Biomarker testing: what your body tells you about your longevity

Our body communicates with us. Typical signs that we can perceive every day are moods and emotional states, skin condition, type of digestion, tiredness, energy levels, and pain, which tell us that we should pay particular attention to certain areas. However, the body also gives us signals that we can only read with modern medical technology. These so-called biomarkers are measurable biological characteristics that give us insights into health processes thanks to special tests.
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Biomarkers not only show the current state of your body but can also indicate future developments. Moreover, most of these values can be actively influenced by making targeted lifestyle adjustments. The more you know about them, the better you can adapt to possible risks. Biomarker testing can tell you what to do and, just as importantly - what not to do.
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Research is revealing more about why biomarkers are so important. A study of centenarians showed that specific biomarker profiles correlate with exceptional longevity from age 65 [1]. These people have optimized levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers.

Ultimately, centenarians are not much different than the general population; they only manage to delay the onset of the most common chronic diseases by decades and stay in good health until they are much older.

What are biomarkers?

Biomarkers are objectively measurable indicators of biological processes. Unlike symptoms, which are perceived subjectively, biomarkers provide reproducible measured values.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines biomarkers as substances, structures, or processes in the body that:

• display the state of health
• predict disease risks
• make therapy success measurable

The spectrum ranges from simple vital parameters such as pulse and blood pressure to complex laboratory values from blood and tissue. Modern laboratory medicine is enabling increasingly precise measurements at the molecular level.

One example: While fatigue is a subjective symptom, thyroid or vitamin D levels are objective biomarkers that can provide information about possible causes.

What is biomarker testing?

Biomarker tests can provide you with valuable information about your:

• metabolic efficiency
• inflammatory processes
• disease risks
• organ function

Targeted biomarker testing can show your health risks before the first symptoms appear and thus enable early intervention. This can extend your health span and longevity. If you have precise knowledge about your physical characteristics, it is easier to make proper lifestyle adjustments.
The findings from the biomarkers enable specific recommendations to be made—and they show which interventions are unnecessary for you. Instead of blanket health advice, you receive scientifically sound strategies tailored to your biochemistry.
For example, your metabolic markers can show which foods your body optimally utilizes and establish your useful nutrition patterns better. This allows you to make targeted adjustments that are good for you and your body instead of general dietary recommendations.

The four most important biomarkers for your longevity

Science has identified four biomarker categories as particularly relevant for a healthy, long life. These markers provide precise insights into aging processes and form the basis for personalized interventions [2].

Metabolic blood biomarkers

Metabolic health is fundamental for longevity. Studies on centenarians show: Optimized levels of glucose and lipids correlate strongly with healthy aging [1].

Central biomarkers:

• Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c
• HDL/LDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance)

A study with over 12,000 participants showed this: Elevated glycemic markers have the most substantial negative impact on longevity, while optimized HDL levels can have a protective effect. [3]

Inflammatory markers

When chronic inflammation impacts the aging process, it is referred to as inflammaging. This describes chronic, low-level inflammation that develops in the course of aging. Inflammaging is caused by: 

• accumulation of damaged cells
• changes in the intestinal flora
• metabolic products
• environmental influences [4] 

These silent inflammations often go unnoticed for a long time. However, the immune system reacts continuously to these factors. The permanent activation leads to tissue damage in the long term and can accelerate the aging process [4]. Once symptoms appear, the measures that can be taken are often limited.

Relevant biomarkers:

• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Cytokines 

The intestinal flora plays a central role in inflammaging. It influences inflammatory processes, circadian rhythms, and communication between organ systems [4]. These findings open up new possibilities for targeted interventions, particularly in the area of nutrition [5].

Biological age indicators

In addition to chronological age, which counts the years since your birth, there is also biological age. This number tells you much more precisely how your aging process is currently progressing and how quickly your cells and organ systems are aging. Two 50-year-olds can have very different biological ages, depending on their lifestyles and genetic makeup. [2]

Modern biomarker testing makes it possible to measure biological age—regardless of chronological age. Science uses this:

Epigenetic clocks: DNA methylation patterns show which genes are active or inactive. These patterns change with age and lifestyle. They are considered the most precise measurement of biological age.

Multi-omics profiles: This comprehensive approach simultaneously analyzes different biological levels: from metabolic products to proteins and gene activity. Integrating this data with clinical measurements enables a precise overall picture of the aging process—similar to a biological fingerprint. [2]

These markers respond to lifestyle changes and enable the objective evaluation of longevity interventions. Centenarians show that their biological aging markers already have optimized profiles decades before they reach old age [1].

Physiological biomarkers

The performance of the cardiovascular system, muscles, and metabolism can be measured objectively. Physiological biomarkers show how well the body maintains essential functions. Unlike blood markers, they provide information about actual physical function in everyday life. They are particularly valuable because they can be measured without invasive procedures and allow direct conclusions to be drawn about functional health.

VO2max: VO2max is one of the most valuable markers related to cardiorespiratory fitness and longevity. It describes the largest possible amount of oxygen your body can absorb and utilize during intensive exercise. Therefore, the VO2max value is the upper limit of your body's energy system. The higher the score, the more energy your body can provide during exercise.

Grip strength: Grip strength is a strong indicator of healthy aging. It reflects general muscle strength. Studies on centenarians show that good grip strength values correlate with a long life [1].

Body composition: The proportion and distribution of bone, muscle, and fat mass have a fundamental influence on metabolism and aging processes. Particularly relevant: Visceral adipose tissue produces inflammatory substances that promote inflammaging [4].

Why comprehensive biomarker tests are important

Individual laboratory values can only ever show snapshots. Only a systematic analysis of various biomarkers can help to create as complete a picture as possible of your health status. The specific benefits that can be achieved with personal biomarker testing are

Precise prevention

Many age-related diseases develop over many years before the first symptoms appear. Biomarker testing makes it possible to detect trends and counteract unfavorable developments—long before manifest health problems arise.

Personal nutrition strategy

Dietary recommendations based on individual biomarkers are more useful than general dietary advice. A nutrition study showed that personalized nutrition strategies significantly improved triglyceride scores, body weight, and HbA1c [5]. The recommendations were based on the individual metabolic profiles from the biomarker testing.

Reduce inflammation

Age-related "inflammaging" accelerates aging processes and promotes chronic diseases [4]. Regular analysis of inflammatory markers enables early detection of underlying systemic inflammation. This forms the basis for targeted anti-inflammatory strategies—from dietary adjustments to specific supplements. Continuous measurement documents the success of the interventions.

From biomarker testing to action

Optimized biomarker profiles result from long-term lifestyle adjustments [1]. The earlier you gather insights and start making adjustments, the better. Biomarker data, therefore, not only enables objective monitoring of your state of health but also provides tangible instructions for action that can be applied precisely to your physical needs.

Take control of your health

During the AYUN Longevity Check-up, we analyze all your relevant biomarkers for a long health span—from metabolic data to inflammatory markers. Our team of experts can then use your biomarker testing to develop precise tips and personalized nutrition and prevention strategies for you. Book a check-up at our Walk-In Longevity Clinic in Zurich now!