Longevity biomarkers explained
The eight blood markers that come up most in longevity testing – what each one measures, why people track it, how it's tested and what it costs.
ApoB
Heart and lipids
Counts the cholesterol-carrying particles in your blood, such as LDL. Often looked at alongside a standard cholesterol panel.
Lp(a)
Heart and lipids
An inherited type of cholesterol-carrying particle. Levels are set mostly by your genes, so many people only measure it once.
HbA1c
Metabolic health
Reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months. No fasting needed.
hs-CRP
Inflammation
Measures low levels of a protein your liver makes during inflammation. Best tested when you're well and rested.
Vitamin D
Vitamins and minerals
Measures your vitamin D stores. Levels change with the seasons, sun exposure and supplements.
Ferritin
Vitamins and minerals
Reflects how much iron your body has stored. Both low and high results are worth discussing with a doctor.
Testosterone
Hormones
Measures the main male sex hormone, which matters for women too. Morning samples give the most reliable result.
TSH
Thyroid
The main first-line thyroid marker. Often tested together with free T4 and free T3.
At a glance
| Marker | Area | Fasting | Cheapest we found |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApoB | Heart and lipids | Usually not required – follow your provider's instructions | €78 Finland |
| Lp(a) | Heart and lipids | Not usually required | €20 Germany |
| HbA1c | Metabolic health | Not needed | €13 Germany |
| hs-CRP | Inflammation | Not usually required | Usually part of a panel |
| Vitamin D | Vitamins and minerals | Not needed | €21 Germany |
| Ferritin | Vitamins and minerals | Not needed for ferritin alone; some iron panels ask for a morning or fasting sample | Usually part of a panel |
| Testosterone | Hormones | Some providers recommend fasting, as eating can lower levels slightly | €22 Sweden |
| TSH | Thyroid | Not needed | €17 Germany |
Why these eight?
Longevity-focused testing tends to look at a handful of areas that matter over decades rather than months: the particles that carry cholesterol (ApoB and Lp(a)), blood sugar control (HbA1c), low-grade inflammation (hs-CRP), nutrient status (vitamin D and ferritin), and hormones (testosterone and TSH).
They are widely available, relatively affordable, and easy to track over time. They are not a complete health check: a full blood count, kidney and liver function and a standard lipid panel are part of most broader panels too.
Using results well
- Look at trends. One result is a snapshot. The same marker measured the same way over time tells you much more.
- Keep conditions the same. Test at a similar time of day, in a similar state (fasted or not), and with the same lab where possible.
- Talk to a doctor. Reference ranges vary between labs, and a flagged result isn't a diagnosis. A doctor can put results in context.