Epigenetic clocks
Algorithms that interpret patterns of DNA methylation.
AI-assisted editorial draft · Source check: 6 September 2026 · Independent reviewer: not yet assigned
What it measures
Patterns of methylation at selected DNA sites. Some clocks predict chronological age; others target outcome-linked traits or the pace of aging.
Source 1: Genome Biology / HorvathRequired inputs
DNA from a suitable tissue, a compatible methylation assay and the exact clock algorithm.
How it was developed
Horvath’s 2013 multi-tissue clock was trained against chronological age. Later clocks use different training targets; evidence cannot be assigned to the entire category at once.
Source 1: Genome Biology / HorvathOutcome associations
A good fit to calendar age is a different result from predicting future health outcomes. Examine the specific model and validation cohort.
Source 1: Genome Biology / HorvathLimitations
Tissue, laboratory processing and algorithm version may affect results. Product-level validation remains separate from a paper about a related clock.
Can you calculate it yourself?
Usually requires laboratory methylation data and suitable analysis tools. A saliva sample alone is not a computable dataset.
Commercial use
TruAge and Elysium Index list DNA-methylation measurements. Their individual outputs use different algorithms.
Source 1: Genome Biology / HorvathSource 2: TruDiagnosticSource 3: Elysium HealthSources & verification
- DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types (2013)
Genome Biology / Horvath · Accessed 2026-09-06
- TruAge test: product, price and collection
TruDiagnostic · Accessed 2026-09-06
- Index: product and pricing
Elysium Health · Accessed 2026-09-06