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How does InsideTracker make food recommendations?

Each InsideTracker recommendation is backed by published, peer-reviewed scientific studies. By maintaining this high standard, we ensure each recommendation is grounded in evidence and proven effective. We combine your dietary preferences and blood

How does ApoB impact longevity?

ApoB is thought to be the best blood biomarker to assess heart disease risk. This is because high levels of ApoB are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque in your arteries that can impair blood flow). When left

What is Apolipoprotein B(ApoB)? What role does it play in the body?

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a structural protein, found on all potentially atherogenic ( plaque-forming) particles. ApoB is the main protein found in low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Like other lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), ApoB is responsible for

What does high ApoB mean and how does it impact longevity?

High ApoB can indicate decreased clearance of cholesterol from the blood and is often coupled with high LDL cholesterol levels. Elevated ApoB and LDL levels can eventually lead to plaque buildup and the narrowing of arteries, which increases the risk

Does InsideTracker test LDL particle size?

Currently, we do not test LDL particle size (LDL-p). We measure ApoB because it is a better predictor of heart health risk and a more standardized measurement when compared to LDL particle size. ApoB can be measured through a serum test, whereas LDL

Is ApoB modifiable?

Like other cholesterol markers, ApoB is modifiable through nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle habits. If your ApoB levels are high, you’ll receive food and supplement recommendations in the InsideTracker app to help improve your levels. It is

Does InsideTracker provide Thyroid testing?

InsideTracker plans include thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is the most sensitive marker of thyroid function and plays many critical roles in the body. InsideTracker provides personalized optimal zones for TSH based on your gender, age, and

Do you look at Epigenetics/Horvath's Clock, Telomere Length, or DNA Methylation?

Not currently, but we are always exploring and staying on top of the latest scientific methodologies, innovations, and protocols when it comes to helping people live healthier and longer lives.    Our proprietary InnerAge 2.0 analysis is similar in

Do InsideTracker test the gut microbiome?

The latest science regarding gut microbiome testing, it is notably inconsistent and unreliable. Tests could be taken 2 hours apart or two weeks apart and both show different results; making actionable next steps unpredictable. Read more here in this

Why don't you test for certain biomarkers?

There are four main reasons why InsideTracker doesn’t include specific biomarkers: * There’s insufficient scientific evidence to support that optimizing the marker is an indicator of optimal health in human subjects. * The biomarker is not readily

How do you formulate your recommendations?

Each InsideTracker recommendation is backed by dozens of published, peer-reviewed scientific studies. By maintaining this high standard, we ensure each recommendation is grounded in evidence and proven effective. We combine your profile information

How does InsideTracker determine optimized zones?

When you get blood lab results from your doctor, you typically see how your levels compare to the “normal range” compared to the population average for that marker. InsideTracker’s optimal zones go beyond this and personalize a range just for you

Do you take into account pre-existing medical conditions or medications?

When crafting your optimal zone or providing a recommendation, we do not consider pre-existing medical history. This is because medications or medical conditions do not change the ideal range for each individual. For example, if you are required to

Does this test for food sensitivities/intolerances/allergies?

No, we do not test for food sensitivities, intolerance, or allergies. However, if you have any food sensitivities, intolerance, or allergies, you can put this information into your health profile when setting up your account, and our recommendations

Why doesn’t InsideTracker provide recommendations related to all of the diet, exercise and supplement protocols that David Sinclair follows?

Dr. David Sinclair is a pioneer, in exploring the frontiers of longevity research and the biology of aging. Because of that, he is working with cutting-edge concepts in the field. We greatly respect and admire all the work that Dr. Sinclair is doing

Does InsideTracker recommend Intermittent Fasting?

InsideTracker only recommends intermittent fasting to a specific subset of people based on their habits, biomarker levels, age, gender, and goals. InsideTracker recommends fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods. Here is a summary of

What markers does a high dose biotin supplement affect?

Biotin is found in many supplements and claims to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.   Most of these supplements contain very large doses of biotin. If you are taking any supplements containing biotin , please check the label before testing. It

If I'm someone without a scientific background, how can I understand and apply the information effectively?

InsideTracker is designed to be educational, innovative, and self-guiding. It was purposely built by our team of registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, and MDs to be informative and actionable. Even if you’ve never heard of LDL cholesterol

Can fasting insulin levels determine if you have insulin resistance or diabetes?

Higher insulin levels are associated with being insulin resistant. And when left unaddressed, insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes and eventual type 2 diabetes. Blood tests (hemoglobin A1C, fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, and a random blood

What’s more important, fasting insulin, fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1C?

Fasting insulin and hemoglobin A1c are two important blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. Fasting insulin can provide early information in subjects prone to developing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c is also predictive

What’s the difference between fasting glucose and fasting insulin?

Fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin go hand in hand. Blood glucose is the body’s primary source of energy. And insulin is responsible for bringing blood glucose (energy) into cells. Blood glucose levels rise after eating a meal. This rise in

Do I need a fasting insulin blood test if I’m not diabetic?

Yes! Type 2 diabetes does not develop overnight. When left unaddressed, insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes. So, measuring your insulin levels can help you to take a preventative approach to type 2 diabetes

Can I take a fasting insulin blood test if I have type 2 diabetes?

Everyone—regardless of current diabetes status—should get a baseline measurement of their insulin levels and schedule routine follow-up tests every three to six months. 

Can I take a fasting insulin blood test if I have type 1 diabetes?

Yes, you can. However, please note that our insulin ranges, interpretations, and recommendations are based on the insulin levels of the general population without type 1 diabetes (T1D). Due to the unique insulin actions and treatment in T1D, please

How does fasting insulin impact blood sugar?

After a meal, blood glucose levels rise. This rise in blood glucose then triggers the pancreas to release insulin, and in turn lowers blood sugar levels by moving glucose into cells to be used for energy or to the liver, fat tissue, and muscles to be

What is fasting insulin?

Insulin is a key hormone that regulates blood glucose (sugar) levels, providing energy to the body. Insulin acts on nearly every cell in the body and is involved in many processes and functions in addition to its role in regulating glucose levels

How does InsideTracker calculate Free Testosterone?

InsideTracker uses the empirical formula by Sartorius (FTZ) which is seen as the most accurate in predicting the free testosterone when compared to gold standard method of measuring it by equilibrium dialysis. Calculating Free T widely depends on the

Why did you switch from group calculations to category scores?

In an effort to offer more precision to how we interpret your results, we’re excited to introduce healthspan categories. These take the place of “group scores” which offered a basic and primitive interpretation of your results. Our original group sco

What are categories and how are they calculated?

In an effort to offer more precision to how we interpret your results, we’re excited to introduce healthspan categories. Category names help you understand how those biomarkers might impact your everyday life. For example, you can find the biomarkers