What are Dr. Peter Attia’s Recommendations for Lab Testing and Optimal Health?

ByBob Burns

Updated March 26, 2025

Dr. Attia’s Lab Testing Approach – A Deep Dive

Most routine lab panels ordered during an annual checkup provide a general snapshot of health, but Dr. Attia believes in going beyond the basics. His approach focuses on identifying early risk factors for chronic diseases and optimizing health before problems arise.

1. Metabolic Health & Insulin Sensitivity

Since metabolic dysfunction plays a central role in aging and chronic disease, Attia recommends tests such as:

• Fasting Insulin & Glucose: Provides insight into insulin resistance.
• HbA1c: Averages blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with Insulin Response: Helps detect early-stage insulin resistance.
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): A better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol.

2. Cardiovascular Health & Inflammation

For assessing heart disease risk, beyond a standard lipid panel, Attia suggests:

• LDL Particle Number (LDL-P): Measures the number of LDL particles, not just their size.
• Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: A genetic risk factor for heart disease.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP, high-sensitivity): A marker of inflammation, linked to heart disease.
• Homocysteine: Elevated levels can indicate cardiovascular risk and poor methylation.

3. Hormonal & Thyroid Function

Hormones play a critical role in energy, metabolism, and overall well-being. Attia often suggests testing:

• Testosterone (Free & Total) & DHEA-S: Especially relevant for aging men and women.
• Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies): Essential for assessing thyroid function beyond a basic TSH test.
• Cortisol (AM & PM): Evaluates adrenal function and stress response.

4. Nutritional & Micronutrient Status

A deeper look at micronutrient levels can help optimize performance and longevity:

• Vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D): Crucial for immune function, bone health, and more.
• Magnesium (RBC Magnesium): Important for cardiovascular and neurological health.
• Omega-3 Index: Measures the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, relevant for inflammation control.
• Ferritin & Iron Panel: Assesses iron levels and potential deficiencies or overload.

5. Additional Longevity & Healthspan Markers

For those serious about longevity, Attia sometimes recommends:

• Methylation Testing: Evaluates biological age based on epigenetic markers.
• Genetic Panels (e.g., APOE for Alzheimer’s risk): Helps personalize health strategies.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): Tracks blood sugar responses in real-time for dietary optimization.

The Takeaway

While routine lab tests cover the basics, a deeper dive into metabolic, cardiovascular, hormonal, and micronutrient health can provide actionable insights for longevity and performance. Since optimal testing varies by individual, working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to personalize your lab work is essential.