Magazine | Discover your molecular profile: a gentle introduction to MOLEQLAR’s EPI-Proteomics Test
Sponsored

Discover your molecular profile: a gentle introduction to MOLEQLAR’s EPI-Proteomics Test

Written by Volker Blasek 9 min read
Discover your molecular profile: a gentle introduction to MOLEQLAR’s EPI-Proteomics Test

Have you ever wondered how your day-to-day habits—like what you eat, how often you exercise, or even how much stress you carry—actually shape your body at the molecular level? We often hear that diet and lifestyle can affect our health, but connecting those dots can feel vague or distant. That’s where MOLEQLAR’s EPI-Proteomics Test comes in, offering a closer look at „your molecular profile” by measuring the proteins inside your cells. By highlighting trends in everything from vitamin turnover to your body’s pace of aging, this test can serve as a helpful guide when you’re aiming for a healthier, more balanced life.

A fresh perspective on biological age 

Traditional tests might focus on DNA methylation to estimate biological age, but the EPI-Proteomics Test uses a different approach. Instead of zooming in on genetic “volume controls,” it analyzes the proteome—the total set of proteins in your cells at any given moment. Why does that matter? Proteins reflect the real-time state of your body. They can shift quickly with changes in diet, stress levels, and exercise habits, offering a dynamic snapshot of how your lifestyle translates into concrete biological effects.

What is ProteoAge?

Imagine looking beyond the simple tally of birthdays and peering into the microscopic world where your cells actually ‘live’ and ‘work.’ That’s precisely what ProteoAge measures: how old your body is on a molecular level, rather than on a purely chronological one. By analyzing thousands of protein signals, it becomes possible to determine how effectively cells are functioning at any given moment. Two people might share the same birth date, yet the one with a lower ProteoAge could feel more energetic, stay active longer, and generally enjoy better vitality. By understanding your ProteoAge, you gain a clearer picture of your inner fitness—empowering you to shape your lifestyle in a way that supports a healthier, more resilient you. 

Similar in principle, different in practice

Epigenetic tests commonly rely on methylation patterns in blood or saliva to gauge how lifestyle factors affect aging, whereas MOLEQLAR’s EPI-Proteomics Test measures proteins in cheek cells. The principle is broadly alike—unhealthy habits can raise your “age” while healthier routines tend to lower it—but the specific metrics and analytical methods differ. Although the results aren’t directly interchangeable with those from DNA methylation tests, both approaches can shed light on whether your day-to-day choices are boosting or undermining your molecular well-being.

Why proteomics? Think of it like your personal garden

Imagine your body as a thriving garden, where your genes act as seeds holding the potential to grow into various types of “plants.” Proteomics represents the actual garden at any given moment: which plants are sprouting, how robustly they’re growing, and how they respond to changes in sunlight, water, or soil quality. This real-time view reveals how factors like your diet, stress levels, and exercise habits help certain plants flourish—or cause weeds (negative processes) to spread.

Epigenetics meets proteomics: why your daily choices matter

In this garden, epigenetic processes are like the gardener, deciding how much water, fertilizer, or shade each seed receives. If you’re sleep-deprived or frequently stressed, the gardener may unintentionally favor “inflammation” or “stress-response” plants, letting them crowd out the healthier growth. On the other hand, a balanced lifestyle—including regular workouts and nutrient-rich meals—can encourage more robust “muscle repair” or “energy metabolism” plants to thrive.

By measuring which “plants” are actually present and active, proteomics shows the direct outcome of these epigenetic gardening choices. Over time, consistent care steers your garden toward a flourishing landscape, while neglect or poor habits can leave it wilted and overrun. Essentially, epigenetics sets the guidelines on how seeds can develop, and proteomics captures how those guidelines play out—offering a clear snapshot of your health at the cellular level. 

What the test reveals 

Biological age & pace of aging 

Through thousands of protein measurements in your cheek swab, the EPI-Proteomics Test estimates both your biological age and the speed at which you’re aging. This data offers insight into whether your lifestyle choices might be speeding things up—or, ideally, slowing things down. 

Nutritional health score 

Proteins shift in response to what you eat. By measuring specific markers tied to macronutrients (like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and micronutrients (like zinc or vitamins A and D), the test provides a Nutritional Molecular Score. The score indicates how closely your diet aligns with healthier patterns, guiding you toward small yet effective tweaks if you’re off-track—such as cutting down on sugary drinks or increasing vegetable intake. 

Sport & activity insights 

If you’re curious about whether your exercise routine is pushing you closer to a “healthy” zone or whether you could benefit from a broader range of activities (like more strength training or extra rest days), the test’s Sport Molecular Score can help. It compares your proteomic markers against those of individuals with varying degrees of physical activity and suggests ways to refine or expand your routine.

Detailed biomarkers 

Beyond giving you an overall health score, the EPI-Proteomics Test pinpoints specific protein markers linked to: 

  • Vitamin E turnover: Adequate vitamin E utilization helps protect cells from oxidative stress—a factor that can accelerate the aging process. 
  • Cholesterol metabolism: Efficient cholesterol handling promotes cardiovascular health, which in turn supports a slower pace of biological aging. 
  • Sirtuin expression: Sirtuins govern key processes like DNA repair and metabolic regulation, making their balanced activity crucial for healthy aging. 
  • Inflammatory response: Keeping inflammation in check helps prevent chronic stress on the body, which can hasten age-related decline. 
  • Sugar regulation: Stable blood glucose levels reduce metabolic strain, potentially slowing down the cellular wear and tear that speeds up aging. 
  • Immune activation: A well-tuned immune system fends off illness and maintains tissue health, both of which contribute to healthier aging overall. 
  • And more… 

Molecular insights, not a medical diagnosis 

It’s important to note that this test doesn’t diagnose medical conditions. Instead, it acts like a map—helping you see how your current lifestyle choices may be shaping your unique molecular landscape. With that information, you can decide if you want to adjust your habits, whether by incorporating more plant-based meals, tweaking your workout schedule, or focusing on better sleep hygiene.

Taking the test: a simple cheek swab

Some tests rely on blood samples to measure broad markers. By contrast, the EPI-Proteomics Test uses a non-invasive cheek swab. Scientists then analyze thousands of proteins from your buccal cells using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Because these proteins reflect day-to-day changes, re-testing after a few months can show whether your new dietary or fitness routines are indeed making a difference at the molecular level. 

Personalized results and actionable advice 

Your test results don’t just stop at numbers. You’ll receive:

  • Scores for both nutrition and activity, comparing your results to a wider population. 
  • Suggestions on improving aspects of your daily life (e.g., lowering processed meat intake, trying new exercise forms, or balancing vitamin levels) based on how far your markers deviate from a healthier range. 

This structured feedback aims to inspire realistic, incremental change—rather than overwhelming you with drastic, unsustainable goals. Achieving long-term well-being often involves modest steps that gradually shift your habits in a more positive direction.

Discover your personal hallmarks of aging

Imagine wrinkles and slowing reflexes as just the “cover story” of growing older. Behind the scenes, there’s a rich tapestry of twelve distinct cellular processes—from DNA stability and nutrient sensing to how your cells dispose of everyday “trash”—that all play roles in how quickly (or slowly) your body shows signs of wear. These interconnected mechanisms are collectively known as the hallmarks of aging.

The good news? MOLEQLAR’s EPI-Proteomics Test goes beyond measuring your ProteoAge: it also offers a personalized glimpse into these hallmarks, helping you see which areas might need extra support. By exploring these molecular “checkpoints,” you gain a deeper understanding of what keeps you feeling energetic and resilient—and how small, science-backed changes in your daily routine might help slow the clock on aging.

Compound biomarkers: a more robust approach

While many tests focus on single proteins as standalone indicators, MOLEQLAR introduces the concept of compound biomarkers for deeper, more reliable insights. Rather than relying on individual protein measurements in isolation, multiple proteins are pooled and cross-validated to form a more comprehensive data set. This methodology applies not only to specific biomarker categories but also extends to ProteoAge and the hallmarks of aging. By analyzing clusters of data points rather than single markers, the resulting information offers a more accurate reflection of overall cellular function—ultimately making test results more meaningful for users.

A small, yet significant step toward healthier aging 

  • Non-invasive sampling: No blood draw required. 
  • Comprehensive data: Thousands of protein markers analyzed. 
  • Lifestyle focus: Nutrition, activity, and overall well-being rather than clinical diagnoses. 
  • Custom recommendations: Real-world tips to help you align your daily habits with your cells’ needs. 

For anyone wanting a more concrete roadmap to a healthier life, the EPI-Proteomics Test can be a valuable checkpoint. It provides the “why” behind simple lifestyle changes and sets measurable milestones for you to hit along the way.

Final thoughts

Understanding your body at the protein level can transform how you view your current habits—revealing whether you’re steadily nurturing your future health or inadvertently undermining it. By marrying complex lab science with practical feedback, MOLEQLAR helps to discover „Your molecular profile“ with a EPI-Proteomics Test, which may guide you toward the small, consistent lifestyle adjustments that could yield big benefits down the road.  

Disclaimer: This advertorial is for informational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. The EPI-Proteomics Test provides insight into lifestyle and biological patterns but is not designed to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or supplement regimen. 


Published: February 26th, 2025

Author: Volker Blasek

Volker Blasek is a technical editor with a background in horticulture, fueled by a volunteer year on an organic farm. His passion for nature and conservation, paired with his expertise in psychology and science, shapes his engaging and thoroughly researched content. As a medical editor, he has authored over 3,000 articles on topics such as nutrition, diseases, symptoms, naturalopathy, and home remedies, delivering insightful and accessible reporting for a wide range of audiences.

Discover trusted longevity brands
and expert health stacks

Stop wasting money on ineffective products
Save up to 5 hours of research per week
Delivered to your inbox every Thursday

You might also like

Founder interview: Dr. Emil Kendziorra, Founder & CEO at Tomorrow Biostasis
Lifespan Extension Interventions

3 min read

Founder interview: Dr. Emil Kendziorra, Founder & CEO at Tomorrow Biostasis

In our Founder Interview series, we highlight the brightest minds in preventive health, wellness, and longevity. In Episode 6, we’re honored to feature Dr. Emil Kenziorra, founder and CEO at Tomorrow Biostasis—one of the world-leading human cryopreservation experts.Tell us a little about yourself and your current ventureDoctor and researcher by training, entrepreneur by trade. Longevity has always been my motivation, with a focus on maximal life span extension. I'm running Tomorrow.bio and the non-profit European Biostasis Foundation to push human cryopreservation forward.How do you balance the demands of running a business while maintaining your own health and longevity?I've always worked a lot and my natural stress level is pretty low, plus good sleep and working out regularly. So all good :) Do you have a personal health goal? What is it? Not die - indefinitely, until I change my mind :)Before launching Tomorrow Biostasis, can you walk us through the “aha” moment that inspired the creation of your service?I've been involved in the longevity space in same capacity since 2007. I took a deep dive again in 2019 and after selling my last company in 2020, I switch to cryopreservation. There just isn't any meaningful progress in the field, with the billions of spending and decades of research maximum life span has not been extended by even a day. What sets Tomorrow Bio apart in the health and wellness industry?Accepting that maximal life span extension is not likely if we look at progress so far. If someone wants to live longer than currently possible, cryopreservation will be a necessary stopgap measure.What is the most groundbreaking or unexpected finding in the field of longevity research that you’ve come across recently, and why do you find it so compelling?Nothing really. The next big milestone will be a clinical trial that shows extension of maximal life span.  In your opinion, which emerging longevity trend or product will have the most transformative impact on our health over the next five years, and why?Gym, sleep, healthy food - rest is noise for now.One thing you wish more people knew about health and longevity?It's the most important thing in the world.What is the biggest longevity myth you’d like to debunk?Any thing that is available right now is proven to extend maximal life span. If you could recommend only one supplement for a longer, healthier life, which would it be, and what makes it indispensable?Vitamin D, most people have deficiencies. How old can we potentially become at maximum?No limit in theory. At least I'm not aware of any. What resources (books, podcasts, mentors) have been most valuable in your entrepreneurial journey?https://waitbutwhy.com/If there’s one message or insight you’d like readers to take away from your journey, what would it be?Work in Longevity! Focus on impact instead of money. 

Vitamin K for cognition
Cognition

2 min read

Vitamin K for cognition

Vitamin for the mind. Could a simple vitamin found in leafy greens keep your brain sharp with age? New research from Tufts University hints that vitamin K deficiency might speed up mental decline—especially in memory and learning.Key facts & findingsBrain booster: Vitamin K shows up in brain tissue as menaquinone-4, potentially supporting cognitive function.Less K, more problems: Mice lacking vitamin K displayed worse results in tests assessing memory and spatial learning.Hippocampus hit: The vitamin K–deficient group had fewer new neurons in the dentate gyrus, a key region for learning.Inflammation spike: These deficient mice also showed overactive immune cells (microglia), leading to higher brain inflammation.Additional context & expert insightVitamin K is typically found in dark, leafy veggies—like spinach and kale—and is already known for aiding blood clotting. This study suggests it might also protect the aging brain by boosting neuron formation and reducing inflammation. “We’re not telling everyone to go buy supplements,” says the research team, who stress that a balanced diet is the real key. Put differently: your daily salad might do more than keep your arteries clear—it may also keep your mind in top form.Looking aheadScientists plan to dig deeper into the exact mechanisms tying vitamin K to brain health, and possibly see if the same trends hold in humans of all ages. For now, consider upping your veggie intake. Your brain, and maybe your future self, will thank you.

From bloodwork to DNA to AI and back: my journey to solve a micronutrient mystery
Zinc

5 min read

From bloodwork to DNA to AI and back: my journey to solve a micronutrient mystery

How low zinc levels turned into a detective story about health optimization, genetics — and how to use ChatGPT wisely without falling into traps.Hi, I’m Heiko – coach, biohacker, and micronutrient enthusiast. For years, I’ve been fine-tuning my approach to health and longevity by regularly testing my blood for micronutrient levels. Why? Because I believe that keeping all essential and semi-essential micronutrients in the optimal range gives my body the best possible foundation to thrive — mentally, physically, and emotionally.It’s a proactive strategy inspired by experts like Dr. Helena Orfanos-Boeckel, and it’s shaped how I think about performance, stress resilience, and long-term health.One nutrient I’ve been particularly focused on is zinc. And yet — despite consistent, even high-dose supplementation — my blood levels of zinc just won’t budge into the optimal range. Frustrating? Definitely. But also a great opportunity to dig deeper.That’s how this article came about. After a nudge from Sandra (thanks again!) in the New Zapiens community, I decided to revisit my DNA test from SelfDecode. Maybe the answer to my stubbornly low zinc levels was hiding in my genes?Why is zinc so important?Before we dive into the analysis, let’s take a quick detour: zinc is a true multitasker.It plays a key role in the immune system, supports wound healing, and helps fight infections.It’s essential for protein synthesis, making it crucial for muscle growth and recovery.It influences cognitive function, impacting focus and mood.It acts as a cofactor for many enzymes, involved in metabolism, hormone production, and digestion.And here’s a kicker: If you exercise a lot or sweat frequently (sauna, anyone?), you could be losing significant amounts of zinc.Sounds like something you’d want enough of, right? That’s exactly what I thought — but my levels refused to rise ...Checking my DNA test: no red flags?My first glance at my SelfDecode report:SelfDecode resultSo, no increased requirement according to my genetic data. Hmm.But maybe ChatGPT knows more?I asked whether there are SNPs associated with higher zinc needs.(SNPs = Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, genetic variations that can influence various bodily processes.)ChatGPT provided a first list of potentially relevant SNPs:Screenshot 2025-04-10 175904.png 176.05 KBNever only ask once, especially with ChatGPT ;) So I asked again if there might be some more SNPs that could be relevant. And ChatGPT listed some more:Screenshot 2025-04-10 180441.png 224.03 KBBased on that, I dug into my SelfDecode data and checked my own genetic variations. And I added all the SNP characteristics that SelfDecode had listed as relevant, even if the overall assessment did not reveal an increased need.Then, I asked ChatGPT to interpret all my individual data.Screenshot 2025-04-10 181041.png 59.84 KBThen I asked ChatGPT to critically review its own assessment.Screenshot 2025-04-10 181228.png 17.69 KBSurprise, surprise: ChatGPT’s analysis and conclusion was quite different from SelfDecode’s!While SelfDecode suggested my zinc needs were typical, some SNPs flagged by ChatGPT pointed to a significantly increased requirement!And then I remembered a phrase from the domain of management theory and practice: Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast.And I asked myself: What if “Lifestyle Eats Genetics for Breakfast”? So what about exercise and sauna for example?I added details about my workout and sauna routine and asked for an updated recommendation.Screenshot 2025-04-10 181433.png 99.79 KBDone? Hmm… not so fast!The trap of question framingAnother shoutout to Sandra, who reminded me that answers by AI models like ChatGPT are highly dependent on how you phrase your questions.So, I reworded the question: Could it be that the original recommendation was way too low in comparison to standard recommendations?Screenshot 2025-04-10 181633.png 148.02 KBThen, I went the opposite way: Was the updated recommendation too high? Maybe ChatGPT simply added up all effects, without considering overlapping factors?Screenshot 2025-04-10 181807.png 157.65 KBNow I had multiple versions of an answer. Which one should I trust?Guess what I did … of course: I asked ChatGPT: “So, first too low, then too high, now low again, ... what can I believe you?” ;)Screenshot 2025-04-10 181946.png 236.65 KBAnd: Screenshot 2025-04-10 182334.png 62.61 KBI totally agree: blood work is not the truth, but the best approach we have!Conclusion: ChatGPT is a great tool — if you know how to ask and how to interpret and challenge its answers Please keep in mind: Everybody and every body is different.My unique lifestyle, diet, and habits can’t (yet) be fully captured by any AI model.And that’s fine with me. I now have enough information to fine-tune my zinc supplementation approach. Taking also my individual experiences and some hints by Chris Masterjohn into account, I will supplement like this:👉 2×15 mg zinc citrate in the early morning👉 25 mg zinc bisglycinate in the later morningTwo highly bioavailable forms, taken as far away as possible from other minerals (esp. copper) that could block absorption or interact directly.Now, it’s all about testing, measuring, and adjusting again.Will my zinc levels finally move? Or are there other aspects that I don’t know yet?To be continued... 😃