Can DNA markers predict aging?

It’s a bit like clockwork: Soon after an important scientific finding about health, a slew of self-help products arrive to support it. Added sugars are unhealthy? Try this diet. A sedentary lifestyle leads to disease? Do this workout. So it’s not surprising that increasing knowledge about DNA markers for longevity called telomeres has spawned yet another round of self-help tools. The latest encourages you to measure the stuff via doctor’s office or a home kit. But should you? Telomeres and aging Telomeres are strings of DNA that protect the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres tend to shorten over time as they do their job, so they’re considered biological markers of aging. Unhealthy lifestyle habits — such as smoking, eating junk food, obesity, inactivity, and chronic stress — are also associated with shorter telomeres. Shorter telomeres, in turn, are associated with a lower life expectancy and higher rates of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. Telomere testing to show biological aging? According to telomere testing companies, learning your telomere length might provide insight into your “biological” age. You’ll find the tests in several places. One is the Internet. For as little as $100, some companies will sell you a home kit that allows you to send your DNA (in a drop of blood or a cheek swab) to a lab. After a few weeks, the company mails you the test results, which tell you what your telomere length is and how that length compar...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Genes Health Healthy Aging Medical Research Prevention Source Type: blogs