Introduction: In pursuing optimal health, understanding the numbers your doctor provides you after a blood test is crucial. These numbers are not just arbitrary figures but biomarkers that give insight into your health status. But what do these reference ranges mean, and how do they differ from optimal ranges? Let’s decode this information together.
- Understanding Reference Ranges: We are all used to conventional medicine lab reports that reflect “normal” reference ranges. Based on statistics, reference ranges are where the test values fall for 95% of the “healthy” or asymptomatic population. However, the absence of symptoms does not equate to optimal health.
- What is an Optimal Range? Optimal range refers to the levels at which your biomarkers would be considered ideal for health and function, not just the absence of disease. It’s not just about being within a ‘normal’ range but about being in a zone associated with the lowest risk of disease and the highest potential for physical and mental well-being.
Example: In the case of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), most laboratories suggest a reference range between 0.27 and 4.3 mIU/L. However, studies indicate that the upper limit should be as low as 2.0 mIU/L to reflect healthy cortisol levels and optimal thyroid health. Individuals with undiagnosed autoimmune thyroid dysfunction can skew the current reference ranges. Thus, persons can be within the ‘normal’ range but not necessarily within the ‘optimal’ range for health.
- Optimal Range vs. Reference Ranges: Optimal ranges are distinct from standard reference ranges. While reference ranges are broad and aimed at identifying disease, optimal ranges are more specific and linked to better future health and longevity. They inform individuals of where their biomarkers stand in relation to not only the average levels found in the general population but also to the levels associated with the best health
Example: A reference range for Vitamin D is 30-100 ng/mL, which is a broad range. Research, however, indicates that for the prevention of diabetes and colorectal cancer, a tighter optimal range of 50-60 ng/mL (125-150 nmol/L) may be more beneficial.
- Using Optimal Ranges for Biomarkers for Optimal Health: Adopting optimal ranges as a guideline can have significant health implications. It can help prevent diseases by identifying suboptimal biomarker levels to act upon before they fall out of the ‘normal’ range and become a health issue. Optimal range lab values are linked to better health outcomes and higher life expectancy by identifying actionable health improvements and facilitating early diagnosis of potential issues.
Example: While a reference range fasting glucose level less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is considered “normal”, the optimal range is less than 85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L) – where metabolic functions are more efficient., For every 1 mg/dl (0.1 mml/L) increase in fasting plasma glucose, there was a 6% increased risk of diabetes developing over the average of 81 months of the study follow-up.
Conclusion: By understanding and utilizing the concept of optimal ranges, you can take a proactive stance on your health, fine-tuning your lifestyle and diet to target these ideal levels. It’s a step beyond just preventing disease – it’s about reaching your highest health potential.
Call to Action: Talk to your healthcare provider about what optimal ranges might be best for you, and remember, these numbers are tools to guide you toward your health goals.