Longevity & Sports Genetic Tests: Gene Regions, Studies & Scientific Basis

What longevity and sports genetic tests are scientifically about

"Longevity" does not only mean a long life, but as many healthy years as possible (healthspan). Genetic analyses examine variants in areas associated with aging, such as inflammation susceptibility, oxidative stress, metabolism, vascular and cognitive health, and detoxification. For fitness, variants associated with muscle type, endurance, and recovery are also included.

The scale is important: twin and population studies estimate that genes explain only part of the differences in life expectancy; the larger share is attributable to lifestyle and the environment. Even among very old people, genetics is only one of many factors [2]. Individual genetic variants therefore shift probabilities—they determine neither lifespan nor athletic performance.

This page explains which gene regions are analyzed by mybody®'s longevity and fitness DNA analyses, which studies the interpretation is based on, how the saliva sample is processed, and where the limitations lie. The complete gene list and the scientific background are publicly available.

Analyzed gene regions at a glance

According to the provider, the longevity test evaluates more than 170 genetic variants across several areas (complete gene list [3]). All information represents statistical associations from research and is not an individual diagnosis or performance prediction.

The gene regions in detail

Muscle type and sport: ACTN3

ACTN3 encodes a structural protein in fast-twitch muscle fibers and is often called the “sprinter gene.” In a widely cited study, certain genotypes were more common in strength and sprint profiles than in endurance profiles [1]. The marker indicates a predisposition; training status, technique, and motivation remain decisive for actual performance.

Endurance and VO2max: ACE and PPARGC1A

ACE (cardiovascular regulation) and PPARGC1A (formation of new mitochondria) are among the genes studied for endurance performance. The corresponding studies in the mybody bibliography [4] describe associations with endurance capacity and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

VO2max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen the body can take in and use during exertion; it is considered an important measure of endurance fitness and cardiovascular health. Gene variants such as those in ACE or PPARGC1A are associated with baseline VO2max and its trainability. However, training remains decisive: VO2max can be significantly increased through regular endurance exercise, regardless of genetic predisposition. Individual variants explain only a small part of the differences between people.

Biological aging and telomeres: TERC

Telomeres are the protective caps of chromosomes; they shorten with each cell division and are considered markers of cellular aging. TERC is a component of telomerase, which maintains telomeres. Variants in this region are associated with average telomere length [4]. However, a genotype is not a measurement of your biological age—it only describes a predisposition.

Epigenetics and biological clocks

In addition to the fixed DNA sequence, there is epigenetics: chemical markers, particularly DNA methylation, that regulate how strongly genes are read and change with lifestyle and age. So-called epigenetic clocks can be calculated from methylation patterns to estimate “biological age”; Steve Horvath described the first of these clocks in 2013 [7]. Such clocks are considered a promising tool in aging research, but are still under investigation.

Important context: An SNP-based longevity genetic test such as this one reads fixed genetic variants and describes a predisposition. It does not measure epigenetic or biological age—that requires a separate methylation analysis. The two approaches complement each other but are not the same.

Oxidative stress and detoxification: SOD2, GPX1, CAT

Reactive oxygen species are produced during metabolism and can place stress on cells (oxidative stress). Enzymes such as SOD2, GPX1, and CAT break them down. Genetic variants influence the activity of these enzymes [4]. The test classifies predisposition; how strongly oxidative stress actually affects the body also depends on diet, smoking, exercise, and the environment.

Tendency toward inflammation: IL6 and CRP

Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with aging processes in research (“inflammaging”). Genes such as IL6 and CRP regulate inflammatory mediators; variants are associated with their blood levels [4]. Here, too, predisposition is only one factor—lifestyle and diet also have a strong influence.

What longevity genetics does not explain

Genetics is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to aging and fitness. Based on current knowledge, the larger share of differences is attributable to lifestyle and the environment [2]. A genetic test therefore cannot predict life expectancy or guarantee athletic success—it provides context for informed decisions.

When used meaningfully, the analysis complements measures that have been shown to influence fitness and aging processes: regular endurance and strength training, a balanced, plant-focused diet, sufficient sleep, stress management, and avoiding smoking. Genetic predisposition does not replace these factors; instead, it helps put them into context and target them more effectively—for example, with a tendency toward more endurance or more strength-training sessions.

Data protection, methodology & quality

Data protection & data processing: Protecting your data is our top priority—especially genetic data. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), such data belongs to the special categories of personal data requiring heightened protection (Art. 9 GDPR). At mybody®, it is processed for a specific purpose—exclusively to perform and analyze your test—and on the basis of your explicit consent. It will not be further processed for other purposes without your consent.

Information security is organized according to ISO/IEC 27001, the internationally recognized standard for information security management systems. Your genetic data is transmitted and stored in encrypted form. You have the data subject rights under the GDPR—particularly the right to access, rectify, and erase your data. Details regarding storage periods, processing, and your rights are governed by the privacy policy.

The sample is collected at home as a saliva sample. DNA is extracted from the saliva and analyzed at the predefined gene positions (genotyping/sequencing). The genotypes are compared with the available scientific evidence and translated into an easy-to-understand report.

1. 1

   Collect a saliva sample

   At home with the test kit, including instructions.

2. 2

   Return shipping

   Free return shipping to the analysis laboratory.

3. 3

   DNA analysis

   DNA extraction and analysis of the defined gene positions.

4. 4

   Analysis

   Comparison with the available scientific evidence and preparation of the analysis report.

5. 5

   Result

   Provision of the analysis; 15–25 working days after receipt of the sample.

Laboratory & accreditation: The genetic analysis is carried out at the medical laboratory MVZ GANZIMMUN GmbH (Mainz), which is accredited according to DIN EN ISO 15189:2024 (DAkkS registration number D-ML-13151-01-00) [6]. The laboratory participates in external proficiency testing schemes (including INSTAND e.V., Referenzinstitut für Bioanalytik/RfB, UK NEQAS, and ERNDIM). The term accredited (assessment of technical and professional competence by the German Accreditation Body, DAkkS) must be distinguished from certified (management system, e.g. ISO/IEC 27001) [5].

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Yang N et al. ACTN3 genotype is associated with human elite athletic performance. Am J Hum Genet 2003;73(3):627–631. PubMed
2. Sebastiani P, Perls TT. The genetics of extreme longevity: lessons from the New England Centenarian Study. Front Genet 2012;3:277. PMC
3. MYBODY Lab GmbH. Analyzed genes – complete list of evaluated gene variants (PDF). Open document
4. MYBODY Lab GmbH. Scientific Background – bibliography (including ACE, PPARGC1A, TERC, SOD2, GPX1, IL6). Open document
5. DAkkS – Medical laboratories / DIN EN ISO 15189 (accreditation explanation). dakks.de
6. MVZ GANZIMMUN GmbH. Quality management – accreditation according to DIN EN ISO 15189:2024 (DAkkS D-ML-13151-01-00). ganzimmun.de
7. Horvath S. DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types. Genome Biology 2013;14:R115. PubMed

The gene-specific associations (ACE, PPARGC1A, TERC, SOD2, GPX1, IL6, CRP) are substantiated by the primary studies in the document “Scientific Background” [4]; ACTN3 is additionally substantiated by the primary source [1].