Service$365/year at Function Health· checked Jun◆ Editor's Pick
160+ lab tests twice a year, tracked for life at $365
Function runs 160+ biomarkers annually (tested twice per year) across hormones, heart, metabolic, aging, and autoimmunity markers—including insulin, lipoproteins, hs-CRP, homocysteine, vitamin D, and heavy metals. Results are reviewed by clinicians and flagged for action. No insurance required, HSA/FSA eligible. The longevity crowd's baseline-tracking service.
Frequent biomarker screening can identify risk factors and guide lifestyle changes, supported by observational cohort studies linking specific markers (LDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, inflammatory markers like CRP) to long-term disease outcomes. However, no RCT has shown that annual comprehensive screening itself (versus standard care) reduces mortality or morbidity. The value depends heavily on whether detected abnormalities trigger evidence-based interventions; screening without actionable follow-up may create false reassurance or unnecessary anxiety.
Mechanism
Function Health is a blood-testing service that measures a broad panel of biomarkers (lipids, glucose, inflammatory markers, organ function, micronutrients, hormones) to identify subclinical disease and guide preventive interventions. The premise is that frequent, comprehensive testing enables early detection of metabolic drift before clinical symptoms emerge.
“Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important, global pathognomonic causal factor for development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.”
“INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure that restores blood flow to heart muscle by bypassing the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.”
“IMPORTANCE: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting nearly 100,000 individuals in the United States and is associated with many acute and chronic complications requiring immediate medical attention.”
Caveats
Most evidence supports screening for specific high-risk markers (lipid panels, glucose) in defined populations, not blanket annual comprehensive panels in asymptomatic adults. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are documented risks of intensive screening. No trial has compared annual Function-style panels to standard periodic screening or usual care on hard outcomes. Micronutrient and hormone panels often lack clear clinical thresholds or intervention evidence. Cost and accessibility limit generalizability.
✓
Tried it? Verify this find to help others know it works. Members can verify, free to join.
0 comments
Be the first to comment.
EOD publishes opinions and summaries of research about supplements, services, and protocols. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement, exercise, sleep, or medication regimen.
Some outbound links on EOD are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never influences what we publish or how it's ranked. Full disclosure.
