How does GlycanAge work?

The GlycanAge test analyses the glycosylation patterns of IgG to determine your biological age, which reflects the cumulative impact of lifestyle, environment, and genetics on your body’s aging process. Glycans are regulated by both genetic factors and lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, exercise, sleep, stress) in roughly equal measure, making them a responsive marker to interventions. The test is backed by over 30 years of research, more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, and a dataset of 200,000 samples from diverse populations, with an error margin of less than 1%. It’s designed to help you track how lifestyle changes affect your biological age and optimize health and longevity.

 

1. Order and Receive the Test Kit:
   • You order a test kit from GlycanAge. The kit is shipped worldwide, with free shipping in the UK, USA, and Canada.
   • The kit includes everything needed for sample collection: lancets, wipes, plasters, a sample collection card, and a prepaid return envelope. Instructions are provided for ease of use.
2. Sample Collection:
   • You collect a small blood sample using a simple finger-prick test at home. The process involves pricking your finger, applying a few drops of blood to a collection card, and letting it dry for about 2 hours.
   • No special preparation is needed, though certain conditions (e.g., pregnancy, recent blood transfusions, or medications like corticosteroids) may affect results and should be reported to your GlycanAge advisor. The sample is mailed back to the lab using the provided envelope.

      
3. Laboratory Analysis:
   • The sample is analysed in a state-of-the-art laboratory, where glycans on IgG are examined using advanced glycan-based technology. The analysis focuses on the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory glycans, which indicates the inflammatory state of your immune system.
   • The process takes 2–4 weeks due to multiple tests performed on each sample to ensure accuracy (error margin <1%).

      
4. Results and Consultation:
   • Results are delivered via an online dashboard, showing your biological age compared to your chronological age, along with a breakdown of key glycan indices (e.g., Glycan Mature, Health, Youth).
   • Each test includes a free 40-minute consultation with a longevity specialist (e.g., a doctor, nutritionist, or molecular biologist) who interprets your results and provides personalized lifestyle recommendations to improve your biological age. For example, changes in diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, or hormone therapy may be suggested.
5. Tracking Progress:
   • For those making lifestyle changes, GlycanAge recommends testing at least twice a year to monitor progress. Studies show the test is responsive to interventions like caloric restriction or sprint training, which can reduce biological age. For instance, one user reported reducing their biological age by 18 years (from 55 to 37) over 18 months through lifestyle changes.