Research

Mixed

Increased DNA methylation age (epigenetic age acceleration) is associated with an 8-15% increased risk of all-cause mortality for every 5-year increase in epigenetic age.

This paper establishes that your biological age, measured by DNA methylation patterns, is a stronger predictor of death than your calendar age. While this specific paper does not offer an intervention, it implies that factors accelerating biological age (like smoking, obesity, or stress, which are linked to higher DNAmAge) are modifiable risk factors for mortality. Focus on lifestyle factors known to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, as these are correlated with slower epigenetic aging.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Meta-analyses indicated that each 5-year increase in DNA methylation age was associated an 8 to 15% increased risk of mortality.
Peter Fransquet et al. · Clinical Epigenetics · 2019

Why this rating

It is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies, but the authors note 'inconsistent' evidence for disease and 'positive publication bias' for mortality.

Source

The epigenetic clock as a predictor of disease and mortality risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Peter Fransquet et al. · Clinical Epigenetics · 2019

DOI 10.1186/s13148-019-0656-7

Meta-analysis · 23 studiesCited 382×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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