New Health Platform Transforms Blood Tests into Personal Wellness Plans

Feeling fatigued or mentally drained is increasingly common, yet often remains unexplained. According to clinical nutritionist Vinka Wong, this sensation of depletion is where meaningful discussions about wellness should start. Wong, who co-founded a health technology platform called Marko in New Zealand, emphasizes the importance of understanding individual health through a more personalized lens.

Marko aims to bridge the gap between clinical blood diagnostics and day-to-day wellbeing. The platform takes users’ blood test results from accredited laboratories and translates them into tailored action plans that include nutritional, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations. This proactive approach helps maintain the body’s natural balance before minor health issues escalate into serious conditions.

Traditional blood test evaluations often rely on broad ‘normal’ ranges to identify potential diseases. In contrast, Marko assesses over 30 health markers using more specific, research-backed ranges that reflect optimal functioning. Wong explains, “It’s about understanding your health from a new perspective. Our focus is on optimization rather than merely diagnosing problems.”

This innovative model can uncover subtleties that standard check-ups might miss. For instance, thyroid tests typically measure only TSH, which may not accurately reflect thyroid health. Marko’s approach evaluates TSH alongside free T4 and thyroid antibodies, providing a clearer picture of thyroid function. Wong shares the case of a woman in her forties who had been told her thyroid levels were ‘normal’ despite experiencing fatigue and fluctuations in mood. With insights from Marko, it became evident that her thyroid was not functioning optimally. After implementing personalized recommendations, she reported significant improvements in her energy levels within weeks.

Wong has long been fascinated by the diagnostic aspects of wellness, incorporating blood analysis into her clinical practice. She believes that blood can reveal powerful insights about overall wellbeing, yet it often remains underutilized in the quest for feeling good. When her business coach, Sheree Hart, suggested developing a platform to scale her approach, the concept of Marko was born. Collaborating with general practitioners, nutritionists, and naturopaths, Wong and her team designed a system that translates complex lab data into user-friendly, actionable guidance.

Marko helps users identify suitable foods, lifestyle changes, and supplements tailored to their individual needs. Wong notes the overwhelming amount of health information available online, which can lead to misguided self-diagnosis or ineffective treatments. “A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works,” she states.

This personalized approach is already shedding light on broader trends in health and nutrition. Wong observes that many New Zealanders exhibit deficiencies in critical nutrients such as B12, iron, folate, and vitamin D, which are vital for energy levels, mood stability, and immune function. She links these deficiencies to factors such as stress, gut health, and dietary choices that prioritize convenience over nutrient density.

“People may consume enough calories, but they might not be absorbing or utilizing the essential nutrients their bodies need to thrive,” she explains. The platform also allows users to focus on specific health areas, including mental health, inflammation, metabolism, and gut health. Notably, metabolic health has emerged as a common concern, with elevated blood sugars and abnormal cholesterol levels appearing frequently even among those who consider themselves healthy.

Once individuals review their own blood data, they often feel motivated to implement changes. Wong emphasizes that Marko provides clear direction on where to focus and what steps to take. “Empowerment is at the core of our mission. A healthier society starts with individuals taking charge of their own wellbeing, rather than solely relying on the healthcare system,” she asserts.

While Marko does not offer diagnoses and encourages users to seek medical attention when needed, it does provide one-on-one consultations for those seeking additional guidance. Wong envisions Marko as a crucial component of a collaborative health ecosystem aimed at empowering individuals to manage their health effectively.

“Our goal is to enable as many people as possible to take control of their wellness and feel remarkable in the process,” she concludes. The platform represents a shift toward a more personalized and proactive approach to health, one that recognizes the unique stories our blood can tell.