I’m 32 years old, or at least that’s what my birth certificate claims.

However, my “biological age” – a scientific assessment of my age calculated with sophisticated algorithms – seems to say I’m 27.9. Or maybe I’m 33.33. My heart claims to be 29.27, but my brain insists it’s 35.06.

Wait, what?

To sum it up: I experimented with a few biological age tests for a piece on longevity to uncover the hype surrounding these evaluations. Can companies truly glean significant insights into my organ systems through blood samples? What would that mean? Did I really want to find out?

I found that numbers are only a fragment of the story. The key to maintaining a healthier lifestyle lies in focusing on what you can manage and not allowing data to overwhelm you.

Overview of TruDiagnostic and 23andMe biological age tests

I tested two biological age assessments: TruDiagnostic’s TruAge, which featured on “The Kardashians” this summer, and 23andMe’s Biological Age as part of their 23andMe+ “Total Health” service. Both tests are priced at $499 for a one-time evaluation, including the first year fee for 23andMe’s “Total Health.”

The 23andMe process was straightforward; I simply went to a Quest Diagnostics lab where a phlebotomist collected several vials of blood as usual.

Taking the TruDiagnostic test felt like conducting a little experiment at home. I gathered all necessary supplies: lancets, a blood spot card, an alcohol wipe, a gauze pad, a bandage, a biohazard bag, and a mail-back envelope. The first lancet pierced my skin with surprising accuracy. Ouch! I held my finger over the blood spot card, attempting to drop red dots into the designated area as directed. No luck initially. Applying pressure to my finger helped, plus a second prick from the lancet (Ouch again!). Finally, I filled the spot, sent in the test, and awaited results. Both companies provided further insights beyond just biological age, but that was my primary focus.

Weeks passed, but eventually, my results appeared in my inbox. This was it! …

‘Your DNA is not your destiny’

Dr. Matt Dawson, CEO of TruDiagnostic, explained my results to me, breaking down the science for a journalist like me with health knowledge but no formal medical training.

“If we were to analyze your DNA, it represents your fundamental blueprint. It reveals various risk factors, strengths, and weaknesses, but your DNA does not determine your future,” he explained during a Zoom call.

DNA influences about 20% of our health outcomes; the remaining 80% is driven by lifestyle choices. Factors like exercise, diet, stress, sleep, and environment all play a role. Epigenetics examines how lifestyle factors can activate or deactivate genes. TruDiagnostic assesses this through DNA methylation testing, which evaluates how much gene expression is affected by your habits. The company provides three key reports: an overall biological age predicting longevity, the aging rate of individual organ systems, and your overall aging pace.

Dawson emphasized the importance of the pace test as it provides a current glimpse into a person’s health habits. I appreciated this too, especially since he informed me that “you’re doing great; you exercise, you eat healthily,” which reflected in my 0.74 aging pace. What can I say? I appreciate positive feedback.

If ‘you’re not skeptical, you’re not a scientist’

What I didn’t appreciate was how the “older” age designations came with disapproving faces beside them. They felt like taunts from school bullies.

My musculoskeletal system and heart were the youngest at 27.13 and 29.27, respectively, which made sense considering my rigorous six-day workout regimen. Most of my other organ systems matched my biological age, though my brain clocked in at 35.06 years old. Overall, I was rated as 33.33 years old. (Talk about disappointing!) Apparently, I need to sleep more and reduce stress. Good advice, but I’m not sure if I needed to spend money to learn that.

Throughout my life, I’ve received many test results and I’ve often questioned their reliability. Dawson, the founder mentioned here, is open to skepticism, asserting, “The essence of science is not about finding the ultimate truth; it’s about getting increasingly closer to it. If you’re not questioning things, you aren’t engaging in science.” He emphasizes the strength of his company’s algorithms and partnerships with prestigious universities. Although he acknowledges that there’s a financial aspect involved, he typically suggests undergoing tests a few times a year based on personal objectives.

However, Dr. Douglas E. Vaughan, who teaches medicine at Northwestern University and leads the Potocsnak Longevity Institute, states, “While this form of assessment is intriguing, it’s not entirely comprehensive.” He points out that biological age can be measured in numerous ways, including analyzing protein levels in the blood and utilizing a growing array of AI tools.

‘Various perspectives on your overall health’

Speaking of alternative methods, let’s consider the 23andMe Biological Age test. It indicated that my biological age is 27.9 years, which was quite the compliment! However, why did this differ so much from the TruDiagnostic result?

According to Bertram Koelsch, who directs product research and development at 23andMe, several methods exist to determine biological age. Their test utilizes blood biomarkers, with a machine learning algorithm processing blood test results to estimate longevity. This approach is different from that of TruDiagnostic.

“No single method is perfect for gauging biological age,” Koelsch states. “Think of it like understanding a car. Just as a car has various systems such as brakes and steering, your body also has different aspects through which you can evaluate its health.”

If various tests yield differing outcomes, as mine did, don’t overanalyze the differences. Koelsch explains, “At times, the results may correspond, confirming you’re either younger or older. Other times, results may conflict. This doesn’t imply one test is correct while the other is wrong; rather, they reflect different perspectives on your general health condition.”

That said, Dr. Halland Chen, a longevity expert, advises that “if you’re seeking accuracy, DNA methylation tests are your best bet. For actionable insights, checking blood biomarkers is a fantastic starting point.”

23andMe opted for blood biomarkers since they can easily change based on personal lifestyle choices and dietary habits. “However,” he adds, “blood biomarker readings can also be subject to fluctuations due to random life events.” Therefore, taking multiple blood samples over time may provide a more accurate assessment.

In contrast to TruDiagnostic, the 23andMe website doesn’t deliver as detailed results; it allows you to see which biomarkers are younger, older, or neutral without providing a precise age. Koelsch explains, “We’ve invested considerable effort to pinpoint crucial elements users need to understand so they can leave with confidence regarding their health information.” While I appreciated the clarity, I still yearned for more specific numerical data – a common dilemma when it comes to health metrics – and I could have sought additional consultation with the company for extra guidance. They indicate that more information about how your biomarkers impact biological age will be available in the future.

Should you consider purchasing a biological age test kit?

So, is it worthwhile to try one of these tests? If you’re eager to gain insights into your health, then go ahead. But if simply thinking about it causes you stress, it may be best to skip it.

“These tests are merely tools,” adds Halland Chen, “and their true value lies in the actions you take moving forward.”

Your diet, exercise routine, and even luck are the true factors behind longevity. And you don’t need a scientist to remind you of that.