Description
Telomere Testing
Includes 20 minute review and recommendations
Spectra Cell Laboratories
SpectraCell’s patented, chemically-defined control media contains the minimal amount of each essential micronutrient that is needed to support optimal lymphocyte growth or mitogenic response. The functional intracellular status of micronutrients involved in cell metabolism is evaluated by manipulation of the individual micronutrients in the media followed by mitogenic stimulation and measurement of DNA synthesis.
Telomeres are sections of genetic material that form a protective cap at the end of each chromosome in every cell of the body. When a cell divides, the telomere gets a tiny bit shorter, until there is no more telomere left to protect DNA from “unraveling,” and the cell dies. Cellular death causes the body to age, thus making telomeres a novel biomarker for biological age. The longer one’s telomeres, the younger one’s biological age. Moreover, the rate at which telomeres shorten is accelerated by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, genetic pre-disposition, and other lifestyle habits. Telomere shortening, when expedited, contributes to cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, and cancers.
* NOTE: ALL Lab tests require up to 3 weeks time-frame to be processed and results sent back. Our scheduling system accounts for the 3 week time-frame when scheduling the consultation for your test results review.
How Fast Are You Aging?
Telomeres are sections of genetic material at the end of each chromosome whose primary function is to prevent chromosomal “fraying” when a cell replicates. As a cell ages, its telomeres become shorter. Eventually, the telomeres become too short to allow cell replication, the cell stops dividing and will ultimately die—a normal biological process. SpectraCell’s Telomere Test can determine the length of a patient’s telomeres in relation to the patient’s age.
**Studies have shown that short telomere is associated with Risk of CVD, cancer. Testing telomere may be a useful biomarker for Risk assessment.
How do you measure Telomere Length?
Scores are calculated from the white blood cells / T- Lymphocytes- based on the average sample of the American population in the same age group. The higher the telomere score, the “ younger” the cell. An above average score is desirable.
How to Reduce Cellular Aging?
Telomeres are specialized DNA “caps”. They act as the aging clock in every cell and, therefore play a vital role in preserving the information in our genome. Stress, unhealthy food choices and lifestyle can damage and shorten the length and may affect health and longevity.
**Set your clock right!
How to reduce the rate of Cellular aging?
Reduce oxidative stress by reducing all the risk factors:
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Correct micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin D
- Change sedentary lifestyle/increase physical activity
- Avoid weight gain or obesity
- Correct insulin resistance
Are lifestyle modifications helpful?
Yes – these include the following factors: Ideal body weight, Fat percentage, sleep, anaerobic and resistance exercise, stress reduction, tobacco and recreational drugs and increased intake of alcohol.
Does Diet affect on the length of the telomere?
Yes, diets high in unhealthy fat, processed foods, and/or sugar will affect the telomere. Intermittent fasting has shown to improve the score
What to Expect From the Testing Process
Upon placing and completing your order begins the following steps
You will be emailed your order receipt, in the receipt will be links to a series of forms that will need to be downloaded, filled out and either emailed to me or sent via mail.
Do I fast for the test?
Specimen Type: Whole Blood
Fasting: Not required
I’ll receive a secure PDF with your results of your test results 3 weeks from the time the lab receives your sample.
What does Telomere Testing measure?
Telomeres are sections of genetic material at the end of each chromosome whose primary function is to prevent chromosomal “fraying” when a cell replicates. As a cell ages, its telomeres become shorter. Eventually, the telomeres become too short to allow cell replication, the cell stops dividing and will ultimately die – a normal biological process. SpectraCell’s Telomere Test can determine the length of a patient’s telomeres in relation to the patient’s age.
Sample Test
What results will I see?
The Patient Telomere Score is calculated based on the patient’s average telomere length in peripheral whole blood cells. This average is then compared to telomere lengths from a population sample in the same age range as the patient to determine the patient’s percentile score
Click Here To View A Sample Report
