EpiAging USA’s test kits. I’ve heard them recommended to me several times. They’re also mentioned in the blog of the well-known supplement manufacturer TRU NIAGEN. On one hand, they’re by far the cheapest epigenetic testing service. But their advantages end there.

The website itself clearly lacked proofreading by a native English speaker. I studied each page of their site. Read thousands of words. Looked for real, third-party reviews. All of this turned up nothing.

Their blog hasn’t been updated since 2020. The FAQ isn’t useful. Even if they massively revamp their website, they collect a saliva sample rather than blood (industry standard). There’s no evidence that saliva is effective.

Decoding Your DNA

As you’ll soon learn, biological age testing is fantastic.

It’s one of the best ways to get near real-time feedback on your unique lifestyle.

Are the practices you follow and supplements you take improving your health? Or having the opposite effect?

It’s a great tool, but here’s the thing…

BioAge testing belongs after proper scientific genetic analysis.

That’s because your DNA sits all the way upstream. It doesn’t change, so the insights you glean last for life. Genetics forms the foundation of your biology.

It determines things like:

• Blood work
• Wearable biomarkers
• Functional testing
• Nutrient requirements
• Ideal exercise types

The right DNA service (the big names are mostly trash and sell your data) also provides you with custom actionable recommendations. They help you cut through all the generic health & wellness advice and trends.

Then you can use this data to start focusing on your journey to optimal health. Strategizing doesn’t have to be hard too. I made the B.O.O.S.T bioharmony framework that makes it easy for anyone to get started.

Proper DNA testing is also one of the cheapest, highest-value tests you can run.

I personally use this company, and in my review, I explain why it’s the only company I’d use.

Once you’ve decoded your unique biochemical makeup, then continue on. Because a cellular snapshot of your current state is now useful.

How to Lower Biological Age

To reverse biological age, we have two categories of interventions:

• General
• Personalized

Combine both for the best effects.

General interventions are the well-known ways to improve health. Things like sleeping enough, movement, light exposure, eating clean, whole foods, time-restricted eating, drinking natural water, living in a pristine environment, etc. Together, these form the pillars of a healthy lifestyle. Each has a myriad of benefits.

This is where understanding the new hallmarks of aging comes into play as well.

Personalized interventions, on the other hand, tailor recommendations to you. Things that might not work well for others, but conform to your unique biological data.

Some of the most promising biological age-reversing techniques focus on prevention and include:

• Regular movement
• Clean diet
• Quality sleep
• Light exposure
• Peptides (Thymosin Alpha-1)
• Growth Hormone
• Mitochondrial support
• NAD+ therapy (NMN and NR supplements)
• Exosomes & PRP
• Young Plasma Apheresis
• Stem Cell therapies
• Senolytic procedures

I use a DNA analytics software called SelfDecode (see my review here) which helps me understand which procedures, supplements, and tools will work best for me. Armed with this knowledge, I customize my approach to reversing biological age and save money by avoiding the things that won’t work for my biology.

Reversing Biological Age Starts With Quantification

One of the biggest questions in health and wellness…

Are my restrictive lifestyle habits actually making a difference?

These tests quantify your current state and establish your baseline.

Once you know where you are, you can test different interventions (supplements, drugs, protocols, and therapies) to see if they help or hurt your healthspan.

Large-scale epidemiological aging studies can take 40+ years, and then yield only mildly useful insights. Broadly applicable insights, but perhaps not suited to your unique physiology.

You may waste decades making sacrifices in “the name of health”… and to your detriment. Conversely, biological age testing gives you near real-time feedback.

Biological age testing holds tremendous promise.

This field is the foundation of personalized medicine.

Not all technologies are equal. Some cost more than they’re worth. Others lack accuracy. Many sell your data and are downright scams.

This is the dawn of biological medicine.

I usually choose TruDiagnostic for their best-in-class biological age quantification. But they’re not the only option. These are the other top epigenetic age testing kits.

The right platforms grant you tremendous power to improve your healthspan and quality of life.

Am I missing any testing services? Have you tested your biological age? Let me know in the comments below.

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