8-OHdG (8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine)

Inflammatory

Oxidative Stress

8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine) is a marker of oxidative damage to DNA, formed when reactive molecules attack the genetic material inside cells. Measuring it reveals how much oxidative stress is actually reaching and damaging your DNA. A longevity practice tracks 8-OHdG because DNA oxidation is one of the mechanisms that links oxidative stress to aging and disease risk.

What It Measures

DNA oxidative damage marker; reflects how much oxidative stress is damaging your DNA

Optimal vs. Lab Range

Longevity Optimal

Lower quartile of reference

Target range for optimal health and longevity based on research.

Standard Lab

Varies by method

Population-based reference range from standard labs.

Why It Matters

Elevated 8-OHdG indicates that oxidative stress is damaging DNA, a process associated with aging, cancer risk, pollution exposure, and chronic inflammation. Because accumulated DNA damage is a hallmark of biological aging, this marker offers a direct read on a core aging mechanism rather than a downstream symptom. Higher values suggest the body's antioxidant defenses are being outpaced by oxidative load. In a preventive context, keeping 8-OHdG low reflects better protection of the genome over time. It is best interpreted with other oxidative markers such as F2-isoprostanes, Ox-LDL, and glutathione. Values in the lower part of the reference range are generally favorable.

When Low

Generally favorable when low

When High

DNA damage from oxidative stress, aging, cancer risk, pollution exposure, chronic inflammation

How to Optimize

Reducing oxidative exposures is central, which means limiting tobacco smoke, pollution, and other sources of oxidative load where possible. Supporting the body's antioxidant systems through a polyphenol-rich diet and, where appropriate, NAC or glutathione support can help restore balance. Because oxidative stress and inflammation reinforce each other, general anti-inflammatory habits also lower the load reaching your DNA. Retesting alongside other oxidative markers shows whether defenses are catching up. Targets and treatment are individualized with your physician; this content is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.

Key Interventions & Linked Compounds

Emerging evidence

Key Interventions

Antioxidant support

NAC

glutathione

reduce oxidative exposures

Linked Compounds & Supplements

NAC

Glutathione

CoQ10

Vitamin C

Astaxanthin

SOD precursors

Curated from clinical literature. Individual results vary; consult a qualified clinician before changing a protocol.

Ordering Notes

Specimen

Serum or plasma (venous draw)

Patient prep

No fasting required. Maintain usual diet and medications unless advised.

Recommended cadence

Annual

Reporting unit

Confirm with the performing lab — units vary by region.

Pre-analytic notes

Standardize draw time of day, hydration, and recent exercise. Note any acute illness, supplements, or hormonal therapies on the requisition.

Recommended Follow-Up Actions

1
Confirm the result is reliable
Repeat abnormal values before acting — preferably from the same lab, same time of day, and under consistent prep. Rule out acute illness, recent intense exercise, or medication effects that can shift 8-OHdG (8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine).
2
Compare against optimal, not just lab range
Use the optimal window above as the target. Lab "normal" is built from the general population and often misses early dysfunction.
3
Pair with related markers
Order a complementary panel covering metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal context to interpret this marker properly.
4
Discuss interventions with a clinician
Use the interpretation guidance above to frame the conversation. Bring trends, not just one datapoint, to your visit.
5
Re-test on a defined cadence
If a change is implemented, re-measure in 8–12 weeks for fast-moving markers, or 3–6 months for slower ones, to confirm response before escalating.