The 48 Blood Biomarkers InsideTracker Measures

Let’s begin with the basics. A biomarker is a biological indicator of your body’s internal condition. Blood tests can measure certain biomarkers in your body. 

Cholesterol is a biomarker. 

Blood sugar (aka blood glucose) is a biomarker. 

Even hormones (like testosterone) are biomarkers. 

These are all objective measures of health and wellness and can be impacted by your lifestyle choices (like diet and exercise) as well as your genetics. Getting routine blood tests is a great way to measure and track how your lifestyle and genetics are either working for you or against you. Because blood doesn’t lie. 

And you don’t have to wait to go to your doctor’s office for a blood test anymore. You can order much more comprehensive blood tests online, get more precise insights into what that means for your health, and receive personalized recommendations for improving your health. 

Enter InsideTracker. 

Start Inside with InsideTracker 

InsideTracker was founded in 2009 by leading experts of aging, genetics, and biometric data from Harvard, MIT, and Tufts University. 

InsideTracker provides a personal health analysis and data-driven wellness guide, designed to help you live healthier longer. Using your objective health assessment, the latest healthspan research, and over ten billion biomarker data points, InsideTracker’s A.I.-powered platform generates a custom set of actionable recommendations and insights. Integrated within an intuitive mobile app, InsideTracker reveals your personalized path to improving your health and longevity from the inside out.

No matter where you are on your wellness journey, InsideTracker guides you down the path to your personal best.

InsideTracker blood tests can measure up to 48 biomarkers 

InsideTracker analyzes up to 48 blood biomarkers found to identify where your health is optimized, where there are potential concerns, and where there’s room for improvement. Instead of just telling you whether you fall within the normal range for these markers, like typical lab results you get from your doctor, InsideTracker gives you a more precise range called the “optimal zone” which is based on your age, sex, ethnicity, and physical activity level. 

Heart health 

Total cholesterol: Your total cholesterol measurement includes many different types of lipoproteins, carriers of cholesterol, plus triglycerides. Healthy levels of cholesterol are important for maintaining heart health.

LDL cholesterol: Low-density lipoproteins are often referred to as LDL cholesterol and are known as “bad cholesterol.” That’s because if LDL levels remain high for long periods while coupled with inflammation, plaque can form in your blood vessels—restricting blood flow. So having higher LDL cholesterol levels puts you at greater risk of poor heart health. 

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): ApoB is the main structural protein found in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and all potentially atherogenic lipoproteins, and it assists in transporting and clearing cholesterol from the blood. Elevated ApoB levels are considered a cardiovascular risk factor.  

HDL cholesterol: High-density lipoproteins are often referred to as HDL cholesterol and are known as good cholesterol. They help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and take it back to the liver where it’s broken down and eliminated. Having optimal HDL cholesterol promotes heart health.

Triglycerides: These are a type of fat found in the blood, and your body stores excess energy (calories) you consume as triglycerides. Elevated triglycerides are associated with a higher likelihood of poor heart health. 

Metabolism

Insulin: Is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which functions to control the amount of glucose in the blood at a given time. Insulin regulates the body's energy by facilitating food absorption and ensuring proper utilization of calories. 

Glucose: This is a measure of what your blood sugar is, fasted, at the time of a blood draw. Glucose is the body’s main fuel source. It is a significant factor in overall health, longevity, blood pressure, and weight control. 

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): HbA1c represents the average amount of glucose in your blood for the past 90-120 days. If glucose isn’t used for energy right away, it can bind to the hemoglobin inside your red blood cells. Optimized HbA1c is associated with optimal glucose levels and increased longevity.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. It is also found in other tissues, like the skeletal muscle. ALT's primary function is to convert stored glucose into energy. Elevated ALT levels in the blood may indicate liver or muscle cell damage.

Hormone balance

Estradiol: This is the most potent from of the hormone estrogen, and the most prevalent for premenopausal women. Estradiol levels fluctuate naturally with the menstrual cycle (although birth control use does alter estradiol levels). Optimal estradiol levels during premenopausal are associated with a healthy menstrual cycle, and optimal levels during a postmenopause are associated with a reduced risk of low bone mineral density and poor heart health. 

Progesterone: Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle. It's produced by the adrenal cortex and the ovaries. Like estradiol, progesterone levels readily rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, and then decline greatly after menopause. Progesterone levels that fall outside of the clinical reference range are best addressed with a healthcare practitioner. 

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH is the most sensitive marker of thyroid health. It's released from the pituitary gland in the brain and acts on the thyroid gland and its hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones are closely tied to metabolic processes, body temperature regulation, and nervous system development. So unoptimized levels can have far reaching affects. 

Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining and repairing bone and muscle tissue, as well as for increasing muscle mass, reducing the risk of bone fracture, greater bone density, and supporting normal blood clotting. Optimal calcium levels and intake from the diet reduce the risk of low bone mineral density and stress fractures.

Cortisol: Cortisol is a hormone that the body releases in response to physical and emotional stress. It helps regulate energy, metabolism, and immune function. Chronically high cortisol levels are associated with poor sleep quality, impaired blood sugar control, increased anxiety, depressed moods, digestive problems, and loss of muscle mass. 

Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS): DHEAS is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. The body uses DHEAS to make different sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Based on the current research, InsideTracker only measures DHEAS levels in females. Healthy DHEAS levels in women are associated with a healthy immune system, increased energy, better bone and muscle health, and good sexual function.

*Estradiol, progesterone, and DHEAS are currently only available to those who select female during their onboarding process. See below for blood testing recommendations for females. Postmenopausal woman can also test at any time. 

Sleep

Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that supports healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, strengthens the immune system, and assists in muscle contraction and relaxation. 

RBC magnesium: RBC magnesium is a measure of the amount of magnesium in your red blood cells (RBC). Compared to serum magnesium, RBC magnesium is considered a more sensitive measure of magnesium in the body. Optimized RBC magnesium is an indicator of healthy magnesium levels.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium to maintain bone strength and health. Ensuring that you have optimal vitamin D appears to be important for maintaining bone and muscle health, promoting sleep quality, improving athletic performance, and supporting longevity. 

Cognition

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a role in producing red blood cells, converting food into energy, and making DNA. Optimal vitamin B12 levels are associated with cognitive benefits like memory and learning.

Folate: Folate, or folic acid, is a vitamin the body requires to create new, healthy cells—especially red blood cells. Folate is involved in the metabolism of multiple nutrients, so optimal folate levels are associated with optimal levels of micronutrients. 

Inflammation

Monocytes: Monocytes are a type of white blood cell. They play a role in the body's immune response by engulfing and destroying foreign substances and remembering those substances so that the immune system is ready to respond even more quickly the next time. 

Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell activated in response to immune system stress.

Eosinophils: Eosinophils are a white blood cell type that acts as infection fighters in the immune system. They are typically activated during allergic responses and are associated with chronic inflammation. 

Basophils: Basophils are a type of white blood cell typically activated during an allergic response, but otherwise exist at very low levels in the body.

Neutrophils: Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell. They act as infection fighters and are one of the first cell types to be activated during the immune response. 

White blood cells (WBCs): WBCs act as infection fighters in the immune system. WBC count is an indicator of inflammation throughout the body. Having a white blood cell count in the optimal range indicates a strong immune system and improved overall health. 

High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP): hsCRP is a marker of general inflammation throughout the body. When hsCRP levels are optimal, it indicates that the total amount of inflammation in the body is very low. 

Fitness

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): SHBG is a protein produced primarily in the liver that transports sex hormones throughout the body. SHBG regulates the number of free hormones available for use in tissues. So unoptimized SHBG levels can throw off the amount of active sex hormones you have—negatively influencing your sex drive, overall energy, and memory.  

Testosterone: Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in both men and women. Optimized testosterone levels are essential to overall health, sexual function, bone health, and athletic performance.

Free testosterone: Free testosterone is a biomarker measured in males and refers to the amount of active testosterone, or testosterone that isn’t bound to a carrier like SHBG. Low levels of free testosterone are associated with impaired post-workout recovery. (Currently only measured in males).

Endurance

Iron: Serum iron measures the amount of iron in your blood. Serum iron fluctuates based on your diet, and in combination with your ferritin level can determine if you are consuming too much or too little iron. 

Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Low ferritin levels reduce the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to cells and tissues. Low ferritin levels indicate that you’re not getting enough iron in the diet compared to your body’s needs. 

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It binds to and delivers oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Optimal hemoglobin levels are linked to improved strength and aerobic performance. 

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): TIBC measures the maximum amount of iron your blood can carry. High TIBC levels may actually indicate a low iron level, which can sap your energy, weaken your immune system, and make it harder to think clearly.

Transferrin saturation (TS): TS is a result of your serum iron divided by the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). TS indicates how much iron is bound by the protein transferrin. Optimized TS is important for maintaining iron balance in the body.

Red blood cells (RBCs): RBCs transport oxygen throughout the body. A healthy number of red blood cells is crucial for ensuring your body has the energy it needs to function properly. 

Hematocrit: Hematocrit is the measure of the percentage of red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. It’s another indicator of how much oxygen the blood can transport, and optimal levels also indicate that your body is getting the oxygen it needs. 

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): This is a measure of the average volume or size of red blood cells. Low and high MCV can result from low iron or vitamin B12 levels, respectively. Optimal levels indicate that red blood cells are healthy and in optimal shape to do their job. 

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): MCH is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. An optimized MCH indicates that you likely have adequate hemoglobin. 

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): MCHC is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells. Low MCHC levels may indicate low iron.

Red cell distribution width (RDW): RDW measures the variation in size and volume of red blood cells. Optimized levels are essential for peak athletic performance. 

Platelets: Platelets are cells found in the bloodstream that play an important role in the immune response and blood clotting. An optimized platelet level is associated with lower whole-body inflammation levels and better overall health.

Mean platelet volume (MPV): MPV is a measure of the average size of platelets in the blood and is directly associated with platelet count. An optimal MPV level is associated with lower levels of inflammation and better overall health.

Recovery 

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT): GGT is an enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. GGT helps to transfer proteins across cell membranes and plays an important role in helping the liver break down toxins. Above optimal levels of GGT may indicate complications of the liver. 

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart and muscle tissue, and kidneys. This enzyme helps to metabolize proteins. High levels of AST in the blood likely indicate damage to tissues.

Creatine kinase (CK): CK is found in muscle cells and plays a major role in producing energy during the first few seconds of exercise. Strenuous exercise can damage muscle cells, causing CK to leak into the blood. Optimal CK levels indicate that your muscle tissue is healthy.

Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte that is essential for mineral balance in the body and is critical for maintaining healthy blood pressure. An optimal sodium level indicates that you were properly hydrated at the time of your blood test.

Potassium: Potassium plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure, heartbeat, kidney function, calcium levels, and energy use in muscle cells. In active people, optimized potassium levels are associated with better endurance performance, stronger bones, and healthier cholesterol and glucose levels.

Albumin: Albumin is a protein made by the liver and transports many molecules (including testosterone) throughout the body. Optimal albumin levels indicate that you are likely consuming a normal amount of protein in your diet and can indicate the status of your kidney and liver health.

InsideTracker blood plans available in the United States 

Ultimate 

InsideTracker’s most popular and comprehensive plan (the Ultimate plan) includes an in-depth analysis of up to 48 crucial biomarkers that create a detailed and holistic snapshot of your health from every angle. These biomarkers go beyond those offered by a physician,Whether you want to improve athletic performance, extend longevity, or improve your overall wellness, this is your all-encompassing solution.

InnerAge 2.0

This plan analyzes 18 biomarkers for men and 14 for women to allow us to calculate your biological age (aka your InnerAge). People age at different speeds, and the date listed on your driver’s license might not represent your body’s internal age at all. InnerAge 2.0 is a plan for people looking to age backward and add more years to their life and life to your years.  

Blood Results Upload Subscription

Already have results from a recent blood panel? You can share your test results with InsideTracker to get the same level of analysis and actionable recommendations available in our Ultimate Plan. Note: InsideTracker can only analyze the 48 specific biomarkers listed above.

*Blood Results Upload is also available worldwide 

Add DNA insights 

Our easy, at-home DNA test kit allows you to complete the overall picture of your health by revealing your genetic potential. The DNA Kit analyzes 261 genetic markers to reveal your genetic potential for up to 29 wellness traits. These DNA insights can be seamlessly added to any InsideTracker blood panel. Alternatively, you can also integrate your data from past DNA tests like 23andMe or Ancestry. 

Due to data privacy laws, InsideTracker does not offer these DNA services to customers living outside of the United States.   

Sync your fitness tracker 

Sync your Fitbit, Garmin smartwatch,  Apple Watch, or Oura smart ring to InsideTracker  to receive automatic check-ins, get more precise recommendations, and unveil how your activity, sleep, and heart rate data impact your body. 

Put your blood results to work 

Within five to seven business days after taking your blood test, you’ll receive an email letting you know that your test results and recommendations are ready. 

You can view your data within your online profile at InsideTracker.com. InsideTracker breaks down your optimized biomarkers and the biomarkers that need work. You see precisely how far you are from each personalized optimal zone and receive valuable insight into how each biomarker affects your overall wellness.

You can also view your results and recommendations on the InsideTracker app and create your personalized Action Plan. 

Your Action Plan

Based on the data from your DNA and blood analysis, InsideTracker provides recommendations to guide you toward reaching the health goal you select—whether that’s overall health, gut health, heart health, or so on. Your personalized recommendations cover exercise, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes that will directly improve your most unoptimized biomarkers. 

Track your progress

Check in to the recommendations on your action plan each day for accountability and a sense of accomplishment. Routinely checking in to the recommendations on your Action Plan directly influences your Wellness Score.

Routinely test to monitor your progress and adjust your Action Plan 

Unlike genetics, blood biomarkers are dynamic and change over time. With routine testing, InsideTracker enables you to definitively map your progress, see newly optimized biomarkers, and identify new areas of improvement throughout the year. Having multiple blood test results allows InsideTracker to evaluate whether a recommendation is making an impact on your biomarkers over time. This is crucial information because it allows you to adjust your plan if something isn’t working. 

InsideTracker recommends testing every three to six months to get updated and relevant recommendations for your blood biochemistry.  

Curious to know how blood biomarker testing, DNA insights, and fitness tracking data all come together for actionable insights aimed at improving health? Read how this InsideTracker customer got a leg up on her health journey from her results.

Molly Knudsen, MS, RDN