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 take this a few steps further.
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.” Differences in individuals’ optimized zones don’t end with age. They also vary based on sex, race, habits, and perhaps most notably, athletic activity.
For example, the normal range for a woman’s ferritin level is between 12-150 ng/dL. But InsideTracker recommends that an active woman in her 20s should have blood levels of ferritin between 40-150 ng/dL for peak endurance performance.
If your biomarker levels do not fall within your personalized optimal zone, the algorithm recommends effective and simple interventions involving diet, supplements, and training modifications to improve your unoptimized biomarkers.
To properly understand how all of these factors impact biomarkers, InsideTracker is constantly extracting information from peer-reviewed research on these relationships, and uses it to create personalized "optimal zones." Therefore, as new, more cutting-edge research is published, you may see your optimal zones adjust accordingly.
Biomarker optimal zones are also calculated based on the following criteria extracted from dozens of peer-reviewed papers:
1) Studies show that the optimal zone is a predictor of longevity or disease prevention.
2) Studies show that the optimal zone is related to outcomes, i.e., performance metrics.
3) Studies show that the optimal zone for one biomarker improves another biomarker.
Ultimately, InsideTracker’s purpose is to provide personalized and practical information that empowers each individual to reach their goals, feel their best, and live longer and happier lives. By keeping up-to-date with relevant research, we are able to provide you with the best recommendations science has to offer.