Definition
Aging is associated with predictable epigenetic changes — particularly patterns of DNA methylation that can be used to construct "epigenetic clocks" estimating biological age.
Why it matters
Epigenetic clocks are one of the more scientifically rigorous developments in aging research. They also fuel exaggerated marketing claims.
The Science
Horvath, Hannum, and later clocks (GrimAge, PhenoAge) estimate biological aging with reasonable accuracy across tissues. Some lifestyle factors correlate with slower epigenetic aging in observational data.
The NSI Perspective
NSI treats epigenetic aging as a legitimate area with real findings and inflated consumer marketing.
Clinical Implications
Clinical use of consumer epigenetic age tests remains limited. The research is real; the practical value at the individual level is often overstated.
Practical Application
Reasonable habits are associated with slower biological aging on average. No specific product is required.
References
- 1.Horvath S. DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types. Genome Biol. 2013;14(10):R115.