Lab Testing for Longevity

Targeted Genova Biomarkers to Optimize Healthspan

Precision biomarkers are foundational in functional medicine and longevity science, enabling clinicians to tailor interventions based on individualized biochemistry. Genova Diagnostics offers advanced testing to identify disruptions in key systems that influence aging, supporting resilience, detoxification, metabolic flexibility, and hormonal balance.

Critical Biomarkers
for Assessing Longevity

Methylation

Clinical Relevance

Methylation governs epigenetic expression, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and DNA integrity. Aberrations in this cycle are associated with age-related decline and chronic disease risk.

Key Biomarkers

• Genetic polymorphisms: MTHFR, MTRR, CBS (Methylation Genomics)
• Pathway intermediates: Homocysteine, SAMe, SAH (Methylation Panel)

Application

Elevated homocysteine or an imbalanced SAMe/SAH ratio highlights impaired methylation, guiding use of targeted nutrients like methylfolate, B12, B6, riboflavin, and betaine. Periodic assessment supports optimization of cardiovascular, cognitive, and detox pathways.

Oxidative Stress
and Antioxidant Capacity

Clinical Relevance

Oxidative stress is a central driver of biological aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Functional assessment of oxidative biomarkers provides early insight into redox imbalance and antioxidant depletion, which are key targets in longevity-focused care.

Key Biomarkers

• 8-OHdG: Marker of oxidative DNA damage. Elevated levels are linked to aging, cancer risk, and neurodegeneration.
• Pyroglutamic acid: Reflects glutathione recycling. Elevations suggest antioxidant depletion or detox stress.
• Alpha-hydroxybutyrate (α-HB): Indicates redox imbalance and early insulin resistance.
• β-Hydroxy-β-methylglutaric acid (HMG): Marker of CoQ10 status and mitochondrial efficiency.
• Lipid peroxides (urine): Reflect free radical damage to cell membranes and are associated with vascular and cognitive decline.

Application

Elevations in these biomarkers guide targeted interventions such as glutathione precursors (NAC, glycine), mitochondrial support (CoQ10, PQQ), and dietary antioxidant strategies. Functional testing enables clinicians to track oxidative burden, personalize protocols, and proactively address aging-related decline.

Metabolomics: Mapping Nutrient and Mitochondrial Function

Clinical Relevance

Metabolomic testing offers a functional snapshot of how well the body is producing energy, processing nutrients, and adapting to metabolic stress. It highlights subtle imbalances in mitochondrial function, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid oxidation that often precede clinical symptoms and contribute to the aging process.

Key Biomarkers

• Organic acids: Citric acid cycle intermediates (e.g., citrate, isocitrate, α-ketoglutarate), lactate, pyruvate, and β-hydroxybutyrate help assess mitochondrial efficiency and energy production.
• Amino acids: Methionine, glycine, BCAAs, and taurine reflect protein metabolism, detox capacity, and nutrient cofactor demand.
• Fatty acid metabolism: Carnitine, adipic acid, and suberic acid provide insight into mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation.

Application

Interpreting these patterns helps guide personalized support using targeted nutrients like B-vitamins, magnesium, and amino acids. By restoring metabolic balance and energy production, clinicians can support healthy aging, improved resilience, and optimized cellular function.

Inflammatory Markers
and Immune Function

Clinical Relevance

Chronic low-grade inflammation underpins many age-related pathologies. GI Effects measures fecal calprotectin and other inflammatory markers, while Food Sensitivity+ identifies immune responses to dietary antigens.

Key Biomarkers

• Fecal calprotectin and eosinophil protein X: Reflect intestinal inflammation (GI Effects)
• IgG food antibodies: Identify dietary triggers of immune activation (Food Sensitivity+)

Application

Elevated markers inform elimination diets, microbiome support, and anti-inflammatory protocols including curcumin, omega-3s, and polyphenols. Optimizing gut-immune balance is central to healthy aging.

Hormonal Health

Clinical Relevance

Hormonal imbalances accelerate aging phenotypes including sarcopenia, cognitive decline, and metabolic syndrome. Genova's panels evaluate adrenal, sex hormones, and thyroid hormones across multiple sample types (urine, saliva, blood).

Key Biomarkers

• Adrenal markers: Cortisol, DHEA
• Sex hormones: Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHT, estrogen metabolites
• Thyroid markers: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies

Application

Identification of hormonal deficits or excesses informs bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, adaptogenic support, and lifestyle modifications to restore endocrine balance. Hormone optimization supports vitality, metabolic function, and cognitive longevity.

Integrating Biomarker Data into Clinical Practice

Transform static lab results into dynamic, personalized protocols with Genova's suite of advanced functional tests that provide powerful insights into your patients' biochemical individuality.

If you're new to Genova, create a myGDX clinician account to access our full test menu and explore sample reports and interpretation guides on our site.

Already a myGDX provider? Explore our robust learning library or schedule a 1:1 consult with a Medical Education Specialist to deepen your clinical application of functional testing.

---