Learn what optimal blood test ranges really mean from leading functional medicine doctors and longevity researchers. This collection features 26 expert articles covering optimal ranges for metabolic health, hormones, inflammation, and more.
Standard lab ranges detect disease. Optimal ranges prevent it. Learn the difference.
All ranges from peer-reviewed research and clinical experience of leading practitioners.
Comprehensive guide to Peter Attia's blood test recommendations including his optimal ranges for longevity
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
ApoB:30-40 mg/dL (ceiling 60 mg/dL), HbA1c:<5.5%
Biomarkers:
Essential blood tests and optimal ranges from a functional medicine perspective
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Fasting Glucose:<85 mg/dL, Fasting Insulin:2-5 mIU/dL, HbA1c:<5.5%
Biomarkers:
Functional medicine approach to cholesterol including LDL particle number and inflammation markers
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio:<3.5, HDL:>60 mg/dL
Biomarkers:
Chris Kresser discusses essential lab tests and what they reveal about root causes of health problems
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
HbA1c:4.6-5.3%, Uric Acid:<7-8 mg/dL
Biomarkers:
Deep dive into cortisol physiology and optimal ranges for health and longevity
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Morning Cortisol:14-18 μg/dL, DHEA:supports testosterone production
Biomarkers:
Advanced discussion of cortisol testing and comprehensive hormone panels
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Custom ranges based on individual baselines and symptoms
Biomarkers:
Expert advice on vitamin D3 supplementation and optimal blood levels
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Vitamin D:40-60 ng/mL
Biomarkers:
Discussion of vitamin D deficiency risks and omega-3 benefits for longevity
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Omega-3 Index:>8%, Vitamin D:40-60 ng/mL
Biomarkers:
Comprehensive guide to homocysteine optimal ranges for cardiovascular health
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Homocysteine:<7 μmol/L (optimal), <10.5 μmol/L (acceptable)
Biomarkers:
Understanding hs-CRP as a marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
hs-CRP:<0.5 mg/L (optimal), <1 mg/L (low risk)
Biomarkers:
GGT as a metabolic marker beyond liver health including insulin resistance risk
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
GGT:<18 U/L (men), <9 U/L (women), AST:<35 U/L, ALT:<33 U/L (men), <25 U/L (women)
Biomarkers:
Comprehensive guide to thyroid testing from functional medicine perspective
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
TSH:0.5-2.5 mIU/L (optimal vs 0.45-4.12 standard)
Biomarkers:
Evidence-based guide to optimal thyroid levels for longevity and health
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
TSH:0.5-2.5 mIU/L, 60-80th percentile associated with lowest mortality
Biomarkers:
Understanding the difference between normal and optimal testosterone levels
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Men:>600 ng/dL for lower mortality risk, Women:10-55 ng/dL (premenopausal)
Biomarkers:
Comprehensive guide to understanding and interpreting liver enzyme tests
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
ALT:19-25 U/L (women), 29-33 U/L (men), AST:<35 U/L
Biomarkers:
Summary of key biomarkers Peter Attia tracks in his book Outlive
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
ApoB:<60 mg/dL, VO2 Max:maximize for age, HbA1c:<5.5%
Biomarkers:
Inside look at Bryan Johnson's comprehensive bloodwork and optimal ranges
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Top 1% results across multiple biomarkers, Biological age:0.64 speed of aging
Biomarkers:
Comprehensive guide to blood tests that predict longevity and healthspan
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Multi-marker approach for comprehensive longevity assessment
Biomarkers:
Root cause approach to diabetes with focus on insulin and glucose regulation
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Emphasis on early intervention before diabetes develops
Biomarkers:
Comprehensive guide to inflammation markers and their optimal ranges
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
hs-CRP:<1 mg/L, Homocysteine:5-7.2 μmol/L, Ferritin:context-dependent
Biomarkers:
Understanding hs-CRP as early marker of inflammation and cardiovascular disease
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
hs-CRP:<0.55 mg/L (men), <1 mg/L (women)
Biomarkers:
Evidence-based approach to reversing diabetes through optimal metabolic markers
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Fasting glucose:<80 mg/dL, Never above 110-120 mg/dL post-meal
Biomarkers:
Comprehensive database of functional medicine optimal ranges vs standard ranges
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Tighter ranges than conventional labs for early dysfunction detection
Biomarkers:
Focus on insulin testing as critical missing marker in standard panels
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Fasting insulin:<10 mIU/dL, optimal:2-5 mIU/dL
Biomarkers:
Evidence-based strategies for optimizing testosterone through lifestyle
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Natural optimization targeting >600 ng/dL for men
Biomarkers:
Understanding VO2 max as a key longevity biomarker discussed by Huberman
🎯 Key Optimal Ranges:
Top quartile for age associated with 5x lower mortality risk
Biomarkers:
These articles provide context for interpreting your blood test results. Remember that optimal ranges may differ from standard lab ranges, and should be considered alongside your individual health goals and medical history.
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