Bortz Blood Age is a model of biological age computed from ordinary blood tests. It was published by Jordan Bortz and colleagues (2023), trained on data from the UK Biobank — a database with measurements from hundreds of thousands of participants.
Unlike epigenetic clocks, which require a DNA methylation analysis, this model uses about 25 routine blood measures, making the estimate cheap and accessible.
How the model is built
Jordan Bortz and colleagues (2023) trained the model on data from the UK Biobank — the largest database with tests from hundreds of thousands of participants. It included about 25 routine blood measures (complete blood count and biochemistry). The model converts them into a biological age in years.
What it shows
If the calculated age is higher than the calendar one, it is associated with an increased risk of disease and death. The difference between them is an estimate of age acceleration. The advantage of the approach is that only ordinary blood tests are needed.
Its place among other clocks
Unlike epigenetic clocks, which require an expensive methylation analysis, Bortz Blood Age relies on cheap, accessible tests — like PhenoAge. It is a research model, not a clinical diagnosis.
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where Bortz Blood Age is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
How does Bortz Blood Age differ from epigenetic age?
Bortz Blood Age is calculated from ordinary blood tests, without a DNA methylation analysis. This makes the estimate cheaper and more accessible, although epigenetic clocks may reflect certain processes more accurately.
Which tests are needed?
A standard blood panel: complete blood count and biochemistry — about 25 measures. No separate special test is required, which makes the model convenient for regular monitoring.
Related terms
Sources
- Bortz et al. Biological age estimation using circulating blood biomarkers (Communications Biology, 2023)
- Wikipedia — Biomarkers of aging