This randomized and controlled clinical trial revealed that by balancing DNA methylation the participants experienced benefits in reductions of their biological age by over three years which was accomplished in less than two months. According to researchers, aging is the main driver of chronic disease, as such turning back the clock in DNA can promote the extension of both healthspan and lifespan.
In general terms, DNA methylation is the process that switches genes off, to which the study authors explain is the pattern of accumulating damage leading to greater and greater loss of cell function, and this damage comes from the stress and strain of aging and disease.
This study involved 43 healthy men between the ages of 50-72 who underwent a treatment program that focused on diet which included supplemental probiotics and phytonutrients, as well as sleep, exercise, and relaxation guidance over the course of eight weeks. According to the researchers, committing to these lifestyle changes produced statistically significant reductions in the biological aging of cells.
“The combined intervention program was designed to target a specific biological mechanism called DNA methylation, and in particular the DNA methylation patterns that have been identified as highly predictive of biological age,” said study leader Kara Fitzgerald. “We suspect that this focus was the reason for its remarkable impact. These early results appear to be consistent with, and greatly extend, the very few existing studies that have so far examined the potential for biological age reversal. And it is unique in its use of a safe, non-pharmaceutical dietary and lifestyle program, control group, and the extent of the age reduction. We are currently enrolling participants for a larger study which we expect will corroborate these findings.”
This natural and holistic approach to anti-aging specifically targets the methylation process, and according to epigeneticist and co-author of the study Moshe Szyf Ph.D., these results could lead to additional therapies that can target the body’s genetic makeup without resorting to medications.
“What is extremely exciting is that food and lifestyle practices, including specific nutrients and food compounds known to selectively alter DNA methylation, are able to have such an impact on those DNA methylation patterns we know predict aging and age-related disease,” Dr. Fitzgerald concludes.“I believe that this, together with new possibilities for us all to measure and track our DNA methylation age, will provide significant new opportunities for both scientists and consumers.”
