What does your DNA reveal about your health?
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.
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Factors Impacting Telomere Length
The rate at which telomeres shorten is accelerated by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and other lifestyle habits. Furthermore, studies have shown that telomere shortening, when expedited, is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, and cancer.
Are Telomeres a New Biomarker for COVID-19?
A recently published medical paper suggests the answer may be YES. A team of scientists from Rutgers University reviewed the disease progression of COVID-19 and created an interesting hypothesis – that telomeres, particularly short telomere length, may be a potential biomarker that identifies patients most likely to have bad prognosis from COVID-19. The authors suggest that short telomeres “might serve to identify patients more likely to die from the SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of age. Learn more
SpectraCell was the first lab to commercialize telomere testing in the United States, back in 2010. With over a decade of samples, our reference population is well over 15,000 patients.
How it Works
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1. Purchase your test kit Your test kit will be delivered right to your doorstep. If you are located near our laboratory, you will have the option to come in to get your blood draw at no cost. |
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2. Get your blood drawn Visit our drawsite locator to find a draw site near you. |
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3. Get Results Results will be securely emailed to you within 2-3 weeks. Easily share results with your healthcare provider. |
DISCLAIMER:
As a laboratory, SpectraCell does not offer consultations directly to consumers on their lab results. We do provide educational materials that help them understand their test results however test results should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical information. Due to biochemical individuality, we encourage consumers to discuss their results with a doctor well-versed in functional medicine and nutrition. SpectraCell does not advise using lab results to replace a relationship with a physician or other health care professional and consumers should not rely on the lab results as professional medical advice. Consumers should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider concerning questions they have regarding a medical condition, and before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment or medication. The lab results are neither medical nor health care advice for any individual problem nor a substitute for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified health care provider. The use of the lab results does not create a doctor-patient relationship. No information contained in the lab results is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The consumer acknowledges and agrees that SpectraCell has not represented that lab results provided have the ability to diagnose disease, recommend treatment, or perform any other function that constitutes the practice of medicine. SpectraCell makes no warranties or representations and assumes no responsibility for any consequences relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction the consumer takes based on the lab results. In the case of a health emergency, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.
