Testing Biological Age: A New Window into How Fast Your Body is Aging

Testing Biological Age

 Testing Biological Age: A New Window into How Fast Your Body is Aging

A new service by Function Health is offering to reveal how your body is aging from the inside — and more importantly, how you can slow it down. According to The New York Post, Dr. Mark Hyman, founder of Function Health, explains that the company’s biological age test identifies key early warning signs that often remain invisible until they trigger serious health issues.

Biological Age vs. Chronological Age

Chronological age is simply the number of years you’ve lived. Biological age, however, measures how your body is aging at the cellular level. Function Health’s test evaluates this by analyzing over 100 biomarkers through an extensive lab process.

The program involves two rounds of testing:

Initial evaluation — 105 lab tests, including blood and urine samples.

Follow-up (after 3–6 months) — Over 60 repeated tests to track changes after lifestyle adjustments such as diet, exercise, and supplements.

The process requires more than 20 vials of blood and a urine sample across two visits, with results available in about a week. Patients also receive personalized insights from medical specialists.

Key Findings and Nutrient Deficiencies

The test scans for 102 blood biomarkers, flagging any that are outside the optimal range. Hyman notes that deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can immediately reveal certain dietary patterns — for example, strict veganism.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, mood regulation, and muscle strength. Low levels can lead to fatigue, depression, and chronic illness.

Ferritin (iron storage) deficiency can drain energy, weaken the immune system, and even cause hair loss. Long-term deficiency increases cardiovascular and cognitive risks.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, DPA) are crucial for brain, heart, and cellular health. Low levels are linked to depression, anxiety, heart disease, and dementia.

Elevated insulin levels — even within the “normal” range — may indicate that the body is working harder to control blood sugar. This is common in high-carbohydrate diets and can lead to insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes.

Expert Dietary Advice

Dr. Hyman’s top five recommended foods to increase:

Eggs

Beans

Black beans

Black-eyed peas

Chickpeas

Foods and oils to limit or avoid:

Peanut oil

Sunflower oil

Corn oil

Safflower oil

Margarine

Recommended supplements include:

Berberine

Fiber

Red yeast rice

Vitamin D

Iron bisglycinate + Vitamin C

Folic acid

Vitamin B6 and B12

The Takeaway

Hyman emphasizes that with targeted dietary changes, exercise, and supplementation, biological age can drop significantly in just a few months — offering a proactive way to preserve health and longevity.