Lab tests are a vital way to assess a range of health concerns and suggest potential solutions.

In this interview, Dr. Scott Fogle discusses some of the most cutting-edge tests available to help you and your doctor understand your health.

LE: We hear a lot about epigenetics. Can lab tests assess that?

Dr. Fogle: Yes. Epigenetics refers to how genes are expressed, or “turned on or off.” The environment and lifestyle play a major role. For example, identical twins have the same DNA, but if one twin takes up smoking and drinking, this epigenetic influence can result in that twin getting cancer. This year, we launched the TruHealth Epigenetic Health Status Profile.¹ This test measures patterns of DNA expression, called epigenetic biomarker proxies (EBPs), and tests more than 90 biomarkers for vitamins, antioxidants, healthy fats, amino acids, toxins, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurocognitive factors.

LE: You mentioned toxins. Does that include the “forever chemicals” we often hear about?

Dr. Fogle: It does. PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are permeating our world and our bodies. The new TruHealth test has a whole section assessing the footprint these “forever chemicals” leave on your DNA expression. It checks for PFOS and PFOA, the main forever chemicals, along with acrolein from pollution and smoking and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from air pollution, smoke, grilled foods, and industrial emissions. Your body can’t function optimally if exposed to toxins like these. In some ways, testing epigenetic influence is more powerful than directly measuring the toxins because it gives you a window into the impact on your health.

LE: What else can the TruHealth test reveal?  

Dr. Fogle: It measures a key ATP (energy) enzyme, which is important for mitochondrial health and overall energy. It assesses your oxidative stress defense and NAD⁺ metabolism. NAD⁺ is vital for health and has important roles in energy production and DNA repair. The test even uses DNA expressions to reveal your omega-3 and omega-6 status and your polyunsaturated fatty acid total. The TruHealth profile also gives you much more detailed information about cholesterol than a typical doctor’s check. It assesses epigenetic expressions related to LDL particle size, which gives you insight into the risk of plaque building up in your arteries.

LE: This sounds incredibly comprehensive. Is it difficult to understand the results? 

Dr. Fogle: No, the TruHealth report simplifies all the results and makes personalized suggestions based on your epigenetic status to promote wellness and longevity. This is a powerful advancement in personalized testing.  

LE: Changing gears, our customers are very interested in products that support hair growth. Are there tests for hair loss and growth? 

Dr. Fogle: Last year we launched Hair Loss Panel blood tests that were popular. This year we are partnering with a lab that pioneered genetic hair growth testing. This new Personalized Hair Growth Genetics Profile² examines your DNA and suggests customized supplements and a prescription topical solution to apply to the scalp to help maximize healthy hair growth. The topical formula is based on your genes and may include prescriptions like minoxidil or finasteride, along with ingredients like caffeine, arginine, and melatonin. You can take the prescription suggestion to your doctor or dermatologist to see if they will sign off on it and then take it to a pharmacy. We also work with Rootsbyga.com/LE. They have telehealth doctors who will sign off on the prescription and can make the customized topical solution for a monthly fee.

LE: Another concern people have is about exposure to heavy metal toxins. Are there tests for those? 

Dr. Fogle: Yes, we already offer blood and fecal testing for a range of heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and more. This year we’re offering a 24-hour urine test, the Toxic & Essential Metals Profile. This covers a more comprehensive list of 20 potentially toxic metals. Collecting the urine for 24 hours is one of the best ways to check for them.³

LE: Chronic inflammation is a driver of almost all chronic diseases. Are there new ways to measure levels? 

Dr Fogle: There are. We’ve launched an Inflammation Panel⁴ that includes two new markers, GlycA and Galectin-3. GlycA is a biomarker of systemic inflammation reflecting a combination of inflammatory proteins. It is effective because it captures many different biomarkers of inflammation. Galectin-3 is another marker of inflammation and a driver of disease and inflammation. Higher levels of galectin-3 are associated with cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases, certain cancers, and all inflammatory conditions.

The latest research suggests that everyone should be tested for these vital new biomarkers, especially as we age. We combine these new inflammation markers with the tried-and-true CRP (C-reactive protein) and ANA (antinuclear antibodies) tests.

LE: Life Extension’s Male and Female Panel Blood Tests are always popular. Is there anything new with them? 

Dr. Fogle: We added cortisol testing. Cortisol can cause immune system suppression and weight gain when it is high for extended periods.⁵ This gave cortisol a bad reputation, but this hormone is vital for a healthy immune system and dealing with stress. Cortisol just needs to be in balance; you don’t want it too low or too high.

LE: Now that it’s time for Life Extension’s annual lab test sale, what are some innovative tests that provide insight into health? 

Dr. Fogle: Our most overlooked test is our Optimal Wellness Genetic Insights Panel,⁶ which looks at genetic variations called single nuclear polymorphisms.⁷ Research has identified certain ones that can be problematic. This test examines detoxification pathways, mitochondrial function, neuroinflammation, hypothyroid risk, estrogen metabolism, environmental and dietary inflammation, neurotransmitter assessments, MSG and wheat sensitivity, risk for depression and anxiety, sensitivity to herbicides and pesticides, and more.

LE: How can this test help someone? 

Dr. Fogle: As an example, one of my friends tried it and discovered he had a mutation in an enzyme responsible for making glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants and detoxifiers. Mutations in this enzyme are associated with decreased clearance of toxins, anesthetics, and drugs from the nervous system. He started taking glutathione daily, and within a week, he called me to say:

“I have more energy, I’m happier, and I feel like my brain is working better.”

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

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Dr. Scott Fogle is Executive Director of Clinical Information and Laboratory Services at Life Extension.

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References

1. Available at: https://www.lifeextension.com/lab-testing/itemlc900011/truhealth-epigenetic-health-status-profile-finger-stick-test. Accessed March 11, 2025.
2. Available at: https://www.lifeextension.com/lab-testing/itemlc900014/personalized-hair-growth-genetics-profile-cheek-swab-test. Accessed March 11, 2025.
3. Available at. https://www.lifeextension.com/lab-testing/itemlc900013/toxic-essential-metals-profile-24-hour-urine-test. Accessed March 11, 2025.
4. Available at: https://www.lifeextension. com/lab-testing/itemlc900010/inflammation-panel-blood-test. Accessed March 11, 2025.
5. van der Valk ES, Savas M, van Rossum EFC. Stress and Obesity: Are There More Susceptible Individuals? Curr Obes Rep. 2018 Jun;7(2):193-203.
6. Available at: https://www.lifeextension.com/lab-testing/itemlc100097/optimal-wellness-genetic-insights-panel-cheek-swab. Accessed March 11, 2025.
7. Available at: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Single-Nucleotide-Polymorphisms-SNPs. Accessed March 11, 2025.