How population averages define 'normal' labs

Normal blood levels don’t always mean you’re healthy. Discover why standard lab tests can miss disease, the difference between optimal vs. normal lab ranges, and how to interpret normal lab results when you still have symptoms.

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Normal blood levels are often determined by averages in the population, not necessarily by what’s healthy or optimal. Some people suffer from hidden health problems in silence because blood tests often miss disease.

You can have high insulin levels for many years before noticing an increase in blood glucose levels. An A1C test assesses blood sugar, but a fasting insulin test is a better indicator of health. A low-carb diet and intermittent fasting can correct insulin resistance and high blood sugar.

If you have potassium or magnesium deficiency symptoms, yet your blood levels are normal, it’s because the problem is deep in your tissues. Blood tests are not the best way to test for many hidden nutrient deficiencies.

🌟 Standard testing can often leave you with symptoms but normal lab results. Check out this list of tests commonly offered, along with which test you should ask for instead.

• Magnesium

Standard test: Serum magnesiumBetter test to ask for: RBC magnesiumWhy: 99% of magnesium is inside the cell; serum levels only show what is circulating in the blood, not what is actually inside the cells.

• Vitamin B12

Standard test: Total B12Better test to ask for: Methylmalonic acid (MMA)Why: High MMA indicates that B12 is not functioning properly, even if blood B12 levels appear normal.

• Vitamin B1

Standard test: Serum thiamineBetter test to ask for: Erythrocyte transketolaseWhy: This test measures whether enzymes that depend on vitamin B1 are actually working, showing functional B1 status.

• Vitamin D

Standard test: 25-OH vitamin DBetter test to ask for: Parathyroid hormone (PTH)Why: If vitamin D levels look normal but PTH is elevated, the body may still be functionally deficient in vitamin D.

• Zinc

Standard test: Plasma zincBetter test to ask for: Alkaline phosphataseWhy: Low alkaline phosphatase can indicate zinc deficiency because this enzyme requires zinc to function.

• Insulin

Standard test: Fasting glucoseBetter test to ask for: HOMA-IRWhy: HOMA-IR (glucose × insulin ÷ 405) provides a better measurement of insulin resistance.

• Inflammation

Standard test: Standard CRPBetter test to ask for: High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)Why: High-sensitivity CRP can detect low-grade inflammation that may be occurring in the arteries.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.