Build Your Own Blood Test

Free T3 is considered the most active thyroid hormone and may be particularly relevant as we age. Some healthcare providers note that monitoring T3 levels can help support energy, cognitive function, and metabolic health in older adults.

Free T4 is the main thyroid hormone and may become increasingly important to monitor with age. Some healthcare providers note that thyroid function can change over time, potentially affecting energy, cognitive clarity, and bone health in older adults.

TPO antibodies may signal autoimmune thyroid activity. In adults over 60, thyroid autoimmunity may have developed gradually over years. Testing can help your healthcare provider understand whether thyroid function changes are autoimmune-related and guide appropriate care.

Your TSH level shows how hard your pituitary is pulling on your thyroid. The laboratory uses 0.27 to 4.20 mE/L as the usual range. When you are losing weight this is one of the first numbers people look at. A raised TSH fits an underactive thyroid. A low value fits an overactive one. What matters just as much is what the thyroid does not explain. An underactive thyroid usually accounts for a few kilos, not tens. A baseline at the start of your programme is what makes later measurements genuinely useful.

Active Vitamin B12 measures the bioavailable B12 your body can use. As we age, B12 absorption may decline, making this test particularly relevant for older adults seeking to maintain their vitality and cognitive function.

Folate measures vitamin B9, a nutrient that may become harder to absorb as we age. For older adults, adequate folate levels could support cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and healthy red blood cell production.

Holotranscobalamin is the earliest indicator of B12 depletion and may be particularly relevant for older adults. As B12 absorption naturally declines with age, this test could help detect changes before standard B12 tests.

Intrinsic Factor Antibodies tests for autoimmune-related B12 malabsorption. Pernicious anaemia becomes more common with age, making this test particularly relevant for older adults with unexplained or persistent B12 deficiency.

MMA Blood measures a functional B12 marker that may be particularly informative for older adults. As B12 absorption and metabolism may change with age, MMA testing could reveal deficiencies not detected by standard B12 blood tests.

MMA Urine provides a non-invasive assessment of functional B12 status, which may be especially convenient for older adults. This test can help detect cellular B12 deficiency without the need for a blood draw.

Vitamin A measures retinol levels, a fat-soluble vitamin that may become increasingly important to monitor with age. Adequate vitamin A could support immune resilience, vision preservation, and skin health in older adults.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is considered important for energy metabolism, which may become less efficient with age. Some older adults may have reduced absorption. Monitoring levels can help healthcare providers support healthy ageing strategies.

Vitamin B12 is considered especially important for older adults, as absorption may decline with age. Low levels have been associated with cognitive changes and anaemia. Regular monitoring may help healthcare providers support healthy ageing.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is considered important for energy metabolism and antioxidant protection, which may be especially relevant for older adults. Absorption and dietary intake may change with age. Healthcare providers can help assess your needs.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is considered important for NAD+ production, which may support cellular repair and energy metabolism in older adults. Age-related changes may affect niacin status. Healthcare providers can help assess your individual needs.

Vitamin B6 is considered important for cognitive function, immune health, and metabolism in older adults. Requirements may change with age, and some medications common in later life may affect B6 status. Healthcare providers can help assess your needs.

Vitamin B7 (biotin) is considered important for maintaining hair, skin, and nail health in older adults. Age-related dietary changes may affect biotin intake. Healthcare providers can help assess whether your levels support healthy ageing.

Vitamin C is considered especially important for older adults, as it may support immune function, wound healing, and antioxidant protection against age-related oxidative stress. Dietary intake may vary with changing eating patterns. Healthcare providers can help assess your needs.

Your vitamin D levels show how much reserve you have to absorb calcium. Bones and muscles are the first to notice an empty store. How the number is read depends on your age. Below seventy, 40 nmol/l counts as insufficiency. From seventy, the same result is a deficiency. So the value is rarely read on its own. It is read alongside calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone. Your medication counts too. Some anticonvulsants and long-term corticosteroids speed up the breakdown.

Vitamin E supports healthy ageing by protecting cells from oxidative damage. Maintaining adequate levels may contribute to cognitive health and cardiovascular well-being as you age.

Vitamin K1 becomes especially important for bone health as you age. Adequate levels support blood clotting and may help maintain bone density in later years.

As we age, the kidneys' ability to regulate acid-base balance may change. Monitoring bicarbonate can help ensure metabolic stability and support overall well-being in later years.

Calcium is vital for maintaining bone density as you age. Regular monitoring supports fracture prevention and helps maintain mobility and independence in later years.

Ceruloplasmin helps transport copper and supports iron metabolism. Monitoring these functions can contribute to healthy ageing and maintaining cognitive well-being.

Maintaining proper chloride balance becomes important as kidney function may change with age. Regular testing supports fluid balance and overall metabolic stability.

Copper supports brain health, connective tissue integrity, and iron metabolism — all important aspects of healthy ageing. Regular monitoring helps maintain these vital functions.

Your ferritin level shows how much iron you have in store, but during a weight-loss programme it measures something else too. Excess weight involves low-grade inflammation, and ferritin rises in response as an acute-phase protein. Your starting value is therefore often higher than your actual iron store justifies. As you lose weight that inflammation subsides and your ferritin falls with it, even if nothing about your iron changes. That makes a falling value during weight loss usually a good sign. It does mean, though, that a deficiency previously masked only becomes visible now.

Iodine supports thyroid function and cognitive health, both of which can change with age. Regular monitoring helps maintain metabolic balance and mental clarity.

Serum iron levels can change with age and dietary habits. Regular monitoring helps maintain adequate iron for energy and cognitive function in later life.

Magnesium supports bone density, heart rhythm, and cognitive function — all areas that may need extra attention as you age. Regular monitoring helps maintain quality of life.

Intracellular magnesium testing offers a deeper look at magnesium status, which is important for maintaining bone strength, heart health, and cognitive function as you age.

Phosphorus balance becomes important as kidney function and bone metabolism may change with age. Monitoring supports bone health and metabolic stability in later years.

Potassium supports heart rhythm and blood pressure regulation, both increasingly important with age. Regular testing helps maintain cardiovascular stability.

Selenium supports immune resilience and cognitive health, both of which may benefit from extra attention as you age. Regular monitoring helps maintain antioxidant protection.

Sodium balance is important for blood pressure management and cognitive function, both of which may need more attention with age. Regular monitoring supports cardiovascular well-being.

Transferrin helps your body deliver iron where it is needed most. Monitoring supports healthy iron metabolism and energy maintenance as dietary absorption changes with age.

Zinc supports immune health, wound healing, and cognitive function — all important for maintaining well-being as you age. Absorption may decrease with age, making monitoring valuable.