Verbatim response from Claude
Key Blood Biomarkers for Longevity
The Most Evidence-Based Markers
Metabolic Health
- Fasting glucose & HbA1c - chronic elevation accelerates aging across nearly every system
- Fasting insulin - often more sensitive than glucose for catching early metabolic dysfunction
- Triglycerides & HDL ratio - stronger predictor than total cholesterol alone
Inflammation
- hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) - low-grade chronic inflammation is a core aging driver
- Homocysteine - linked to cardiovascular and cognitive decline
Hormonal & Cellular
- IGF-1 - growth signaling; both too high and too low are problematic
- DHEA-S - declines with age, reflects biological aging
- Free testosterone (men especially)
- Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
Organ Function
- Cystatin C - more accurate kidney function marker than standard creatinine
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
- Complete blood count - reveals anemia, immune issues
Where to Get Tested
- Function Health - comprehensive panels, physician reviewed (~$500/year)
- Marek Health - longevity-focused, good for optimization
- Inside Tracker - includes personalized recommendations
- Your GP - can order most of these through insurance
Honest Caveat
Biomarkers are signals, not guarantees. Trends over time matter more than single snapshots.