Should you brush your teeth before collecting saliva?
Before collecting a sample, drink plenty of clean water for best results.
Then, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, brushing your teeth, or using mouthwash for at least 45 minutes.
How to collect a sample:
Use a clean spoon to scoop up a small amount of saliva.
Drop the saliva into the circle on the sample paper.
Let it dry for at least 40 minutes.
The chemicals on the paper will break down the cells and fix the DNA onto the paper.
The DNA will remain stable on the paper for up to 1 year at room temperature.
Do not use a hair dryer to dry it.
What does LIVMORE TruMe measure to determine your biological age?
To determine your true biological age, TruMe Lab scientists in the United States will measure the levels of DNA methylation in specific regions of your DNA. DNA methylation occurs on cytosine, especially in small regions of DNA called CpG islands. These regions are often clustered around genes and can affect gene activity. Methylation of CpG islands by the enzyme DNA methyltransferase has been shown to be associated with gene silencing and plays an important role in the development of cancer and cellular aging. Reversing DNA methylation in these regions is a potential therapeutic strategy, as this reversal may help restore gene expression and improve physiological function.
The methylation status of DNA sequences can be best determined using bisulfite conversion. Treating target DNA with bisulfite results in the conversion of unmethylated cytosine to uracil, while methylated cytosine remains unchanged. Thus, bisulfite treatment results in different DNA sequences for methylated and unmethylated DNA, which can be easily detected by sequencing.
In our lab, we will sequence 9 small regions of your DNA and analyze how much methylation your DNA has. This data will be further analyzed by our algorithm to determine your true age. Please note that we do not sequence your entire genome, and we do not store your saliva or DNA samples. All biological materials or DNA sequence data will be deleted after our testing is complete.
Is the laboratory in America CLIA certified?
Our genetic testing is done in a CLIA-certified lab, but it's important to know that our protocols are designed for research purposes only. This means it's not the same as a clinical genetic test you might get from a hospital or doctor's office. Clinical genetic tests have higher standards and are done in labs that meet stricter government regulations, also known as CLIA. If you're planning to use TruAge results for medical diagnosis, you should talk to your doctor and confirm the results with additional tests they recommend.
Can the TruAge test be inaccurate?
Sometimes, TruMe might report an inaccurate biological age. This usually happens when we can't extract enough DNA from your sample or if your sample is contaminated. Contamination often occurs when your sample isn't dried thoroughly and we find bacterial or fungal growth on the filter paper. If you think your result is incorrect, please contact us at customercare@getlivmore.com. Keep in mind that this is a preliminary result and as more people participate, we'll be able to refine and improve the accuracy of your test.
How long does TruMe lab take to analyze my sample?
You should expect your results to be available within 4 weeks. If it takes longer, give our customer care team a shout at customercare@getlivmore.com.
Under what circumstances should someone avoid a DNA age test?
People who have just recovered from a serious illness, like COVID, or have recently run a marathon might find that their biological age has increased. It's recommended to wait 2-3 months before getting tested.
Can I delete my DNA Data?
Yes, you can email us to request the deletion of your data. We want to assure you that your data is used solely for group research purposes and will never be sold or used to identify you personally.
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics: The Science of How Your Genes Express Themselves What is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors and lifestyle choices can influence gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. It's like adding notes or tags to your DNA, which can turn genes on or off, or adjust their activity.
How Does Epigenetics Work?
One of the most common epigenetic mechanisms is DNA methylation, where methyl groups attach to DNA, influencing gene expression. Other mechanisms include histone modifications and non-coding RNA. These modifications can be influenced by various factors, such as:
Diet: The nutrients you consume can affect gene expression.
Exercise: Physical activity can impact epigenetic markers.
Stress: Chronic stress can alter gene expression.
Environmental Exposures: Toxins and pollutants can influence epigenetic changes.
Epigenetics and Aging
Recent research has shown that epigenetic changes can be used to predict biological age, which may differ from chronological age. By analyzing specific DNA methylation patterns, scientists can estimate a person's biological age, providing insights into their overall health and aging rate.
How does TruMe Livmore DNAge Test work?
We'll send you a simple saliva collection kit. Once you've collected your sample, just mail it back to us using the prepaid label. Our lab will then extract your DNA and analyze it for specific methylation patterns. Finally, we'll send you a detailed report summarizing your predicted DNA age.
How does TruMe Livmore DNAge compared to other type of DNA tests?
The TruMe Livmore DNAge test is based on epigenetics. Unlike genetic marks, which are established and fixed from birth, epigenetic marks are strongly influenced by our environment and change over the course of our lives.
