Unlocking the Secrets of Aging with the TruAge Complete Test
You have the power to slow down the aging process and reduce your risk for chronic illnesses. But in order to do that, you have to know how fast you're aging and be able to prove that what you're doing as actually slowing down how fast you (and your organs) age and get sick.
On a recent episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, I had a fascinating conversation with Hannah Went, co-founder and director of operations at TruDiagnostic. She introduced us to the TruAge Complete Test, a revolutionary epigenetic test that dives into the science of DNA methylation to reveal your biological age, the pace at which you’re aging, and your personalized health risks. This cutting-edge test is transforming the way we think about aging and preventive health. In particular, for my folks who want to be WAY ahead of the game, catching small changes in their labs years before they have a diagnosable illness, this test gives you the ability to get insights into small negative downshifts in your health that were impossible to catch this early just a few years ago.
If you're interested in learning more, this episode is definitely for you.
What Does TruAge Complete Measure?
The TruAge Complete Test provides insights far beyond your chronological age. It’s like a molecular health report card, detailing how your lifestyle, habits, and environment are influencing your health at the cellular level. Here’s what the test measures:
Biological Age: Understand how old your body is on a cellular level—it’s not always the same as your chronological age!
Pace of Aging: Discover how quickly your body is aging biologically with advanced “biological clocks.”
Organ Health: Get a breakdown of the biological age of 11 critical organ systems, including your liver and more.
Disease Risk: Proactively assess your risk for age-related conditions.
Lifestyle Impact: Learn how habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet are influencing your DNA expression.
Telomere Length: Get insights into the protective caps on your chromosomes, which are crucial for cellular aging.
Immune Health: Dive deeper into your immune system with an analysis of immune cell composition.
Environmental Factors: See how environmental exposures might be affecting your DNA and overall health.
How Does TruAge Testing Work?
The magic of the TruAge Complete Test lies in its focus on DNA methylation—a key epigenetic marker that acts like a “light switch” for your genes. Hannah explains it best:
“If there’s a CH3 group present on the cellular level at a CpG site, that gene is considered methylated and turned off. If the CH3 group isn’t present, the gene is unmethylated and turned on.”
This process gives us a deeper understanding of how your lifestyle and environment are influencing your genes and, ultimately, your health trajectory. The test analyzes around 1 million DNA methylation markers out of the 28 million in our bodies. These markers are carefully chosen for their ability to predict aging and disease states with incredible precision.
Advancing the Science of Aging
Epigenetic clocks, the algorithms used to interpret DNA methylation data, have come a long way. Hannah shared how these clocks have evolved:
First-Generation Clocks (2013): Trained on chronological age.
Second- and Third-Generation Clocks: Include clinical lab values, metabolites, and functional tests for a more comprehensive view.
Dunedin Pace of Aging Clock: A personal favorite of Hannah’s, this clock measures how quickly you’re aging biologically over time.
This evolution has significantly improved the accuracy of biological age testing, giving us tools to measure—and even influence—our aging process. The TruAge uses the best available clocks based on science from leading universities across the globe, powered by studies on hundreds of thousands of people.
Hannah is even more obsessed with the science than I am. It's why I trust her company so much. She outlined five key criteria for evaluating epigenetic tests, and TruAge Complete excels in every category:
Published in peer-reviewed journals.
Correlates with quality of life outcomes (healthspan and lifespan).
Responds appropriately to lifestyle interventions.
High precision, with less than 5% variance.
Provides actionable insights into how and why you’re aging.
One standout feature is the inclusion of Epigenetic Biomarker Proxies (EBPs). These are advanced predictors that go beyond traditional lab markers. For example, the DNA methylation CRP (C-reactive protein) marker is more reliable than standard CRP testing and offers insights into brain health and inflammation.
How Can This Help You and Your Clients?
The TruAge Complete Test is ideal for anyone looking to:
Take a proactive approach to aging and preventive health.
Track the effectiveness of longevity interventions, like dietary changes or supplements.
Detect potential health risks early.
Develop personalized treatment and lifestyle plans with their practitioner.
Hannah recommends retesting every six months to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed. If you want to learn more from the founders and scientists behind Tru Age, you can take their bootcamp over at Rupa University and get your own free test kit + hours of exclusive education and Q&A.
The Takeaway
Understanding how your body is aging at the molecular level opens the door to personalized strategies for living longer, healthier, and more vibrantly. Epigenetic testing is revolutionizing healthcare by empowering you with actionable insights about your unique biology.
Hannah Went shares even more about the science and applications of the TruAge Complete Test in our conversation on The Root Cause Medicine Podcast. Listen to the full episode here or watch in on Youtube.
By taking control of your biological age, you’re taking a powerful step toward thriving for years to come. I’m so grateful to be part of your healing journey and can’t wait to hear how you’re using these insights to unlock your healthiest, most vibrant self. 🌟
Wishing you health, hope, and happiness during this holiday season.
Warmly,
Dr. Kate