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

Blood Tests Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle to Understand Your Health
Sponsored
VO2max

6 min read

Blood Tests Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle to Understand Your Health

When you think about getting healthier, what pops into your head? Probably blood tests, right? A long list of results, a PDF you don’t totally understand, maybe a few scary-sounding markers to Google at 11pm. And look—we’re not here to knock blood tests. They're incredibly useful. But here’s the thing: they’re just one piece of the health puzzle.If you’re really trying to feel better, perform better, or just get more out of life, you’ve got to look beyond lab work. The real magic? It often starts with something far simpler: your daily lifestyle.High performers in the health space didn’t get their biological systems dialed in by only reading lab reports. They built a feedback loop from their habits. And that’s exactly what more of us need—real-time, actionable data about the stuff we do every day: how we eat, move, sleep, and recover.Let’s dig into what that looks like.First: Zoom Out Before You Zoom InMost people try to optimize their health by jumping straight into supplements or chasing “optimal” lab values. But if you don’t understand the why behind the numbers—or the behaviors that caused them—you’re flying blind.The truth? Symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, mood swings, or slow recovery usually have roots in your day-to-day routines. That’s where lifestyle diagnostics come in. These are tools that help you see your health story before things go wrong. And when you use them together, you start to get a clear picture of what’s working (and what’s not).Here are four underrated tools that can change the game1. Finding Out What You Actually EatLet’s be real. Most of us think we eat pretty healthy. But memory is a funny thing. That extra croissant didn’t count, right?A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is like a time-lapse of your eating habits. Instead of asking what you had for lunch yesterday, it looks at your long-term patterns—things like fiber intake, processed food consumption, protein quality, and diversity of plants.Why it matters:Studies show over 70% of chronic diseases are diet-related.Hidden deficiencies (like magnesium or omega-3s) often don’t show up in blood until they’re severe.What you eat shapes your microbiome, hormones, and even mood.What to do:Take a validated FFQ—it gives you a visual breakdown of where your nutrition stands. It’s one of the most eye-opening ways to see what you’re really eating.2. Continuous Measuring of Your Blood SugarThis one’s a game-changer. CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors) aren’t just for diabetics anymore—they’re for anyone who wants to understand how food, stress, sleep, and movement affect their energy levels.Why it matters:Big glucose spikes = fatigue, cravings, inflammation.Even “healthy” foods (like oatmeal or smoothies) can cause major rollercoasters for some people.CGMs give personalized insights, not population averages.What to do:Wear a CGM for 10–14 days. Track your meals, your stress levels, your workouts. Look for patterns.Did your Sunday night email spike your blood sugar more than your Friday burger?Even one round of CGM can totally rewire how you eat and recover.3. Measuring Your VO2maxThe most important longevity metric you’re probably ignoring.VO2max is a fancy name for how well your body uses oxygen during exercise. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a triathlete to care. Think of it as your aerobic horsepower.Why it matters:VO2max is one of the strongest predictors of lifespan. Seriously.It’s a measure of how well your heart, lungs, and mitochondria are doing.Low VO2max is linked to fatigue, brain fog, and poor metabolic flexibility.What to do:You can get a proper lab test (in a mask, on a treadmill), or let your smartwatch estimate it over time. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to track your direction. And yes, training in Zone 2 helps a ton.4. Knowing Your Body CompositionWeight alone? Pretty useless. Most scales don’t tell you what you really need to know. Two people can weigh the same but have totally different health profiles. It’s super important to not only know what you weigh—but also how much of that is fat, muscle, or bone mass. And if your weight is changing, is it real change or just water shifting around?Why it matters:Muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of healthspan (how long you stay healthy).Visceral fat—the kind that hugs your organs—is way more dangerous than what you see in the mirror.Tiny shifts in muscle-to-fat ratio can massively change how you feel day to day.What to do:Try a Body Composition Scan, a bioimpedance device, or even a simple tape measure to track your waist-to-hip ratio. The goal? Don’t obsess over pounds. Focus on composition.Where to Start?A Swiss longevity clinic called AYUN realized that most people dive into health with zero baseline. They’re guessing, Googling, or spending money on supplements without knowing what’s actually off.AYUN, Swiss first walkin longevity clinicSo they created something simple (and smart): the Lifestyle Check-Up.It’s not a blood test. It’s a full 360° snapshot of how your body and habits are really doing.Here’s what you get:Nutrition Check (FFQ)A science-backed assessment of your eating habits and nutritional gaps14-Day CGM ExperienceReal-time insights into your blood sugar responses to food, stress, and sleepBody Composition ScanUnderstand your muscle, fat, and metabolic balanceVO2max TestMeasure your cardiovascular capacity and oxygen efficiencyExpert AnalysisNutrition and sports scientists interpret your results holisticallyPersonalized ReportYour health data, decoded into clear, actionable insightsCustom Action PlanA practical roadmap for training, nutrition, and recovery90-Minute Joint ReviewA deep-dive session with both experts to walk you through your resultsIt’s like having a health detective map your patterns before you invest in deeper labs.And honestly? For many people, this is the smarter place to begin.Because once you see the impact of your habits, the motivation to change stops being abstract. You’re not chasing random numbers anymore. You’re solving your own health equation.Curious where you stand?Start with the Lifestyle Check-Up. You’ll come away with clarity, momentum—and a few “aha” moments you didn’t see coming.Use the exclusive New Zapiens code NEWZAPIENS10 to get 10% off your Lifestyle Check-Up. Own your health now

From Fragile to Functional: Why Midlife Women Need a New Strength Paradigm
Exercise

4 min read

From Fragile to Functional: Why Midlife Women Need a New Strength Paradigm

I never thought my next company would start with a bone scan.But here we are.At 41, I’m building again. ​​Not because I had a big tech idea or saw a market gap, but because I got scared. And then angry.Scared when a DEXA scan revealed early signs of bone loss. Angry when I realized how little support exists for women in midlife—especially around invisible health risks like bone density and muscle decline.Let me back up.I’ve always been active: triathlons, yoga, snowboarding, you name it. But no one told me that after 30, women start quietly losing 1–2% of bone mass per year. Or that half of all women over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture. And that we begin losing muscle, which can impact everything from energy to mobility to metabolic health.I looked fit. I felt strong. But the scan made one thing clear: this wasn’t about vanity. It was about vitality.So I went deep. (It helps that my husband is a longevity nerd.) I read the research, talked to experts, lifted heavier. But what surprised me most was something ancient:Walking with weight.Also known as rucking.Rediscovering Movement with MeaningRucking (derived from the term rucksack) originated in military training as a way to build strength and stamina for combat. Today, it’s quietly becoming one of the most accessible tools in functional fitness and longevity circles.Think of it as resistance training meets low-impact cardio. You walk with added weight, activating your entire body without the joint stress of running. While it won’t build muscle mass like strength training, rucking supports muscle maintenance, metabolic function, and reinforces one of the most important physical foundations as we age: bone density.Here are a few science-backed benefits worth knowing:1. Supports Bone HealthBone Health: Weight-bearing + impact = stronger bones.Studies show that walking with added weight can slow or even reverse age-related bone loss by 1–2% per year, especially in the spine and hips. That’s significant, considering most women lose that much annually after 30.2. Burns CaloriesAdding weight increases calorie burn compared to regular walking. That makes rucking a more efficient, lower-impact way to increase daily energy expenditure - especially for women managing hormonal changes that impact metabolism.According to David Looney, an exercise physiologist who studied weighted vests for the U.S. Army:Wearing one that’s 10% of your body weight can burn 8.5% more calories.At 20%, it jumps to 19.7%.3. Supports Muscle StrengthRucking turns a simple walk into a full-body functional workout. It engages:GlutesHamstringsCalvesCorePostural muscles in your upper back and shouldersWhile it won’t replace lifting heavy, it targets slow-twitch muscle fibers, improving endurance, balance, and joint stability over time.4. Improves PostureCarrying a well-fitted vest activates the deep stabilizers in your back and core. You naturally adopt a tall, upright posture while rucking. This is especially important for counteracting the rounding and slouching that accelerates with age.5. Boosts Energy + MoodA 30-minute ruck can do more for your mood than a double espresso. Movement combined with load stimulates blood circulation, increases oxygen flow to the brain, and releases feel-good endorphins. Many women describe feeling clear-headed, focused, and energized - especially if you walk outside in nature.Why This Matters More in MidlifeRucking doesn’t require a gym, a subscription, or a schedule overhaul. It’s simple, powerful, and sustainable. For women navigating midlife (where strength, hormone shifts, bone protection, and nervous system regulation are all in play) rucking is uniquely supportive.I know because it worked for me. And I’ve watched it work for dozens of other women who’ve joined me, week after week, for 3 mile rucks in Miami, virtually, or just around their neighborhoods.It’s not about being hardcore. It’s about having a steady rhythm. One that builds strength, slowly and deeply. One that helps you feel your body in a new way.For too long, strength in women has been framed as aesthetic or performative. But what about the quiet, sustaining kind? The strength to carry families, calm your nervous system, or simply feel good in your skin?If You Feel the Shift TooIf you’re less focused on shrinking and more interested in building real, lasting strength—you’re not the only one.There’s a growing community of us rethinking how we move, eat, recover, and show up in midlife. If rucking feels like a fit, I’ve put together a free Rucking 101 Guide to help you get started: www.yvotywarrior.comAnd if you’ve found other rituals or tools that support your strength in this season, I’d love to hear what’s working for you. Let’s swap notes. We’re all experimenting—walking, lifting, breathing, evolving. It’s not about doing it perfectly; it’s about doing it together.

Too Many Tools, Not Enough Focus: Why Preventive Health Needs Consolidation and Personalization
Personalized Medicine

6 min read

Too Many Tools, Not Enough Focus: Why Preventive Health Needs Consolidation and Personalization

My journey with health started through sport and performance.First through 15 years of first division field hockey, and then more recently, when I caught the endurance bug and started training for triathlons. That’s when I began taking my health even more seriously.I got my first comprehensive blood panel outside the standard check-up. I invested in a wearable. I started tracking my sleep, HRV, and other metrics. Not out of fear, but out of curiosity and a desire to take ownership of my health, to optimize my daily performance, feel better, and live longer.And honestly, it felt good. Tangible. Empowering.But somewhere along the way, it started to feel... exhausting.If you've ever bounced between three apps, a Substack newsletter, and a new supplement routine, all before your morning coffee, you know what I mean.The world of longevity and preventive health has exploded. From testosterone to toxins, from senescence to saunas, from red light therapy to NAD drips, everything is a variable. And everything feels urgent, yet not everything is tested, nor will it have the same impact for everyone, depending on their body and their goals.Podcasts tell you what’s essential. Instagram shows you what you’re missing. Your group chat shares the latest test you "have to try."And yet, here’s the paradox: with more information, more protocols, and more tools than ever... acting on it all has never felt more confusing.The Longevity Paradox: We Know More, But Do LessWe’re witnessing a surge in interest around data-driven health.From wearables to lab panels, glucose monitors to sleep scores, individuals today have unprecedented access to their own health data. It’s a major leap forward. But it’s also created a new kind of complexity.Many people I speak to are navigating a similar pattern. They’re eager to take control of their health. They test more often, read more, try more, but end up stuck in a loop of questions.Which protocol is most relevant for me?Which insight should I act on first?Is this backed by science, or just trending on social media?With a growing stack of tools, apps, recommendations, and biomarkers, the experience becomes fragmented. People jump from fasting to fueling, sauna routines to nervous system hacks, blood tests to sleep tracking. Each new insight raises more questions than it resolves, and it becomes harder to know what’s truly impactful, or just a gimmick.And this often leads to:A sense of FOMO: “What am I missing?”A sense of overwhelm: “How do I make sense of all this?”And sometimes even paralysis: “Where do I start?”More access doesn’t always lead to more action.Without structure, context, and curation, even the best tools can become noise. The challenge is no longer about collecting data, but about transforming it into clarity, confidence, and sustainable habits.The very tools designed to bring us closer to ourselves can sometimes create more distance.What Comes Next: From Chaos to ConsolidationThis isn’t a bug in the system. It’s the natural pattern of emerging markets.The health optimization space is going through a fragmentation phase, where a thousand tools bloom, but nothing quite fits together yet.This is normal. But it won’t last.What’s missing today is an integrated layer. A system that’s not just another dashboard or tracker, but a guide. One that understands your goals, filters your data, and translates it into something you can actually act on.That’s why I believe we’ll soon see the rise of health super apps. Digital systems that:Aggregate data from wearables, lab results, and lifestyle habitsPrioritize what matters most, based on personal context and goalsCurate credible, science-backed protocolsSupport action through automation, coaching, and communityThis won’t just be a UX revolution, it will be a trust revolution.Because the real challenge is no longer generating data. It’s knowing what to do with it, and having the confidence to follow through. Trust is the missing nutrient in modern health.And yes, these tools will need to feel human, not clinical. If they become cold, robotic, or overwhelming, they’ll fail. Because longevity is not just about cellular optimization. It’s about behavioral health. About how we live, day to day. And that includes motivation, emotional resilience, and social connection.The best tools will feel like a guide, not a drill sergeant. They’ll support us in seasons of discipline and softness. And they’ll adapt to each person’s way of living. Because sustainable health isn’t rigid. It’s relational.Until Then: How to Navigate the NoiseWe don’t need to wait for the perfect app or ideal system to start making smarter health choices. Sometimes, the best tech is still a pen and a quiet moment.Here are four principles to help navigate the noise and bring focus back into the process:Be at peace with imperfectionYou won’t land on the perfect protocol on day one, or day one hundred. That’s not a failure, that’s the process. Longevity isn’t a sprint toward some flawless routine. It’s a long-term relationship with your body, built over time.Test with intention, then reflectNot all testing is equal. Instead of chasing the latest trend, invest in meaningful assessments, like blood panels or biomarker screenings, to understand your baseline. Start with objective data, not hype. This helps you prioritize what really matters for you, not what’s currently popular on YouTube. Then observe, adjust, and let go of what doesn’t serve you.Centralize your chaosDon’t let your health strategy live in ten different apps and tabs. Use a single space, a Notion dashboard, a notebook, or your calendar, to track habits, symptoms, test results, and progress.And if you’re tech-savvy: tools like MCPs, connected trackers, and digital habit systems can help you build a lightweight operating system for your health. You don’t need perfection, you need a place to make sense of it all.Question the sourceEvery protocol has a backstory. Every recommendation comes from someone, with their own physiology, goals, and biases. So before adopting it, ask: Who is this for? What evidence supports it? Does it fit my reality, or just their narrative?In health, the best advice isn’t always the loudest. It’s the most grounded, personalized, and adaptable.Longevity should feel like a liberation, not a burden.Let’s build systems and mindsets that bring us back to clarity, instead of deeper into complexity.Because health isn’t just about living longer.It’s about knowing how  and why to live well, now.