lab-guides
Omega-3 Index — EPA + DHA in Red Blood Cells
The omega-3 index measures EPA + DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes. Strong inverse association with cardiovascular mortality. Target 8–12%; most Western adults sit at 4–6%.
Lp(a) — Genetic Cardiovascular Risk
Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically fixed atherogenic particle — lifestyle changes cannot lower it. Elevated Lp(a) raises cardiovascular and aortic-valve risk independent of LDL. Test once; if elevated, tighten everything else.
Lipid Panel — LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
The standard lipid panel measures the main circulating fats. LDL-C is the classic risk marker, but triglycerides and HDL contextualise it — and the TG/HDL ratio is a strong insulin-resistance proxy.
hs-CRP — Systemic Inflammation
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is a non-specific marker of systemic inflammation. Chronically elevated values track with cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Optimal below 1.0 mg/L.
Vitamin B12 + Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
Serum B12 alone misses functional deficiency. Pairing it with methylmalonic acid (MMA) catches tissue-level shortfall — critical for vegans, metformin users, and older adults.
TSH, Free T3 and T4 — Thyroid Panel
TSH measures pituitary signalling; Free T3 and T4 measure the thyroid hormones themselves. The combined panel separates primary thyroid disease from pituitary or conversion issues.
HbA1c — Three-Month Glucose Average
Glycated haemoglobin gives a 12-week glucose average that cannot be gamed. The pre-diabetic band (5.7–6.4%) is fully reversible — but only if caught. Completes the metabolic trio with fasting glucose and insulin.
Vitamin D — 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
The most commonly deficient nutrient in northern-latitude adults. Optimal range 40–60 ng/mL — most labs report 'normal' at 20+. What moves it and why toxicity is real above 100 ng/mL.
Folate — Red Blood Cell Status
RBC folate reflects long-term folate status better than serum folate. Required for methylation, DNA synthesis, and homocysteine clearance.
Fibrinogen — Clotting + Inflammation
Fibrinogen is a clotting factor and acute-phase reactant. Chronically elevated values track with cardiovascular and stroke risk. Use alongside hs-CRP.
Ferritin — Iron Storage
Ferritin reflects the body iron storage. Low ferritin precedes anaemia and shows up first as fatigue, brittle hair, restless legs, or breathlessness on exertion.
Fasting Insulin and HOMA-IR
Fasting insulin and the derived HOMA-IR score reveal insulin resistance years before fasting glucose drifts up — the earliest commonly available metabolic marker.