Epigenetik
Epigenetic analyses measure methylation patterns on the DNA — not the genes themselves, but the way they are read. From these patterns the laboratory calculates figures on cell ageing, metabolism and strain.
All four analyses run on capillary blood from the fingertip. The results are a snapshot, not a diagnosis. What a value means is something you discuss with a practitioner.
What epigenetic analyses measure
The gene sequence stays the same for life. What changes is the marking on the DNA — and that responds to age, diet, exercise, sleep and strain.
Look up biomarkersThe text stays, the bookmarks move
A gene only takes effect when it is read. Where a stretch carries many methyl groups it lies quiet — the sequence itself is unchanged.
What a blockage means for the metabolism
If the stretch is densely methylated, the protein it stands for is not made — and everything built on it is missing further down the chain.
Methylation is not a fault but a control: in every cell most of the genome is switched off on purpose, otherwise a liver cell could not be a liver cell. It only becomes a problem when a stretch lies quiet that would be needed.
The links named here come from observational studies and basic research. They do not describe what any single intervention does for you and do not replace a medical assessment.
How an epigenetic analysis works
Four evaluations from one sample type
All four work with capillary blood. What differs is which key figures the laboratory calculates from the methylation patterns.
most chosen
Takes 7–21 days from arrival of the sample at the lab, not from the order. A results consultation comes with every analysis.
ColoSafe · stool test you do at home
A stool test that looks for markers in stool which can occur with bowel cancer and certain precursor stages. An abnormal result is not a diagnosis — it is a reason to see a doctor.
This test does not replace a colonoscopy, nor the statutory bowel cancer screening. If you have symptoms, the work-up belongs in a doctor's hands, whatever the test result.
From this area
Five preparations around cell energy, gut flora and nutrient supply. Whether one of them is right for you, and in what amount, is something you discuss with a practitioner after the lab report.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake.
Is this a genetic test?
No. The gene sequence is not read. What is measured are the methyl groups sitting on the DNA, which the body uses to control which sections get read.
So the result tells you nothing about inherited traits, and it is no statement about the risk of illness.
What is epigenetic age?
A figure the laboratory calculates from the methylation patterns and compares with your calendar age.
It is a value from a model, not a medical finding. Different laboratories and models arrive at different numbers.
Do I need a doctor for the analysis?
No. We send you the test set, or you collect it at the practice. Sample collection is designed for home.
If you have symptoms, whether acute or long-standing, it makes sense to have them looked at by a doctor as well.
How long does the evaluation take?
7 to 21 days from when the sample reaches the lab, not from your order.
You will be notified by e-mail as soon as the lab report is ready. Every analysis comes with a results consultation.
How often is it worth repeating?
Methylation patterns change slowly. Leave at least six months between two measurements, better twelve.
Measured sooner, it is hard to tell whether a change is real or lies within the spread of the method.
What ColoSafe does and what it does not
The stool test looks for markers that can occur with bowel cancer and certain precursors. An abnormal result is a reason for medical assessment.
It does not replace a colonoscopy or the statutory screening programme. A normal result does not rule out disease.
What to take away
- 01 It is not a genetic test The DNA sequence is not read. What is measured is what sits on the DNA and steers how it is read.
- 02 Epigenetic age is a calculated value It comes from a model, not from an examination. Other laboratories and models arrive at other figures.
- 03 One value on its own says little The use comes from the comparison: once now, once after six to twelve months, with the same method.
- 04 Patterns change slowly Any sooner than six months and a real change cannot be told apart from the scatter of the method.
- 05 No statement about disease risk And no diagnosis. If you have symptoms, have them checked by a doctor — whatever the result.
- 06 ColoSafe does not replace a colonoscopy An abnormal result is a reason to see a doctor; a normal one rules nothing out.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.