“Normal vs. Ideal: Are Your Lab Results Truly Optimal?”

1. Vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D)

• Normal Range: Over 50 nmol/L (varies by lab).
• Ideal Range: 100–150 nmol/L for optimal immune function, bone health, and chronic disease prevention.

Levels above 50 nmol/L prevent rickets, but higher levels may better support your body’s immune defences, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of autoimmune diseases and osteoporosis.

2. TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)

• Normal Range: 0.5–4.5 mIU/L (varies by lab).
• Ideal Range: 0.5–2.5 mIU/L for optimal thyroid function.

While a TSH level of 3–4.5 mIU/L may fall within normal limits, it can signal subclinical hypothyroidism in individuals with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or hair loss. For those with thyroid-related symptoms, aiming for a TSH closer to 1.0–2.0 mIU/L may be more beneficial.

3. Fasting Glucose

• Normal Range: 3.9–5.5 mmol/L.
• Ideal Range: 3.9–4.7 mmol/L for optimal metabolic health.

Levels closer to 5.5 mmol/L are technically normal but could indicate early insulin resistance or a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Maintaining glucose below 4.7 mmol/L supports better long-term metabolic health.

4. Ferritin (Iron Storage Protein)

• Normal Range:
  • Men: 30–500 μg/L.
  • Women: 15–200 μg/L.
• Ideal Range: 50–100 μg/L for balanced iron levels.

While ferritin levels up to 500 μg/L are considered normal, levels above 100 μg/L can indicate inflammation or early iron overload. Low-normal levels (<50 μg/L) may suggest inadequate iron stores.

5. CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

• Normal Range: <3 mg/L is considered normal.
• Ideal Range: <1 mg/L for low cardiovascular and systemic inflammation risk.

A CRP level between 1–3 mg/L, though within normal limits, may still indicate chronic low-grade inflammation. Levels below 1 mg/L are linked to reduced cardiovascular and chronic disease risks.

6. Homocysteine

• Normal Range: 5–15 μmol/L.
• Ideal Range: 5–8 μmol/L for cardiovascular and neurological health.

This is often not requested by doctors unless you specifically request it or offer to pay for the test privately. Levels greater than >9 μmol/L are associated with increased cardiovascular and cognitive risks. So ideally keep homocysteine closer to 5–7 μmol/L is considered optimal.

7. Serum Copper and Ceruloplasmin

• Serum Copper:
  • Normal Range: 11–22 μmol/L.
  • Ideal Range: 13–19 μmol/L for balanced oxidative stress and enzyme function.
• Ceruloplasmin:
  • Normal Range: 200–400 mg/L.
  • Ideal Range: 250–350 mg/L for optimal copper metabolism.

Low-normal levels of serum copper or ceruloplasmin may signal functional deficiencies, while high-normal levels might reflect inflammation.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to lab results, “normal” doesn’t always mean “optimal.” Understanding ideal ranges can help you and your healthcare provider tailor a plan that supports your long-term health. If you’ve ever felt that your “normal” lab results don’t match how you feel, consider discussing ideal ranges with your doctor for a more personalised approach to wellness.

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If you would you like to explore what your lab results mean for your health journey:

New Clients:Fill in this online health questionnaire (this looks at your health goals, health issues, past and family history, diet, digestive and hormonal health) on:https://forms.gle/eJdYiany2K9LT5yp9 and make an appointment for a 60 minute consult ($220 instead of $295) https://holistic-health-pty-ltd.au1.cliniko.com/bookings#service

Current Clients: book an “Pathology Review” and email me your latest results for $140 https://holistic-health-pty-ltd.au1.cliniko.com/bookings#service

You will receive a personalised summary of your pathology reports, recommendations for further tests if needed and some suggestions for dietary and nutritional interventions.

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