Transform Your Health: New Platform Reveals Blood’s Hidden Insights

Feeling exhausted or unwell without a clear reason is a common experience for many individuals. A new health tech platform called Marko, founded by clinical nutritionist Vinka Wong and co-founder Sheree Hart, aims to address this issue by providing personalized insights based on blood test results. By bridging the gap between clinical diagnostics and everyday wellbeing, Marko offers users tailored action plans that focus on optimizing health rather than merely diagnosing illness.

Many people report feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, or simply “off.” According to Wong, this feeling can be difficult to articulate and even harder to resolve. “Optimal health and wellness is deeply personal,” she states. “It’s about how we feel when we’re truly thriving.” Marko’s approach emphasizes understanding one’s health through a new perspective, focusing on optimization rather than mere diagnosis.

Personalized Health Insights from Blood Tests

Unlike traditional blood test interpretations that rely on broad “normal” ranges, Marko analyzes over 30 biomarkers to provide a more comprehensive assessment of an individual’s health. This includes a detailed examination of thyroid function, where many standard tests may overlook critical indicators. For example, while a typical test might only check thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Marko also assesses free T4 and thyroid antibodies. This allows for a more accurate picture of thyroid health, helping individuals identify potential issues long before they manifest as serious conditions.

Wong shares a case study of a woman in her forties, who had been told her thyroid levels were normal despite suffering from fatigue and mood changes. By reevaluating her results with a focus on optimization, it became evident that her thyroid was not functioning optimally. After implementing targeted lifestyle changes based on Marko’s recommendations, she experienced significant improvements in her energy levels and overall wellbeing within weeks.

Wong’s interest in the diagnostic aspects of wellness has been longstanding. She has utilized blood work in her clinic for years and believes it holds valuable insights into overall health. With the encouragement of her business coach, Hart, Wong expanded her vision to create Marko, which transforms complex lab data into user-friendly, actionable guidance.

Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies and Health Trends

Marko not only provides personalized health insights but also helps identify common nutritional deficiencies. Wong notes that many individuals in New Zealand often show imbalances in essential nutrients such as B12, iron, folate, and vitamin D. These deficiencies can impact energy levels, mood, and immune function. Surprisingly, these low levels are not always due to inadequate dietary intake but are often linked to stress, poor gut health, and convenience-focused diets.

“We’re consuming plenty, but not necessarily absorbing or utilizing what our bodies actually need to thrive,” Wong explains. Marko’s platform enables users to select areas of focus, including mental health, inflammation, metabolism, and gut health. Metabolic health is a common concern, with users frequently showing elevated blood sugars, signs of fatty liver, and abnormal cholesterol levels, even among those who consider themselves healthy.

The platform empowers users by providing clear direction on where to focus their efforts. “Once people see their own data, they are often highly motivated to make changes,” Wong says. This sense of empowerment is central to Marko’s mission. Wong believes that a healthier society begins with individuals taking accountability for their own wellbeing, rather than relying solely on the healthcare system.

Marko does not offer medical diagnoses and encourages users to seek professional care when necessary. However, the platform provides one-on-one consultations for those seeking further guidance, positioning itself as part of a broader health ecosystem. “Our goal is to empower as many people as possible to take control of their health and feel remarkable doing it,” Wong asserts.

By making health insights accessible and actionable, Marko aims to reduce unnecessary medical appointments and optimize the use of healthcare resources. The platform is designed to foster a proactive approach to health, helping individuals navigate their wellbeing journey with confidence.