Essentials+

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Results: 1 to 5 days

Collection: 1 blood draw

Biomarkers: 91

Gender: unisex

Coverage: full-body

Essentials+ is a foundational blood panel covering 11 core biological systems – all from a single blood draw.

Most people see only a tiny fraction of their biology during an annual physical. Essentials+ removes the blind spots.

With results in hand, use the power of AI to transform your labs into personalized diagnostic reports. Instead of raw numbers, you'll receive personalized analysis—so you can understand results instantly.

Did you know: the standard annual physical excludes 28 out of 34 essential early detection tests – 82% of your health picture is missing.

Testing: all testing is conducted by Quest Diagnostics, with samples accepted nationwide. Results are available within 5 days and are automatically posted to MyQuest.

No doctor visits. No insurance approvals. No waiting.

  • Essentials+ is 11 diagnostic panels in 1:

    1. Bone Health

    2. Cardiovascular Health

    3. Glycemic Health

    4. Immune Function

    5. Iron Balance

    6. Kidney Function

    7. Liver Function

    8. Metabolic Health

    9. Nutrient Balance

    10. Thyroid Function

    11. Biological Age

  • The following biomarkers are tested as part of Essentials+:

    Aluminum: aluminum is a neurotoxin – toxicity develops over time and is more likely in individuals with impaired kidney function.

    Apolipoprotein B: ApoB is a protein that transports LDL cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. Elevated ApoB levels are linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

    C-Peptide: C-peptide is produced by the pancreas alongside insulin, but remains in the blood longer, making it a powerful indicator of insulin production. Elevated c-peptide levels indicate insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk.

    Complete Blood Count (CBC ): tests 33 essential blood health biomarkers

    Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): tests 21 essential metabolic biomarkers

    Cortisol, Total: cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood sugar and energy levels. Elevated cortisol levels point to stress mismanagement along with potentially compromised metabolic and glycemic health.

    Cystatin C: Cystatin C is a protein made by all cells and filtered out by the kidneys. When kidney function is impaired, cystatin C levels rise, making it a powerful early marker of kidney dysfunction.

    eGFR: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate measures how efficiently the kidneys filter waste from the blood into urine. Reduced eGFR values point to reduced kidney function.

    Ferritin: ferritin is a protein that stores iron and reflects the body’s iron reserves. Ferritin levels help assess whether iron levels are sufficient for healthy red blood cell production.

    Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): GGT is an enzyme mainly found in the liver that helps process toxins. Elevated GGT levels may indicate liver stress or damage.

    Hemoglobin A1c: A1c is a measure of average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.  Elevated A1c levels point to an increased risk for diabetes.

    HOMA IR (Insulin Resistance): Homa-IR is a measure of insulin resistance. Elevated Homa-IR levels point to an increased risk for diabetes.

    Homocysteine: homocysteine is an amino acid produced during protein metabolism. Elevated levels are linked to higher risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and other vascular diseases.

    hs CRP: Highly sensitive C-reactive protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue injury. Even mildly elevated levels can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular or inflammatory conditions.

    Immunoglobulin G (IgG): IgGis the most common antibody in the body, essential for long-term immune defense. IgG levels reflect past pathogen exposures as well as the immune system's ability to respond to new infections.

    Insulin: insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar.  Elevated insulin levels suggest an increased risk of diabetes.

    Iron, Total: total iron measures the amount of iron in the blood, vital for red blood cell production and supporting proteins like hemoglobin and myoglobin. Iron must be obtained from food as the body cannot produce it.

    Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): TIBC measures the blood's ability to transport iron. Combined with iron levels, TIBC offers a clearer view of overall blood health.

    % Saturation: % saturation measures the percentage of the blood's iron-carrying capacity that is being used. It helps identify iron imbalances that may not be clear from individual tests alone.

    Lipase: lipase is an enzyme that helps digest and process fats. Elevated levels may indicate pancreatic stress or damage.

    Lipid Panel: lipid panel tests 6 essential blood health biomarkers.

    Magnesium: magnesium is an essential mineral required by every cell in the body for proper function. Since the body cannot produce magnesium, it must be obtained through diet.

    Phosphate (as Phosphorus): phosphorus is an essential mineral for energy production, bone and teeth health, and proper nerve and muscle function. Since the body cannot produce phosphorus, it must be obtained from food.

    PTH (Parathyroid Hormone): PTH is produced by the parathyroid glands when blood calcium is low. Elevated PTH levels can disrupt calcium balance, leading to bone loss and other health issues.

    T3, Free: Free T3 (triiodothyronine) is the active form of thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism, temperature, energy, and more. Low levels of Free T3 are linked to slow metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog.

    T4, Free: measuring Free T4 is crucial for understanding how much thyroid hormone is available for conversion to T3 (the body converts T4 into T3).

    Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): TSH, produced by the pituitary gland, regulates thyroid production of T3 and T4. TSH levels help determine if the thyroid is underactive, overactive, or functioning normally.

    Uric Acid: uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines found in DNA and certain foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Elevated levels may indicate metabolic issues such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

    Vitamin A (Retinol): vitamin Ais a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, cell growth, metabolism, and immune function. Low levels can increase the risk of infections, vision problems, anemia, and fatigue.

    Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): vitamin B12is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for red blood cell production, DNA creation, and nervous system health. B12 levels can lead to anemia, fatigue, memory issues, and nerve damage. Since the body cannot produce B12, it must be obtained from food.

    Folate Panel, Serum: vitamin B9 plays an essential role in red and white blood cell development, DNA production, tissue growth, and protein metabolism. Since the body cannot produce it, folate must be obtained from diet.

    Vitamin D: vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin vital for heart, blood vessel, and insulin regulation, as well as bone health and cell function. Most people are significantly Vitamin D deficient.

    Vitamin E (Tocopherol): vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, protects cells, supports immune function, red blood cell production, wound healing, and blood flow. Since the body cannot produce Vitamin E, it must be obtained from food.

    Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, wound healing, and healthy fetal development.

  • Bone Health assesses the integrity, density and metabolic activity of the skeletal system.

    Did you know: without enough Vitamin D, you can’t absorb calcium — no matter how much you get from food or supplements.

    Optimal bone health depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Magnesium (reference range 1.5-2.5 mg/dL): magnesium is essential for converting vitamin D into its active form and regulating calcium transport. Every cell in the body relies on magnesium to function properly, and since our bodies do not produce magnesium, we must get it through food or supplements.

    • Phosphate (as Phosphorus) (reference range 2.5-4.5 mg/dL): phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth; imbalances are a threat to bone integrity. Low phosphorus levels can cause weak muscles, a higher chance of infection, loss of appetite, confusion, problems with coordination, bone pain, and anemia.

    • Parathyroid Hormone (reference range 16-77 pg/mL): PTH is created in the parathyroid gland when there are low levels of calcium in the blood. PTH helps control calcium, Vitamin D, and other nutrient levels in the body that affect the bones, kidneys, and small intestines. Abnormal PTH levels can disrupt calcium levels in the blood, elevating the risk for osteoporosis and similar conditions.

    • Vitamin D (reference range 30-100 ng/mL): adequate levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption and bone mineralization; deficiency is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps the immune system fight infections and is involved in the proper functioning of your heart, blood vessels, insulin, and mood.

    • Calcium (reference range 8.6–10.2 mg/dL): calcium is a core mineral in bone structure; low levels may signal poor bone density or absorption issues. 90% of the calcium in the body is contained in the bones and only 1% is in the blood. If we don't consume enough calcium, our bodies will take it from where we need it most—our bones—which leads to bone loss.

  • Cardiovascular Health assesses the performance of the circulatory system, examining key markers of vascular function, lipid metabolism, and cardiac stress.

    Did you know: even slightly elevated Hemoglobin A1c, well below diabetic levels, is associated with a significantly elevated risk for cardiovascular disease.

    Optimal cardiovascular health depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Apolipoprotein B (reference range <90 mg/dL): ApoB carries LDL cholesterol and other potentially harmful lipid particles around the body and is considered the most accurate marker of atherogenic particle count. It includes all cholesterol particles that can form plaque in your arteries and lead to cardiovascular disease.

    • Hgb A1c (reference range <5.7% of total Hgb): A1c measures the average amount of blood sugar (glucose) in the blood over the previous two to three months. The blood level of glucose is tightly controlled by hormones, especially insulin produced by the pancreas.

    • hs CRP (reference range <1 mg/L): hs CRP is made by the liver in response to infection, tissue injury or inflammation. Even with normal cholesterol and blood pressure, elevated hs CRP levels can indicate hidden inflammation, which plays a critical role in plaque buildup, as well as heart attack and stroke risk.

    • Lipoprotein (A) (reference range <75 nmol/L): the job of lipoproteins is to transports fats (also called lipids) through the blood stream. Elevated Lp(a) levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, aortic valve disease, and heart failure. Lp(a) levels are inherited and are not strongly influenced by lifestyle changes like diet or exercise.

    • Hematocrit (reference range 38.5-50.0%): proportion of blood made up of red cells; impacts blood viscosity and circulation efficiency. Women generally have lower hematocrit values than men.

    • Hemoglobin (reference range 13.2-17.1 g/dL): hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells.  Measuring hemoglobin gives a picture of the ability of the blood to transport oxygen around the body. Women generally have lower hemoglobin values than men.

    • LDL-Cholesterol (reference range <100 mg/dL): reflects concentration of cholesterol carried by LDL particles, a key driver of atherosclerosis. Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

    • Red Blood Cell Count (reference range 4.20-5.80  million/uL): this is a count of the actual number of RBCs per unit of blood. Red blood cells are vital for oxygen delivery; a count that is too high or too low may strain cardiovascular function.

    • RDW (reference range 11.0-15.0 % ): red cell distribution width measures variation in RBC size; elevated RDW is linked to inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk.

    • Triglycerides (reference range <150 mg/dL): triglycerides are a lipid subtype — specifically, a molecule made of 3 fatty acids + 1 glycerol backbone. They are the main form of fat storage in your body and circulate in your blood for energy. Triglyceride levels reveal metabolic health and insulin sensitivity—essential for assessing long-term cardiovascular risk.

  • Glycemic health assesses the efficiency with which the body maintains glucose homeostasis, focusing on key factors such as insulin sensitivity and metabolic resilience.

    Did You Know: excess sugar in the baby's brain is called ADHD; in the adult brain is called dementia; in the eyes is called glaucoma, in the blood is called diabetes and in the body is called cancer.

    Optimal glycemic health depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Cortisol (reference range 4-22 mcg/dL): chronically elevated cortisol disrupts blood sugar control and increases insulin resistance. Cortisol dysregulation often shows up as morning glucose spikes, fatigue-crash cycles, or poor Hgb A1c control.

    • C-Peptide (reference range 0.80-3.85 ng/mL): C-peptide is produced in the pancreas at the same time as insulin but stays in the blood longer. This ‘lingering’ effect makes c-peptide a good indicator of how much insulin is being produced. High levels of c-peptide along with high levels of insulin point to insulin resistance.

    • Hemoglobin A1c (reference range <5.7% of total Hgb): A1c is a marker of average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months; high A1c points to chronic glucose elevation.

    • HOMA-IR (reference range <1.0): HOMA-IR estimates insulin resistance using fasting insulin and glucose levels as inputs; HOMA-IR = [Fasting Insulin(μIU/mL) × Fasting Glucose(mg/dL)​] / 405.

    • Insulin (reference range 2-6 uIU/mL): insulin manages blood sugar by moving glucose into cells. In people with diabetes, insulin is either less effective (Type 2) or not produced in sufficient quantity (Type 1), making it harder to manage the amount of sugar in the blood.

    • Lipase (reference range 7-60U/L): lipase, an enzyme secreted by the pancreas, helps the body process and digest dietary fats. It is normal to have a small amount of lipase in your blood, but pancreas damage can cause a larger amount of lipase to be released.

    • Uric Acid (reference range 2.5-6.0 mg/dL): uric acid is a bodily waste product. In longevity medicine, excess uric acid is a red flag for early metabolic disturbance, even before spikes in glucose or insulin are observed.

    • Glucose (reference range 70-85 mg/dL): real-time blood sugar level; critical for detecting hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), prediabetes (elevated blood sugar), or diabetes (high blood sugar).

  • A strong immune system requires a balance between activation and regulation—too weak, and we succumb to infections; too strong, and we face autoimmunity.

    Did you know: 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. When your gut isn’t right, your immune system isn't right.

    Optimal immune function depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Ferritin (reference range 50-150 ng/mL): ferritin is well known as the primary storage protein for iron, but it also plays a key role in immune function — both in supporting and regulating immune responses. Low levels can weaken immune defenses, while high levels may signal inflammation.

    • hs CRP (reference range <1 mg/L): high-sensitivity C-reactive protein is a key marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated levels can indicate chronic immune activation or infection. Hs CRP is the benchmark test for detecting low-grade chronic inflammation (e.g., cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions).

    • Immunoglobulin G (reference range 600-1640 mg/dL): IgG is the most abundant antibody; key to long-term immune memory and defense against recurring pathogens. IgG levels provide valuable insight into both past exposures and the immune system’s ongoing ability to recognize and respond to threats.

    • Vitamin D (reference range 30 – 100 ng/mL): crucial for immune modulation; deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to infection and autoimmune conditions. When vitamin D is sub-optimal, the innate immune system becomes sluggish—slower to detect and eliminate invaders.

    • Absolute Eosinophils (reference range 15-500 cells/uL): specialized cells involved in allergy and parasite defense; elevated levels suggest allergic or autoimmune activity.

    • Absolute Lymphocytes (reference range  850-3900 cells/uL): specialized cells vital for adaptive immunity and viral defense; abnormal levels may reflect viral infections or chronic immune stress.

    • Absolute Neutrophils (reference range 1500-7800 cells/uL): frontline defenders against bacterial infections; elevated levels typically indicate acute immune response.

    • White Blood Cells Count (reference range 3.8-10.8 Thousand/uL): overall measure of immune activity; high or low counts can signal infection, inflammation, or immune suppression.

  • Iron is an essential mineral responsible for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. Iron dysfunction is often silent until the condition becomes critical.

    Did you know: if your ferritin is high, it may not mean you have too much iron — it may mean your immune system is under stress.

    Optimal iron balance depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Ferritin (reference range 50-150 ng/mL): primary iron storage protein; considered the best indicator of the uncommitted iron reserves the body has in storage.

    • Iron, Total (reference range 70-130 mcg/dL): measures circulating iron, an essential micronutrient that the body needs to make healthy red blood cells; reflects how much iron is immediately available for use. Since our bodies do not make iron, we must get it from food or supplements. The best absorbed iron (heme) is found in meat and seafood.

    • Total Iron Binding Capacity (reference range 280-400 mcg/dL): iron is best interpreted alongside Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), as TIBC measures the blood’s capacity to transport iron.

    • % Saturation (reference range 25-40%): % saturation is obtained by comparing iron level to TIBC level. It’s a convenient way to compare the amount of iron in the blood to the capacity of the blood to transport iron.

    • Hematocrit (reference range 38.5-50.0%): proportion of blood made up of red cells; impacts blood viscosity and circulation efficiency. Women generally have lower hematocrit values than men.

    • Hemoglobin (reference range 13.2-17.1 g/dL): hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells.  Measuring hemoglobin gives a picture of the ability of the blood to transport oxygen around the body. Women generally have lower hemoglobin values than men.

    • MCV (reference range 80.0-100.0 fL): mean corpuscular volume measures the average size of red blood cells; low values point to iron-deficiency anemia.

    • RDW (reference range 11.0-15.0 %): red cell distribution width measures variation in RBC size; elevated RDW is linked to early iron deficiency, inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk.

  • Kidneys are the body’s purification system, quietly removing toxins, balancing minerals, and keeping the body in homeostasis. Early kidney disease is often invisible, until the condition becomes serious.

    Did you know: the kidneys filter about 50 gallons of blood every single day.

    Optimal kidney function depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Aluminum (reference range <7 mcg/L): aluminum is a neurotoxic metal cleared by the kidneys; elevated levels may indicate poor detox function or exposure overload.

    • Cystatin C (reference range .52-1.1 mg/L): sensitive marker of kidney filtration function; often more accurate than creatinine, especially in flagging early dysfunction. Kidney disease progresses slowly, often without obvious symptoms—Cystatin C monitoring provides an early warning of kidney disfunction.

    • eGFR (reference range >90 mL/min): estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate indicates how well your kidneys are filtering blood; the gold standard for staging kidney disease.

    • Blood Urea Nitrogen (reference range 7–25 mg/dL): reflects waste buildup in the blood; elevated levels suggest impaired kidney clearance. Urea nitrogen level reflects the effectiveness of protein metabolism and the kidneys’ ability to filter blood.

    • BUN/Creatinine Ratio (reference range 6–22): helps distinguish between kidney and non-kidney causes of elevated BUN or creatinine. Ratio can be helpful in determining whether elevated urea nitrogen is due to impaired kidney function or to other factors such as dehydration, urinary blockage or excessive blood loss.

    • Creatinine (reference range 0.60–1.29 mg/dL): byproduct of muscle metabolism; high levels indicate reduced kidney function or dehydration. Creatinine is derived from muscles, released into the blood, and  filtered by the kidneys. When creatinine is elevated, a decrease in kidney function is suggested.

  • Liver function measures enzymes, proteins, and metabolic byproducts that reflect hepatic performance and integrity. Liver health is essential, as nearly all the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver for processing.

    Did you know: liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. With the right nutrition, reduced toxic load, and lifestyle support, the liver can regrow.

    Optimal liver function depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • GGT (reference range <30 U/L): Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase enzyme is an early warning signal of liver stress, alcohol abuse, or toxin overload. As one of the first markers to rise in response to liver damage, monitoring GGT is an invaluable early detection tool.

    • ALT (reference range 9–46 U/L): Alanine aminotransferase is a key enzyme released when liver cells are damaged; serving as a frontline marker of liver injury. Compared to AST, ALT is present in the liver in a higher concentration and is more specific for differentiating liver injury from muscle damage.

    • Albumin (reference range 3.6–5.1 g/dL): main blood protein made by the liver; low levels suggest impaired liver function or chronic disease. Albumin plays a key role in the transport of various metals, metabolites and hormones throughout the body. Like SHBG, it helps in determining the amount of free and bioavailable testosterone in the body.

    • Alkaline Phosphatase (reference range 36–130 U/L): used to detect bile duct issues and liver congestion; also relevant for bone health. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of bone or liver disorders.

    • AST (reference range 10–40 U/L): aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver and in cardiac and skeletal muscle. AST may rise in liver, heart, and muscle disorders. It can also rise following strenuous, prolonged exercise.

    • Bilirubin (reference range 0.2–1.2 mg/dL): pigment formed during red blood cell breakdown; high levels may indicate blocked bile flow or liver dysfunction.

  • Metabolic health is achieved when multiple systems — including endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal — are functioning in harmony to maintain stable energy production, nutrient transport, and inflammation control.

    Did you know: metabolism refers to all biochemical reactions and processes your body uses to convert food into energy, build and repair cells, and keep every system running — from your brain to your muscles to your hormones.

    Optimal metabolic health depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Apolipoprotein B (reference range <90 mg/dL): best-in-class marker of harmful LDL particle count—strong predictor of heart and metabolic disease. Levels of ApoB can identify risk of cardiovascular disease even if traditional LDL levels are normal.

    • C-Peptide (reference range 0.80-3.85 ng/mL): indicates how much insulin your body is producing—key for diagnosing insulin resistance.

    • GGT (reference range <30 U/L): Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase is a sensitive liver enzyme linked to oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and toxic overload.

    • Hemoglobin A1c (reference range <5.7% of total Hgb): 3-month average of blood sugar; high levels indicate poor glycemic control, along with elevated risk of diabetes.

    • HOMA IR (reference range <1.0): integrates glucose + insulin to estimate insulin resistance—the root of many chronic conditions.

    • Homocysteine (reference range <9 umol/L): a byproduct of metabolism; elevated levels increase risk of cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Homocysteine is an important marker for methylation status, cardiovascular risk, and inflammation. When methylation is suboptimal, homocysteine accumulates, increasing oxidative stress, vascular damage, and cognitive risk. Homocysteine (a byproduct of methylation) is increased by functional deficiency of Vitamin B12 or Folate (Vitamin B9).

    • hs CRP (reference range <1 mg/L): high-sensitivity C-reactive protein detects hidden inflammation; a powerful driver of insulin resistance and chronic disease. When it comes to hs CRP, the lower the better.

    • Insulin (reference range 2-6 mIU/L): elevated insulin signals early metabolic dysfunction—often years before blood sugar rises. Insulin can be less effective (Type 2 diabetes) or not produced in sufficient quantity (Type 1 diabetes).

    • T4, Free (reference range .9 – 1.6 ng/dL): thyroid hormone regulating metabolic rate and energy production; low levels can slow metabolism. T4 is considered a prohormone, as it has minimal biological activity on its own. The body converts T4 into T3 (triiodothyronine), the active form, primarily in the liver, kidneys, and other tissues.

    • Uric Acid (reference range 2.5-6.0 mg/dL): elevated levels linked to poor metabolic health, gout, and cardiovascular risk; high levels also correlate with insulin resistance. In longevity medicine, sub-optimal uric acid is a red flag for early metabolic disturbance, even before glucose or insulin become abnormal.

    • ALT ((reference range 9–46 U/L): alanine aminotransferase is a liver enzyme elevated in fatty liver and metabolic syndrome—an early signal of metabolic damage. ALT rises in the instance of liver disease.

    • Glucose (reference range 70–85 mg/dL): snapshot of current blood sugar levels—glucose level outside the optimal range could be a sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), prediabetes (elevated blood sugar), or diabetes (high blood sugar).

  • Vitamins and minerals play an essential role in metabolism, immune function, brain health, and cellular repair. Nutrient balance detects deficiencies and imbalances impairing metabolic pathways.

    Did you know: vitamin D is the only major vitamin the body synthesizes on its own in substantial amounts — but only with adequate sun exposure. All other vitamins (e.g., A, C, E, B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B12, folate)—essential minerals (e.g., iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium)—essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6)—essential amino acids (e.g., leucine, lysine)—we must get from diet.

    Optimal nutrient balance depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • Homocysteine (reference range <9 umol/L): requires B vitamins (B6, B9, B12) to break down properly; elevated levels signal deficiency and increased cardiovascular risk. Homocysteine is an important marker for methylation status, cardiovascular risk, and inflammation. When methylation is suboptimal, homocysteine accumulates, increasing oxidative stress, vascular damage, and cognitive risk. Methylation is a biochemical process in which your body adds a small chemical group — called a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogens: CH₃) — to another molecule. This might sound small, but methylation controls some of the most vital processes in your body. When methylation is suboptimal, key systems (cardiovascular, neurological, immune, hormonal) can suffer.

    • Magnesium (reference range: 2.0-2.5 mg/dL): vital for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including muscle function, energy production, and blood sugar control. Our bodies do not make magnesium, so we must get it through food or supplements. Magnesium is naturally found in leafy greens (spinach, kale, and collard, mustard, and turnip greens), whole grains, nuts (almonds and cashews), seeds, avocados, legumes, yogurt, bananas, dark chocolate, and fatty fish.

    • Vitamin A (Retinol) (reference range 40-98 mcg/dL): essential for vision, immune defense, and skin health; deficiency can impair cell growth and repair. Proper retinol balance is important for heart, lung, bone and skin health. Our bodies do not make Retinol, so we must get it through food or supplements. Moderate consumption of liver, eggs, dairy, or cod liver oil is recommended.

    • Vitamin B12 (reference range 350–1000 pg/mL): crucial for nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis; low levels may cause fatigue and neurological issues. Our bodies don’t make cobalamin, so we need to get it daily from food or supplements. Cobalamin is naturally found in animal proteins and other foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12 are found in eggs and dairy products like milk and cheese, as well as soy and rice milk.

    • Folate (reference range >7.0 ng/mL): folate, also known as Vitamin B9, supports cell division, DNA repair, and brain development; deficiency linked to anemia and neural defects. Also essential during pregnancy, as folate enables the proper growth of fetal tissues and cells. Our bodies don’t make folate, so we must source it through food or supplements. Folate is found naturally in beef liver, seafood, asparagus, dark leafy greens, oranges, peanuts, black-eyed peas, sunflower seeds, and eggs.

    • Vitamin D (reference range >50 ng/mL): regulates calcium absorption, immune modulation, and inflammation control; low levels are widespread and tied to chronic illness Your body makes vitamin D after direct exposure to sunlight. It then stores an inactive form of vitamin D in fat cells until it's needed. The inactive form is then changed into the active form (25-hydroxyvitamin D) by the liver and kidneys.

    • Vitamin E, Alpha T (reference range 10-17 mg/L): powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress; supports skin, heart, and immune health. Too little may cause tiredness, weakened immunity, difficulty with balance and coordination, poor vision, or digestive problems. Our bodies do not make tocopherol, so we need to get it from food or supplements. Tocopherol is naturally found in plant oils, poultry, eggs, olives, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables (beet greens, collard greens, and spinach).

    • Zinc (reference range 60-130 mcg/dL): zinc supports immune defense, wound healing, and cellular repair; deficiency impacts hormonal and metabolic function. Our bodies do not produce zinc; foods rich in zinc include beef, pork, chicken, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds (like pumpkin and sesame), dairy products, whole grains, and fortified cereals.

  • The thyroid gland is the master regulator of metabolism, energy, and hormonal balance. Thyroid disfunction can profoundly influence weight, mood, cognitive function, and cardiovascular risk.

    Did you know: thyroid hormones help control how quickly food moves through the gut. Hypothyroidism is a major driver of constipation, bloating, and SIBO.

    Optimal thyroid function depends on the balanced interplay between the following biomarkers:

    • T3, Free (reference range 2.5-4.0 pg/mL): the active thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism, energy, and body temperature; low levels often indicate underactive thyroid. T3 (triiodothyronine) plays an essential role in metabolism, energy production, and cognitive function. Free T3 is not bound to proteins and can enter bodily tissue. Low Free T3 is associated with slow metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog. High Free T3 can indicate hyperthyroidism, leading to symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and weight loss.

    • T4, Free (reference range .9 – 1.6 ng/dL): the storage form of thyroid hormone, converted to T3 in tissues; reflects the thyroid’s production capacity. T4 is considered to be a prohormone, as it has minimal biological activity on its own. The body converts T4 into T3 (triiodothyronine), the active form, primarily in the liver, kidneys, and other tissues.

    • TSH (reference range .5-3.5 mIU/L): Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is produced by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid; elevated TSH usually means the thyroid is underperforming. TSH levels in the blood control how much T3 and T4 the thyroid produces, which are hormones regulating metabolism, energy levels, and other vital bodily functions.

    • Cortisol (reference range 4-22 mcg/dL): cortisol and thyroid hormones are deeply intertwined. Chronic stress or adrenal dysfunction can block T4-to-T3 conversion and raise reverse T3.

    • Ferritin (reference range 50-150 ng/mL): iron is essential for the conversion of T4 to T3 (via deiodinase enzymes). Suboptimal ferritin (<50 ng/mL) can impair thyroid efficiency.

    • Vitamin D (reference range >50 ng/mL): vitamin D plays a key role in immune modulation. Low vitamin D is strongly associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders (e.g., Hashimoto’s).

  • Biological age measures the velocity of aging — outperforming chronological age as a predictor of physical dysfunction, disease onset, and overall mortality.

    Top 3 predictors of longevity: RDW, hs CPR, Albumin

    Honorable mention: Glucose, Creatinine, White Blood Cell Count

    Albumin [optimal range 3.8–4.5 g/dL]: a protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance, and the efficient transport hormones, vitamins, and drugs. In the. Low albumin is strongly associated with frailty, chronic disease burden, and mortality. Higher albumin often correlates with longer life and better overall health.

    Creatinine [optimal range 0.6–1.1 mg/dL (women) / 0.7–1.3 mg/dL (men)]: a waste product from muscle metabolism and indicates how well the kidneys are filtering blood. Proxy for kidney function and muscle mass. Abnormal creatinine—especially elevated—predicts mortality risk.

    Glucose [optimal range 70–99 mg/dL]: high fasting glucose is closely tied to metabolic aging, diabetes risk, and cardiovascular mortality.

    Insulin [optimal range 2 - 6 µIU/mL]: a hormone responsible for moving glucose from blood into cells, for energy. Elevated levels point to accelerating metabolic aging.

    hs CRP [optimal range <1.0 mg/L]: marker of systemic inflammation. Strong predictor of chronic disease, cardiovascular death, and reduced lifespan.

    Lymphocytes [optimal range 20–40% of total white blood cells]: low lymphocyte % is associated with immune suppression and frailty. Adds predictive power but not a top-tier marker.

    MCV [optimal range 82–97 fL]: reflects RBC size; abnormalities suggest B-vitamin deficiency, alcohol use, or chronic disease. Weaker predictor compared to RDW or CRP.

    RDW [optimal range 11.5–13.5%] one of the strongest mortality predictors in the entire model. High RDW reflects variation in red blood cell size, associated with inflammation, nutritional problems, oxidative stress. Strongly predicts all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality.

    Alkaline Phosphatase [optimal range 35–104 U/L]: an enzyme found in the liver, bones, and digestive system. Associated with liver function, metabolic health, and vascular calcification. Provides additional mortality signal but less than RDW/CRP/albumin.

    While Blood Cell Count [optimal range 4.0–8.0 K/uL]: the total number of immune cells circulating in the blood. Elevated WBC reflects inflammation and immune activation. Strong predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, though slightly less potent than CRP and RDW.