Homocysteine

Homocysteine is one of the amino acids that play a role in the metabolism of proteins. Too much is toxic, and too little results in metabolic problems. High homocysteine levels are associated with elevated cardiovascular risk including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, blood clots, or strokes, and neurological disorders such as dementia. A 3µmol/L drop in homocysteine can lessen the likelihood of heart attacks by 16%, strokes by 24%, and deep vein thrombosis by 25%. A 5µmol/L decrease in homocysteine can reduce the risk of death from all causes by 49%, death from cardiovascular disease by 50%, and death from cancer by 26%.

Moderate

Diet, Supplements

4 - 8 weeks

No

Kumar A, Palfrey HA, Pathak R, Kadowitz PJ, Gettys TW, Murthy SN. The metabolism and significance of homocysteine in nutrition and health. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2017 Dec 22;14:78. doi: 10.1186/s12986-017-0233-z. PMID: 29299040; PMCID: PMC5741875.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin typically synthesized via UV light exposure or obtained from food or supplements. Normal levels are essential for an effective immune system and healthy mineral balance. Vitamin D is vital for its role in calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and reducing inflammation, and even has neuromuscular and metabolic functions. ~40% of adults are deficient in Vitamin D, which makes it a very valuable marker to track and optimize.

Easy

Diet, Supplements, Sunlight

2 - 3 weeks

Yes

Chauhan K, Shahrokhi M, Huecker MR. Vitamin D. 2023 Apr 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 28722941.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells. A ferritin blood test is used to help check your iron levels. A lower-than-normal ferritin level indicates that one is iron-deficient, which may lead to iron deficiency anemia, weakness, fatigue, cold extremities and dizziness. A spike in the ferritin level can be seen in acute illnesses like bacterial infections. Chronically raised levels are seen in several conditions including hemochromatosis (also called iron overload), rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory disorders, liver diseases, alcohol abuse, leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and hyperthyroidism. Taking too many iron supplements can also lead to elevated ferritin levels.

Easy/Moderate

Diet, Inflammation, Supplements

4 - 12 weeks

No

Wang W, Knovich MA, Coffman LG, Torti FM, Torti SV. Serum ferritin: Past, present and future. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010 Aug;1800(8):760-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.03.011. Epub 2010 Mar 19. PMID: 20304033; PMCID: PMC2893236.

hsCRP

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a nonspecific inflammatory marker. It is particularly suited to testing for chronic inflammation (long-term, low-level), as opposed to ordinary CRP, which measures acute (short-term) inflammation. Chronic inflammation contributes to the development of at least 7 of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States. It may go undetected for years or even decades without proactive tracking, silently threatening your health. It contributes to cancer, heart disease, lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also connected to metabolic disorders, including pre-diabetes and diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Moderate

Infection, Disease, Trauma, Inflammation

Days if natural recovery from illness. Weeks for anti-inflammatory improvements.

No

Bassuk SS, Rifai N, Ridker PM. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein: clinical importance. Current Problems in Cardiology. 2004 Aug;29(8):439-493. DOI: 10.1016/s0146-2806(04)00074-x. PMID: 15258556.