Journal September 26, 2026 4 min read

How is GrimAge measured?

GrimAge is a second-generation epigenetic clock that estimates biological age from DNA methylation. This article explains its measurement, the underlying data, and the research context.

peptides-pro Editorial

GrimAge is a DNA methylation-based epigenetic clock designed to estimate biological age and predict health outcomes. It is formally known as GrimAge, and is sometimes referred to as a second-generation epigenetic clock. Unlike first-generation clocks that rely solely on chronological age, GrimAge incorporates DNA methylation surrogates for plasma proteins and smoking history. The measurement is derived from DNA methylation data obtained from blood or saliva samples [1]. The clock outputs an estimate of biological age, which can be compared to chronological age to calculate age acceleration—the difference between the two [1].

The pathway or receptor family central to GrimAge measurement is not a single biological pathway but rather a composite of epigenetic modifications at specific CpG sites, often associated with inflammation, smoking, and cardiovascular risk. The underlying biology involves DNA methylation, a key epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression.

Research Studies

GrimAge and seasonal variation in biological age

A clinical trial is evaluating the effect of seasonality on biological age in adults, using biological clocks that can be measured from blood or saliva [1]. The study aims to provide insights into how seasonal variations influence biological age and to enhance the design of long-term lifestyle interventions targeting biological clocks [1]. This research may help clarify whether GrimAge measurements are stable across seasons or vary systematically.

GrimAge and epigenetic outcomes in Parkinson's disease

A pilot study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and exploratory epigenetic outcomes of a single same-day autologous bone marrow procedure in adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) or Parkinson-plus syndromes (PPS) [2]. Ten participants underwent bone marrow aspiration, with unprocessed aspirate administered intravenously and a concentrate administered intranasally [2]. The study included exploratory epigenetic outcomes, which may involve GrimAge or similar clocks, though specific results are not detailed in the available evidence [2].

GrimAge and genetic susceptibility in Asian populations

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified Asian-specific genetic susceptibility for epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) using multiple epigenetic clocks, including GrimAge, in a Korean population [3]. The study explored ethnic differences and individual variability in EAA, highlighting that genetic factors may influence GrimAge measurements [3]. This suggests that GrimAge estimates can be affected by population-specific genetic variants.

GrimAge and age acceleration calculation

GrimAge is used to calculate age acceleration, defined as the difference between chronological and biological age [1]. This metric is valuable for assessing the pace of aging in individuals and is measured from samples like blood or saliva [1]. Age acceleration derived from GrimAge has been associated with various health outcomes, though the evidence block does not specify these associations.

GrimAge and clinical trial design

Clinical trials are incorporating GrimAge to evaluate interventions targeting biological clocks [1]. For example, a study on seasonality aims to enhance the design and analysis of long-term lifestyle interventions by using biological age clocks [1]. This indicates that GrimAge is being used as an outcome measure in research settings.

GrimAge and sample types

GrimAge can be measured from blood or saliva samples [1]. The choice of sample type may influence the measurement, but the evidence block does not provide comparative data. Both sample types are commonly used in epigenetic clock research.

GrimAge and epigenetic age acceleration in Parkinson's disease

In the Parkinson's disease pilot study, exploratory epigenetic outcomes were assessed, which may include GrimAge [2]. The study involved ten participants and aimed to evaluate safety and tolerability of a bone marrow procedure [2]. Specific GrimAge results are not reported in the available evidence.

GrimAge and population-specific factors

The GWAS in a Korean population found Asian-specific genetic susceptibility for EAA using multiple clocks, including GrimAge [3]. This suggests that genetic background can influence GrimAge measurements, and that reference ranges may need to be population-specific [3].

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