API Global partners with Chromosomal Bode offering Telomere DNA Testing.
Telomeres act as a cap on your chromosomes to prevent them from fraying during cell division. Each time a cell replicates, its telomere will become shorter. A shorter telomere equals a shorter life span for the cell. Once the telomere is gone, the chromosome is damaged and the cell dies.
What Does Telomere Testing Measure?
The length of your telomeres can be determined through a DNA blood test. Telomere length is the best method to date to assess biological age. While you might be 35 years old according to your birth date, your biological age might actually be 55 due to the length of your telomeres.
How Are The Results Reported?
The patient’s telomere score (as indicated by the green box) is calculated based on the average length of the telomeres in their white blood cells. Their telomere length is then compared to the average telomere length from a sample of the American population that is within their same age range. The higher the telomere score, the “younger” the cells. A telomere score that is above the average line (black line) is desirable.
Studies have shown that poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and tobacco use can affect telomere length, causing them to shorten faster and that healthy lifestyle changes can help slow down the rate of telomere shortening. Testing should be done once per year in order to evaluate the rate of aging and if necessary make adjustments in nutrition, weight management, exercise and other lifestyle modifications known to influence telomere length.