48 Blood Biomarkers InsideTracker Measures

Feeling lost in a sea of health advice? Ever wonder what's really going on inside your body? What if you could unlock a personalized blueprint to living healthier, longer?

InsideTracker goes beyond generic advice. It was founded in 2009 by leading experts in aging, genetics, and biometric data from Harvard, MIT, and Tufts University. You can use it as a personal analysis and data-driven wellness guide to optimize your healthspan.

Through a simple blood test, InsideTracker analyzes up to 48 unique biomarkers. Let's explore which areas of your health they address and how you can take control of your well-being from the inside out.

What is a biomarker?

A biomarker is a biological indicator of the body’s internal condition. InsideTracker blood test can analyze them as an objective measure of wellness impacted by your lifestyle choices—die, exercise—and genetics.

InsideTracker's 48 biomarkers

InsideTracker blood test gives you a range of biomarker levels compared to regular lab results. It's called the "optimal zone" and relates to your age, sex, ethnicity, and physical activity level.

We chose the following blood biomarkers that identify where your health is optimized, any potential concerns, and where you can improve.

Heart health 

• Total cholesterol: Your total cholesterol measurement includes many different types of lipoproteins and triglycerides. Optimized levels are essential for a healthy heart.
• LDL cholesterol: Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are also known as bad cholesterol. More extended periods with high levels of this biomarker—combined with inflammation—can form arterial plaque in the blood vessels, resulting in poorer heart health.
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): ApoB is the main structural protein found in low-density (LDL) and all potentially artery-clogging lipoproteins. It assists in transporting and clearing cholesterol from the blood. High levels increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
• HDL cholesterol: High-density lipoproteins are known as good cholesterol. They remove excess plaque from your bloodstream, taking it to the liver for elimination. Optimal levels of HDL in a biomarker blood test signal good heart health.
• Triglycerides: The body forms triglycerides when storing excess energy (calories). They're a type of fat found in the blood. High levels relate to poor heart health.

Metabolism

• Insulin: The pancreas produces this hormone to control the amount of glucose in the blood at a given time. Insulin regulates the body's energy by making it easier to absorb food and ensuring the proper use of calories.
• Glucose: This biomarker measures fasting blood sugar, which is the amount you have after not eating for a while. Glucose is the body's primary fuel. That's why healthy levels in your test signal better 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 the body doesn't use it as energy right away, it binds to hemoglobin inside the red blood cells. Optimized levels of this biomarker relate to increased longevity.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): This is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, though it appears in other tissues like the skeletal muscle. ALT converts stored glucose into energy, and elevated levels of this biomarker in the blood test result indicate liver or muscle cell damage.

Hormone balance

Estradiol

This blood biomarker is the most potent form of the hormone estrogen, most prevalent in premenopausal women. Estradiol levels fluctuate naturally with the menstrual cycle—although birth control use does alter it.

Optimal estradiol levels during premenopause are associated with a healthy menstrual cycle. On the other hand, improved levels during postmenopause relate to an improved bone mineral density and heart health.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle. The adrenal cortex and the ovaries produce it. Like with estradiol, the levels readily rise and fall, declining considerably after menopause.



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Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

TSH is the most sensitive blood biomarker of thyroid health. It comes from the pituitary gland in the brain and acts on the thyroid and its hormones— triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Thyroid hormones relate to metabolic processes, body temperature regulation, and nervous system development. So, unoptimized levels can have far-reaching effects.

Calcium

This blood biomarker represents an essential mineral for maintaining and repairing bone and muscle tissue. Calcium also increases muscle mass, reduces bone fracture risk, and supports normal blood clotting.

Cortisol

The body releases cortisol in response to physical and emotional stress. It helps regulate energy, metabolism, and immune function.

Chronically high levels of this blood biomarker relate to 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 it to make different sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone.

Healthy DHEAS biomarker levels in women relate to a healthy immune system, increased energy, better bone and muscle health, and good sexual function.



Sleep

• Magnesium: This is is a mineral that supports healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Magnesium also strengthens the immune system, and assists in muscle contraction and relaxation. 
• RBC magnesium: This biomarker is a measure of the amount of magnesium in your red blood cells (RBC). It's a more sensitive measure than the serum counterpart. Optimized levels of this biomarker in your InsideTracker blood test result indicate healthy levels of magnesium.
• Vitamin D: This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. Optimal Vitamin D maintains bone and muscle health, promotes sleep quality, improves athleticism, and supports longevity. 

Inflammation

• Monocytes: These are a type of white blood cell. They affect the body's response to infection by engulfing and destroying foreign substances. They also remember these invaders so that the immune system is ready to respond even more quickly the next time. 
• Lymphocytes: This biomarker measures a type of white blood cell activated in response to immune system stress.
• Eosinophils: The body uses this type of white blood cell to fight infections. They activate during allergic responses and are related to chronic inflammation.
• Basophils: Another type of white blood cell that your system typically activates during an allergic response but otherwise exists at very low levels in the body.
• Neutrophils: These are the most abundant types of white blood cells. They fight infection and are the first line of defense during an immune response.
• White blood cell count (WBCs): WBC count is a biomarker that measures inflammation throughout the body. An optimal range indicates a robust immune system and improved overall health. 
• High sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP): This is a marker of general inflammation throughout the body. When hsCRP levels are optimal, the total amount in the body is meager. 

Cognition

• Vitamin B12: This is an essential vitamin that helps produce red blood cells, convert food into energy, and make DNA. Optimal levels improve memory and learning.
• Folate: Folate—or folic acid—is a vitamin the body requires to create new, healthy cells. It's involved in the metabolism of multiple nutrients, so optimal levels mean you have nutrition, too. 

Fitness

• Sex hormone ginding Globulin (SHBG): The liver produces SHBG to transport sex hormones throughout the body. It regulates the number of free hormones available for use in tissues. Unoptimized levels negatively influence your sex drive, overall energy, and memory.
• Testosterone: This is a steroid hormone found in men, but women also have it, too. Optimized levels are essential to overall health, sexual function, bone health, and athletic performance.
• Free testosterone: This biomarker is measured in blood tests for males and refers to the amount of active testosterone in the body. It doesn't bind to a carrier like SHBG. And low levels slow down post-workout recovery. InsideTracker currently measures it only for males.

Endurance

• Iron: Serum iron measures the amount of this mineral in your blood, which fluctuates based on your diet. In combination with your ferritin level, it can determine if you're consuming too much or too little iron. 
• Ferritin: This is a protein that stores iron. Low ferritin levels reduce the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to cells and tissues. They also indicate that you’re not getting enough iron in the diet compared to your needs. 
• Hemoglobin: As a protein found in red blood cells, hemoglobin binds to and delivers oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Optimal levels relate to improved strength and aerobic performance. 
• Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): TIBC measures the maximum amount of iron your blood can carry. High levels may indicate a low iron level. It can sap your energy, weaken your immune system, and make it harder to think clearly.
• Transferrin saturation (TS): TS shows how much iron is bound to the protein transferrin. Optimized levels are essential for maintaining iron balance in the body.
• Red blood cells (RBCs): RBCs transport oxygen throughout the body. A healthy number is crucial for ensuring you have the energy to function correctly. 
• Hematocrit: This is the measure of the percentage of red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. Optimal levels indicate that your body is getting the oxygen it needs. 
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): This biomarker in your test measures the average volume of RBCs. Low and high MCV results from decreased iron and vitamin B12. Optimal levels indicate that your RBCs are in optimal shape to do their job.
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): A biomarker that measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. An optimized MCH indicates that you likely have enough of it. 
• 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 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: These are cells found in the bloodstream that affect the immune response and blood clotting. Optimized levels relate to lower whole-body inflammation levels and better overall health.
• Mean platelet volume (MPV): MPV measures the average size of platelets in the blood and is directly associated with the complete count. An optimal MPV level means 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. It transfers proteins across cell membranes and helps the liver dissolve toxins. Above optimal levels indicate complications of the liver. 
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscle tissue, and kidneys. Because it helps to metabolize proteins, high levels in the blood likely indicate damage to tissues.
• Creatine kinase (CK): CK plays a significant role in producing energy during the first few seconds of exercise. Strenuous workouts can damage muscle cells, causing them to leak into the blood. Optimal levels indicate that your muscle tissue is healthy.
• Sodium: This is an electrolyte essential for mineral balance in the body and maintaining healthy blood pressure. An optimal level of this blood biomarker indicates that you were adequately hydrated at the time of your test.
• Potassium: This mineral regulates blood pressure, heartbeat, kidney function, calcium levels, and energy use in muscle cells. In active people, optimized potassium indicates better endurance, stronger bones, and healthier cholesterol and glucose levels.
• Albumin: The liver produces this protein, which transports many molecules—including testosterone—throughout the body. Optimal albumin levels indicate that you're likely taking a standard amount through your diet. It also shows the status of your kidneys and liver.



How InsideTracker analyzes blood results 

Within five to seven business days of your blood test, InsideTracker emails you to let you know your results and personalized recommendations are ready. You access your data quckly through your online profile at InsideTracker.com or on the app.

The platform clearly breaks down your results, showing you which biomarkers are within your optimal range and which ones might need improvement. 

You also see how far each biomarker falls from your personalized "optimal zone" and get insights into how each one impacts your overall health.

Your Action Plan

Based on the data from your DNA and blood analysis, InsideTracker provides recommendations to help you reach the health goal you select—whether that’s overall, gut, or heart health.

Your personalized recommendations cover exercise, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes that will directly improve your most unoptimized biomarkers.



Why you should retest

Unlike genetics, blood biomarkers change over time. With routine testing, InsideTracker helps you definitively map your progress, see the results of optimization, and identify new areas of improvement throughout the year.

The multiple blood test results help us evaluate whether a recommendation is impacting your biomarkers over time. This is crucial information because it allows you to adjust your plan if something isn’t working.

A personalized, holistic view of your health

By analyzing this comprehensive panel of 48 blood biomarkers, you gain a deeper understanding of your wellness across various aspects. This rich data extends far beyond traditional metrics, offering insights into energy levels, muscle health, sleep quality, and even cognitive function.

InsideTracker’s Ultimate plan includes an in-depth analysis of these 48 crucial biomarkers. It creates 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.