Genetics background. 3D Render

Zest Science offers a pioneering Functional Age Test—a comprehensive, at-home evaluation that reveals your body’s true biological age by integrating blood, digital, and functional biomarkers  Though often associated with longevity, Zest’s multifaceted approach holds significant promise for anyone planning to conceive or address fertility concerns.

What Is Functional Age Testing?

Zest’s test measures 30+ key indicators across three dimensions:

  1. Blood Biomarkers – including cholesterol (LDL, HDL), inflammation (CRP), metabolic health (HbA1c, glucose, triglycerides), liver function (albumin), and reproductive hormones (testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, DHEAS)

  2. Digital Biomarkers – data from wearables, such as VO? max, heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and calorie burn

  3. Functional Biomarkers – physical and cognitive tests, including grip strength, memory tasks (Sequence Memory, Digit Span, Precision Memory) in collaboration with Cambridge University’s Memory Lab

Results are synthesized through machine learning to generate your Functional Age—a bio-indicator of how your body and mind are aging relative to your chronological age

Why It Matters for Fertility

Fertility isn’t just about reproductive organs—it’s about your overall physiological health. Zest’s test helps uncover:

  • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., low estradiol or testosterone) that can impair ovulation or sperm quality.

  • Metabolic issues like high blood sugar, triglycerides, or inflammation—all of which can disrupt menstrual cycles and reduce fertility.

  • Sleep and stress-related dysfunctions that indirectly harm reproductive function.

By identifying these underlying issues early, Zest enables couples to proactively support fertility with targeted lifestyle and health interventions

The Zest Process: Simple & Actionable

  1. Receive your at-home kit—complete with lancets, sample cards, and prepaid mailer.

  2. Submit a finger-prick blood sample and optionally sync wearable data.

  3. Download results via the Zest app in about a week.

  4. Follow a personalized protocol covering supplements, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management tailored to your biomarkers

Most users see improvements in their Functional Age within 3 months—and can retest to monitor progress

Benefits Beyond Fertility

Zest’s holistic metrics support broader aspects of wellbeing:

  • Reproductive resilience – hormone optimization supports menstrual health, libido, and sperm integrity.

  • Chronic disease prevention – early detection of metabolic or cardiovascular risks.

  • Cognitive clarity – memory and brain health functional markers help maintain mental sharpness.

  • Recovery & vitality – insights from VO? max and grip strength inform fitness and stress recovery plans

Community & Science-Backed Credibility

  • University of Cambridge collaboration ensures robust cognitive testing.

  • Over 74% of users report Functional Age improvement within 3 months

  • Zest serves 10,000+ users, securely managing data with HIPAA standards and consent-based research participation .

Based exclusively on content from zest.science

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.