---
title: "An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan"
description: "A new epigenetic biomarker, DNAm PhenoAge, is a more accurate predictor of various aging-related health outcomes than previous methods."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/epigenetic_clock.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/epigenetic_clock.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/epigenetic_clock.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "epigenetic_clock"
journal: "Aging"
year: 2018
pmid: "29676998"
doi: "10.18632/aging.101414"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan

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**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/epigenetic_clock.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/epigenetic_clock

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Aging |
| Year | 2018 |
| PMID | [29676998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29676998/) |
| DOI | [10.18632/aging.101414](https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101414) |
| Study key | epigenetic_clock |

## Takeaway

A new epigenetic biomarker, DNAm PhenoAge, is a more accurate predictor of various aging-related health outcomes than previous methods.

## The question

Can a new epigenetic biomarker of aging, developed using composite clinical measures of phenotypic age, more accurately predict lifespan and healthspan outcomes compared to existing biomarkers?

## Hypothesis

Incorporating composite clinical measures of phenotypic age, which capture differences in lifespan and healthspan, will identify novel CpGs and lead to a more powerful epigenetic biomarker of aging than those developed using chronological age alone.

## Methods

The researchers developed a new epigenetic biomarker, DNAm PhenoAge, using an innovative two-step process. This biomarker was developed using data from whole blood. They then tested its correlation with age in various tissues and cells and performed an in-depth transcriptional analysis in sorted cells to understand associated pathways.

## Results

DNAm PhenoAge strongly outperformed previous measures in predicting various aging outcomes, including all-cause mortality, cancers, healthspan, physical functioning, and Alzheimer's disease. This biomarker correlated strongly with age in every tissue and cell tested. Increased epigenetic age relative to chronological age was associated with increased activation of pro-inflammatory and interferon pathways, and decreased activation of transcriptional/translational machinery, DNA damage response, and mitochondrial signatures.

## Conclusion

DNAm PhenoAge is a single epigenetic biomarker of aging that effectively captures risks for diverse outcomes across multiple tissues and cells and provides insights into important aging pathways.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> This epigenetic biomarker of aging strongly predicts lifespan and healthspan, outperforming earlier measures and capturing risk across multiple age-related conditions.

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Epigenetic Age (DNA-Methylation Clock) Testing | — | — |
| Comprehensive Blood-Biomarker Testing | — | — |
| Intracellular NAD⁺ & Longevity Marker Testing | — | — |
| Methylation & MTHFR Genetic Testing | — | — |
| Optical Biomarker Scanning | — | — |

## Reference

1. **An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan**
   Aging 2018 · [PMID 29676998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29676998/) · [DOI 10.18632/aging.101414](https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101414)

   > This epigenetic biomarker of aging strongly predicts lifespan and healthspan, outperforming earlier measures and capturing risk across multiple age-related conditions.

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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).