Evaluating the Responsiveness of Second-Generation Epigenetic Clocks (GrimAge vs. OMICmAge) to Telomere-Targeted Nutraceutical Interventions in Middle-Aged Adults
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Original Research | 2026 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 | Page 68-77
Dr. Manoj Kumar, Tutor, Department of Physiology, JHMC, WB
Dr. Shahan Layek, Independent Researcher, West Bengal, India, Email: layekcallmeshahan@gmail.com
Abstract:
Background Biological aging is increasingly recognized as a modifiable process influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Second-generation epigenetic clocks, such as GrimAge and OMICmAge, have emerged as powerful biomarkers for assessing biological age and predicting age-related morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, telomere-targeted nutraceutical interventions, including compounds with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and telomere-supportive properties, have gained attention for their potential to slow cellular aging. However, the comparative sensitivity of advanced epigenetic clocks in detecting biological changes induced by such interventions remains inadequately explored. Objective This study aimed to evaluate and compare the responsiveness of GrimAge and OMICmAge epigenetic clocks to telomere-targeted nutraceutical supplementation in middle-aged adults and to determine their utility in monitoring intervention-related changes in biological aging. Methods A prospective interventional study was conducted among 120 healthy middle-aged adults aged 40–60 years. Participants received a standardized telomere-targeted nutraceutical regimen containing antioxidants, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients for six months. Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention. DNA methylation profiles were analyzed to estimate biological age using GrimAge and OMICmAge algorithms. Telomere length, inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress markers were also assessed. Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-intervention changes and examined correlations between epigenetic age acceleration and telomere dynamics. Results: Both epigenetic clocks demonstrated significant reductions in biological age estimates following the intervention. However, OMICmAge exhibited greater sensitivity in detecting short-term biological age changes compared with GrimAge. Participants showed improvements in telomere length maintenance, reduced systemic inflammation, and lower oxidative stress levels. Changes in OMICmAge were more strongly correlated with telomere length preservation and biomarker improvements than changes observed with GrimAge. Individuals demonstrating the greatest telomere stabilization also exhibited the most pronounced reductions in epigenetic age acceleration.