InsideTracker Cognition blood test - 7 blood values

InsideTracker gives members a Cognition score from 0 to 100, calculated from a fixed set of blood values. If you search for InsideTracker in the Netherlands, you usually want those values measured without a membership and without shipping a sample to the United States.

This blood test is that alternative: the same blood values behind the Cognition category, drawn at a certified Dutch lab and returned digitally in your account, with an assessment by a BIG-registered doctor.

This panel may suit people who want to see the measurable foundation under their focus and energy. It can be relevant for:

• People with focus problems or brain fog who want an objective starting point, alongside their GP's advice
• Vegetarians and vegans who want to check their B12 and folate
• People in a busy or stressful period who want to see their cortisol
• People who want the InsideTracker Cognition category measured in the Netherlands

This panel measures 7 blood values:

• Blood sugar regulation: Fasting Glucose, Fasting Insulin and HbA1c, plus the calculated HOMA-IR insulin resistance index.
• Stress: Cortisol.
• B vitamins: Vitamin B12 and Folate.

The results show how your blood sugar regulation, your stress hormone and your B vitamins compare to the reference ranges. A low B12 or disturbed glucose regulation are reversible factors that can noticeably affect your focus and energy.

Sleep and cognition are closely linked: our InsideTracker Sleep blood test measures the blood values behind your sleep quality. The full InsideTracker blood test measures 36 blood values in one go. Keep in mind that a single value is not a diagnosis.

For this blood test, a staff member draws a small tube of blood at a certified location. You can choose from 700+ collection sites, so there is almost always a location near you.

You only need your appointment confirmation and a valid ID. The draw usually takes just a few minutes.

Some people choose to measure these values:

• When they often feel tired or unfocused and want to know whether a measurable factor is behind it
• When they eat plant-based and want to know their B12 status
• When they want to see their cortisol during a stressful period
• When they want to follow the effect of better sleep, diet or exercise on their blood sugar

What the results mean depends on your personal situation. Focus complaints rarely have a single cause; these values show part of the picture.

Always discuss any deviating values with your GP, so you know what the results may mean for you personally.

Fasting is required for this panel: your glucose and insulin are only interpretable when fasted, and HOMA-IR is calculated from them. Do not eat for 10 to 12 hours before the draw and drink only water.

Plan a morning draw, which also makes your cortisol most informative. If in doubt, discuss your situation with your GP.

You receive your results digitally in your account, usually within a few working days. For each value, you can see whether it falls within the reference range.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.