How does iron affect my health?

Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function, but both deficiency and excess can harm your health. Regular testing of ferritin levels helps maintain optimal iron status between 50-150 ng/mL for most adults.

Questions on this topic?Ask Sai, our AI longevity expert.
Ask Sai

Why Iron Is Essential for Your Body

Iron is a mineral that plays a fundamental role in nearly every aspect of your health. As a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to every tissue in your body, iron literally helps keep you alive. Without adequate iron, your cells can't get the oxygen they need to produce energy, leading to fatigue and a cascade of other health issues.

Beyond oxygen transport, iron is crucial for DNA synthesis, immune function, and the production of certain hormones. It's also essential for proper brain development and function, helping to synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood and cognition. Your body carefully regulates iron levels because while you need enough to function properly, too much can be toxic.

The Oxygen Connection

Iron's primary job is to help hemoglobin bind to oxygen molecules. Each hemoglobin protein contains four iron atoms, and each can carry one oxygen molecule. This means that without sufficient iron, your blood simply can't carry enough oxygen to meet your body's demands. This oxygen deficit affects everything from your muscles' ability to contract during exercise to your brain's capacity to think clearly.

Iron Deficiency vs. Iron Overload: Key Differences

Both conditions require proper testing and medical guidance for optimal management.
AspectIron DeficiencyIron Overload
Ferritin LevelsFerritin Levels<30 ng/mL>300 ng/mL (men), >200 ng/mL (women)
Primary SymptomsPrimary SymptomsFatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breathJoint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, skin discoloration
Risk GroupsRisk GroupsMenstruating women, vegetarians, athletesThose with hemochromatosis, frequent transfusions
Treatment ApproachTreatment ApproachIron supplementation, dietary changesPhlebotomy, chelation therapy, dietary restriction

Both conditions require proper testing and medical guidance for optimal management.

Energy Production and Metabolism

Iron is also a critical component of enzymes involved in cellular energy production. Within your cells' mitochondria, iron-containing proteins help convert nutrients into ATP, the energy currency your body uses for everything from muscle contractions to nerve signaling. This is why fatigue is often the first and most noticeable symptom of iron deficiency.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Imbalance

Iron imbalance can manifest in two ways: deficiency or excess. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting about 25% of the global population. On the other hand, iron overload, while less common, can be equally problematic and is often underdiagnosed.

Iron Deficiency Symptoms

Iron deficiency develops in stages, starting with depleted iron stores (low ferritin) and potentially progressing to iron deficiency anemia if left untreated. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
  • Pale skin, nail beds, or inner eyelids
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Frequent infections
  • Brittle nails or spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia)
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Unusual cravings for ice, dirt, or starch (pica)
  • Hair loss or thinning
  • Difficulty concentrating or poor memory

Iron Overload Symptoms

Too much iron can accumulate in organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas, causing oxidative damage. Symptoms of iron overload may include:

  • Chronic fatigue (yes, both deficiency and excess cause fatigue)
  • Joint pain, especially in the hands
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of sex drive or erectile dysfunction
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Bronze or gray skin discoloration
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Elevated liver enzymes

Understanding your iron status through comprehensive testing is crucial for identifying whether you're dealing with deficiency or overload, as the symptoms can overlap.

Who's at Risk for Iron Problems?

Certain groups are more susceptible to iron imbalances due to increased needs, decreased absorption, or genetic factors. Understanding your risk factors can help you be more proactive about monitoring your iron status.

High Risk for Iron Deficiency

  • Menstruating women (lose iron through monthly blood loss)
  • Pregnant women (increased demands for fetal development)
  • Vegetarians and vegans (plant-based iron is less easily absorbed)
  • Endurance athletes (increased iron loss through sweat and foot strike hemolysis)
  • People with digestive disorders (celiac disease, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
  • Frequent blood donors
  • Children and adolescents during growth spurts

High Risk for Iron Overload

  • People with hereditary hemochromatosis (genetic condition)
  • Those receiving frequent blood transfusions
  • People taking high-dose iron supplements unnecessarily
  • Heavy alcohol consumers
  • Those with certain liver diseases

Testing Your Iron Status

A complete iron panel provides the most comprehensive picture of your iron status. Simply checking hemoglobin or hematocrit isn't enough, as these can be normal even when iron stores are depleted. Key markers to test include:

  • Ferritin: The best marker of iron stores (optimal range: 50-150 ng/mL for most adults)
  • Serum iron: Amount of iron in your blood at the time of testing
  • Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Measures transferrin's capacity to bind iron
  • Transferrin saturation: Percentage of transferrin occupied by iron
  • Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Indicators of anemia

Regular monitoring of these markers, especially ferritin, can help you catch iron imbalances early before they progress to more serious conditions. If you're interested in understanding your complete iron status and metabolic health, comprehensive at-home testing can provide valuable insights into these crucial biomarkers.

Upload your blood test results to track your progress

Seamlessly upload 3rd party biomarker & blood tests to track your whole health in 1 dashboard. Understand what each blood test means and how it fits into the bigger picture of your body and health.

Get diet and lifestyle recommendations based on your blood results, health profile and health goals. You'll also receive a custom supplement recommendation for the precise nutrients your body craves.

Upload Past Blood Test Results

Click or drag file to upload

Once you upload your report, we'll extract the results for your review. Works with top labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, BioReference, EverlyWell, LetsGetChecked and hundreds of other labs.

Optimal Iron Levels and Ranges

While laboratory reference ranges provide general guidelines, optimal ranges for iron markers can vary based on individual factors like age, sex, and health status. Here's what current research suggests for optimal iron status.

It's important to note that ferritin can be elevated due to inflammation, infection, or liver disease, independent of iron status. This is why a complete iron panel, along with inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), provides the most accurate picture.

Natural Ways to Optimize Iron Levels

Whether you need to increase or decrease your iron levels, dietary and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference. The key is understanding which strategies apply to your specific situation.

Increasing Iron Absorption

If you're dealing with low iron, these strategies can help boost your levels naturally:

  • Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (citrus, bell peppers, strawberries)
  • Cook in cast-iron cookware, especially with acidic foods
  • Separate iron-rich meals from calcium supplements or dairy
  • Avoid tea and coffee with iron-rich meals (tannins inhibit absorption)
  • Consider taking iron supplements on an empty stomach if tolerated
  • Address underlying gut health issues that may impair absorption

Best Dietary Sources of Iron

Iron comes in two forms: heme iron (from animal sources) and non-heme iron (from plant sources). Heme iron is absorbed 2-3 times more efficiently than non-heme iron. Good sources include:

  • Heme iron: Red meat, poultry, fish, organ meats
  • Non-heme iron: Spinach, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, fortified cereals

Managing Iron Overload

If your iron levels are too high, consider these approaches:

  • Limit red meat consumption
  • Avoid iron-fortified foods and supplements
  • Donate blood regularly if eligible
  • Increase consumption of iron-binding compounds (phytates in whole grains, polyphenols in tea)
  • Work with a healthcare provider on therapeutic phlebotomy if needed

The Connection Between Iron and Other Health Conditions

Iron status doesn't exist in isolation—it's intricately connected to various aspects of your health. Understanding these connections can help you take a more holistic approach to optimizing your iron levels.

Iron and Thyroid Function

Iron deficiency can impair thyroid hormone production and conversion. The enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is essential for making thyroid hormones, requires iron to function properly. This is why people with iron deficiency often experience symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, including fatigue, cold intolerance, and hair loss.

Iron and Immune Function

Both iron deficiency and excess can compromise immune function. Iron deficiency impairs the production and function of immune cells, making you more susceptible to infections. Conversely, excess iron can feed pathogenic bacteria and increase oxidative stress, also weakening immunity. Maintaining optimal iron levels supports a balanced and effective immune response.

Iron and Athletic Performance

Athletes, especially endurance athletes, have higher iron needs due to increased red blood cell turnover, iron loss through sweat, and potential gastrointestinal bleeding from intense exercise. Even mild iron deficiency without anemia can impair athletic performance by reducing oxygen delivery to muscles and compromising energy production.

Taking Action: Your Iron Health Strategy

Optimizing your iron status requires a personalized approach based on your current levels, risk factors, and health goals. Here's a practical framework for managing your iron health:

  1. Get comprehensive testing: Check ferritin along with a complete iron panel
  2. Identify your optimal range: Work with a healthcare provider to determine your target levels
  3. Address root causes: Look for underlying issues affecting absorption or loss
  4. Implement targeted strategies: Use diet and lifestyle modifications specific to your needs
  5. Monitor regularly: Retest every 3-6 months when making changes
  6. Consider the big picture: Evaluate iron in context with other nutrients and health markers

Remember that iron is just one piece of the metabolic health puzzle. Comprehensive testing that includes iron markers alongside other key biomarkers can provide the insights you need to optimize your overall health and wellbeing. Regular monitoring helps ensure you maintain optimal levels while avoiding the pitfalls of both deficiency and excess.

References

  1. Camaschella, C. (2019). Iron deficiency. Blood, 133(1), 30-39.[Link][DOI]
  2. Muckenthaler, M. U., Rivella, S., Hentze, M. W., & Galy, B. (2017). A red carpet for iron metabolism. Cell, 168(3), 344-361.[Link][DOI]
  3. Pasricha, S. R., Tye-Din, J., Muckenthaler, M. U., & Swinkels, D. W. (2021). Iron deficiency. The Lancet, 397(10270), 233-248.[Link][DOI]
  4. Sim, M., Garvican-Lewis, L. A., Cox, G. R., Govus, A., McKay, A. K., Stellingwerff, T., & Peeling, P. (2019). Iron considerations for the athlete: a narrative review. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119(7), 1463-1478.[Link][DOI]
  5. Zimmermann, M. B., & Hurrell, R. F. (2007). Nutritional iron deficiency. The Lancet, 370(9586), 511-520.[DOI]
  6. Adams, P. C., & Barton, J. C. (2010). How I treat hemochromatosis. Blood, 116(3), 317-325.[Link][DOI]

Was this article helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I test my ferritin at home?

You can test your ferritin at home with SiPhox Health's Core Health Program, which includes ferritin testing along with other essential biomarkers. This CLIA-certified program provides lab-quality results from the comfort of your home.

What is the optimal ferritin level for adults?

The optimal ferritin range for most adults is 50-150 ng/mL. However, this can vary based on factors like sex, age, and athletic status. Women may function well at the lower end of this range, while men and athletes may need levels closer to 100-150 ng/mL.

How long does it take to correct iron deficiency?

With proper supplementation and dietary changes, iron levels typically improve within 2-4 weeks, but it can take 3-6 months to fully replenish iron stores. Regular testing every 3 months helps track progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Can I have normal hemoglobin but still be iron deficient?

Yes, iron deficiency develops in stages. Your iron stores (ferritin) can be depleted long before it affects hemoglobin production. This is why testing ferritin is crucial for catching iron deficiency early, before it progresses to anemia.

What foods block iron absorption?

Foods and beverages that can inhibit iron absorption include tea and coffee (due to tannins), dairy products and calcium supplements (calcium competes with iron), whole grains and legumes (contain phytates), and eggs (contain phosvitin). To maximize absorption, consume these foods separately from iron-rich meals.

This article is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You are free to share and adapt this material with attribution.

Ask Questions About Any Health Topic

Chat with Sai, our AI health assistant, for personalized insights.

Click or drag file to upload blood test results

Backed By Leading Experts in Health Optimization

Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Health Programs Lead, Health Innovation

Dr. Tsogbayar leverages her clinical expertise to develop innovative health solutions and evidence-based coaching. Dr. Tsogbayar previously practiced as a physician with a comprehensive training background, developing specialized expertise in cardiology and emergency medicine after gaining experience in primary care, allergy & immunology, internal medicine, and general surgery.

She earned her medical degree from Imperial College London, where she also completed her MSc in Human Molecular Genetics after obtaining a BSc in Biochemistry from Queen Mary University of London. Her academic research includes significant work in developmental cardiovascular genetics, with her thesis publication contributing to the understanding of genetic modifications on embryonic cardiovascular development.

View Details
Pavel Korecky, MD

Pavel Korecky, MD

Director of Clinical Product Operations

Director of Clinical Product Operations at SiPhox Health with a background in medicine and a passion for health optimization. Experienced in leading software and clinical development teams, contributing to patents, launching health-related products, and turning diagnostics into actionable tools.

View Details
Paul Thompson, MD

Paul Thompson, MD

Advisor

Paul D. Thompson is Chief of Cardiology Emeritus of Hartford Hospital and Professor Emeritus at University of Connecticut Medical School. He has authored over 500 scientific articles on cardiovascular risk factors, the effects of exercise, and beyond. He received National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Preventive Cardiology Academic Award, and has received NIH funding for multiple studies.

Dr. Thompson’s interests in exercise, general cardiology and sports cardiology originated from his own distance running: he qualified for the 1972 Olympic Marathon Trials as a 3rd year medical student and finished 16th in the 1976 Boston Marathon. Dr. Thompson publishes a blog 500 Rules of Cardiology where he shares lessons and anecdotes that he has learned over his extensive career as a physician, researcher and teacher.

View Details
Robert Lufkin, MD

Robert Lufkin, MD

Advisor

Physician/medical school professor (UCLA and USC) and New York Times bestselling author empowering people to take back their metabolic health with lifestyle and other tools. A veteran of the Today Show, USA Today, and a regular contributor to FOX and other network news stations, his weekly video podcast reaches over 500,000 people. After reversing chronic disease and transforming his own life he is making it his mission to help others do the same.

His latest book, ‘Lies I Taught In Medical School’ is an instant New York Times bestseller and has re-framed how we think about metabolic health and longevity. In addition to being a practicing physician, he is author of over 200 peer reviewed scientific papers and 14 books that are available in fourteen languages.

View Details
Ben Bikman, PhD

Ben Bikman, PhD

Advisor

Benjamin Bikman earned his Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and was a postdoctoral fellow with the Duke-National University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. Currently, his professional focus as a scientist and professor (Brigham Young University) is to better understand the role of elevated insulin and nutrient metabolism in regulating obesity, diabetes, and dementia.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Bikman is the author of Why We Get Sick and How Not To Get Sick.

View Details
Tash Milinkovic, MD

Tash Milinkovic, MD

Health Programs Lead, Heart & Metabolic

Dr. Natasha Milinkovic is part of the clinical product team at SiPhox Health, having graduated from the University of Bristol Medical School. Her medical career includes rotations across medical and surgical specialties, with specialized research in vascular surgery, focusing on recovery and post-operative pain outcomes. Dr. Milinkovic built her expertise in emergency medicine as a clinical fellow at a major trauma center before practicing at a central London teaching hospital throughout the pandemic.

She has contributed to global health initiatives, implementing surgical safety standards and protocols across rural Uganda. Dr. Milinkovic initially joined SiPhox Health to spearhead the health coaching initiative and has been a key contributor in the development and launch of the Heart and Metabolic program. She is passionate about addressing health disparities by building scalable healthcare solutions.

View Details
Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Health Programs Lead, Health Innovation

Dr. Tsogbayar leverages her clinical expertise to develop innovative health solutions and evidence-based coaching. Dr. Tsogbayar previously practiced as a physician with a comprehensive training background, developing specialized expertise in cardiology and emergency medicine after gaining experience in primary care, allergy & immunology, internal medicine, and general surgery.

She earned her medical degree from Imperial College London, where she also completed her MSc in Human Molecular Genetics after obtaining a BSc in Biochemistry from Queen Mary University of London. Her academic research includes significant work in developmental cardiovascular genetics, with her thesis publication contributing to the understanding of genetic modifications on embryonic cardiovascular development.

View Details
Pavel Korecky, MD

Pavel Korecky, MD

Director of Clinical Product Operations

Director of Clinical Product Operations at SiPhox Health with a background in medicine and a passion for health optimization. Experienced in leading software and clinical development teams, contributing to patents, launching health-related products, and turning diagnostics into actionable tools.

View Details
Paul Thompson, MD

Paul Thompson, MD

Advisor

Paul D. Thompson is Chief of Cardiology Emeritus of Hartford Hospital and Professor Emeritus at University of Connecticut Medical School. He has authored over 500 scientific articles on cardiovascular risk factors, the effects of exercise, and beyond. He received National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Preventive Cardiology Academic Award, and has received NIH funding for multiple studies.

Dr. Thompson’s interests in exercise, general cardiology and sports cardiology originated from his own distance running: he qualified for the 1972 Olympic Marathon Trials as a 3rd year medical student and finished 16th in the 1976 Boston Marathon. Dr. Thompson publishes a blog 500 Rules of Cardiology where he shares lessons and anecdotes that he has learned over his extensive career as a physician, researcher and teacher.

View Details
Robert Lufkin, MD

Robert Lufkin, MD

Advisor

Physician/medical school professor (UCLA and USC) and New York Times bestselling author empowering people to take back their metabolic health with lifestyle and other tools. A veteran of the Today Show, USA Today, and a regular contributor to FOX and other network news stations, his weekly video podcast reaches over 500,000 people. After reversing chronic disease and transforming his own life he is making it his mission to help others do the same.

His latest book, ‘Lies I Taught In Medical School’ is an instant New York Times bestseller and has re-framed how we think about metabolic health and longevity. In addition to being a practicing physician, he is author of over 200 peer reviewed scientific papers and 14 books that are available in fourteen languages.

View Details
Ben Bikman, PhD

Ben Bikman, PhD

Advisor

Benjamin Bikman earned his Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and was a postdoctoral fellow with the Duke-National University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. Currently, his professional focus as a scientist and professor (Brigham Young University) is to better understand the role of elevated insulin and nutrient metabolism in regulating obesity, diabetes, and dementia.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Bikman is the author of Why We Get Sick and How Not To Get Sick.

View Details
Tash Milinkovic, MD

Tash Milinkovic, MD

Health Programs Lead, Heart & Metabolic

Dr. Natasha Milinkovic is part of the clinical product team at SiPhox Health, having graduated from the University of Bristol Medical School. Her medical career includes rotations across medical and surgical specialties, with specialized research in vascular surgery, focusing on recovery and post-operative pain outcomes. Dr. Milinkovic built her expertise in emergency medicine as a clinical fellow at a major trauma center before practicing at a central London teaching hospital throughout the pandemic.

She has contributed to global health initiatives, implementing surgical safety standards and protocols across rural Uganda. Dr. Milinkovic initially joined SiPhox Health to spearhead the health coaching initiative and has been a key contributor in the development and launch of the Heart and Metabolic program. She is passionate about addressing health disparities by building scalable healthcare solutions.

View Details
Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Health Programs Lead, Health Innovation

Dr. Tsogbayar leverages her clinical expertise to develop innovative health solutions and evidence-based coaching. Dr. Tsogbayar previously practiced as a physician with a comprehensive training background, developing specialized expertise in cardiology and emergency medicine after gaining experience in primary care, allergy & immunology, internal medicine, and general surgery.

She earned her medical degree from Imperial College London, where she also completed her MSc in Human Molecular Genetics after obtaining a BSc in Biochemistry from Queen Mary University of London. Her academic research includes significant work in developmental cardiovascular genetics, with her thesis publication contributing to the understanding of genetic modifications on embryonic cardiovascular development.

View Details
Pavel Korecky, MD

Pavel Korecky, MD

Director of Clinical Product Operations

Director of Clinical Product Operations at SiPhox Health with a background in medicine and a passion for health optimization. Experienced in leading software and clinical development teams, contributing to patents, launching health-related products, and turning diagnostics into actionable tools.

View Details
Paul Thompson, MD

Paul Thompson, MD

Advisor

Paul D. Thompson is Chief of Cardiology Emeritus of Hartford Hospital and Professor Emeritus at University of Connecticut Medical School. He has authored over 500 scientific articles on cardiovascular risk factors, the effects of exercise, and beyond. He received National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Preventive Cardiology Academic Award, and has received NIH funding for multiple studies.

Dr. Thompson’s interests in exercise, general cardiology and sports cardiology originated from his own distance running: he qualified for the 1972 Olympic Marathon Trials as a 3rd year medical student and finished 16th in the 1976 Boston Marathon. Dr. Thompson publishes a blog 500 Rules of Cardiology where he shares lessons and anecdotes that he has learned over his extensive career as a physician, researcher and teacher.

View Details
Robert Lufkin, MD

Robert Lufkin, MD

Advisor

Physician/medical school professor (UCLA and USC) and New York Times bestselling author empowering people to take back their metabolic health with lifestyle and other tools. A veteran of the Today Show, USA Today, and a regular contributor to FOX and other network news stations, his weekly video podcast reaches over 500,000 people. After reversing chronic disease and transforming his own life he is making it his mission to help others do the same.

His latest book, ‘Lies I Taught In Medical School’ is an instant New York Times bestseller and has re-framed how we think about metabolic health and longevity. In addition to being a practicing physician, he is author of over 200 peer reviewed scientific papers and 14 books that are available in fourteen languages.

View Details
Ben Bikman, PhD

Ben Bikman, PhD

Advisor

Benjamin Bikman earned his Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and was a postdoctoral fellow with the Duke-National University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. Currently, his professional focus as a scientist and professor (Brigham Young University) is to better understand the role of elevated insulin and nutrient metabolism in regulating obesity, diabetes, and dementia.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Bikman is the author of Why We Get Sick and How Not To Get Sick.

View Details
Tash Milinkovic, MD

Tash Milinkovic, MD

Health Programs Lead, Heart & Metabolic

Dr. Natasha Milinkovic is part of the clinical product team at SiPhox Health, having graduated from the University of Bristol Medical School. Her medical career includes rotations across medical and surgical specialties, with specialized research in vascular surgery, focusing on recovery and post-operative pain outcomes. Dr. Milinkovic built her expertise in emergency medicine as a clinical fellow at a major trauma center before practicing at a central London teaching hospital throughout the pandemic.

She has contributed to global health initiatives, implementing surgical safety standards and protocols across rural Uganda. Dr. Milinkovic initially joined SiPhox Health to spearhead the health coaching initiative and has been a key contributor in the development and launch of the Heart and Metabolic program. She is passionate about addressing health disparities by building scalable healthcare solutions.

View Details
Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Health Programs Lead, Health Innovation

Dr. Tsogbayar leverages her clinical expertise to develop innovative health solutions and evidence-based coaching. Dr. Tsogbayar previously practiced as a physician with a comprehensive training background, developing specialized expertise in cardiology and emergency medicine after gaining experience in primary care, allergy & immunology, internal medicine, and general surgery.

She earned her medical degree from Imperial College London, where she also completed her MSc in Human Molecular Genetics after obtaining a BSc in Biochemistry from Queen Mary University of London. Her academic research includes significant work in developmental cardiovascular genetics, with her thesis publication contributing to the understanding of genetic modifications on embryonic cardiovascular development.

View Details
Pavel Korecky, MD

Pavel Korecky, MD

Director of Clinical Product Operations

Director of Clinical Product Operations at SiPhox Health with a background in medicine and a passion for health optimization. Experienced in leading software and clinical development teams, contributing to patents, launching health-related products, and turning diagnostics into actionable tools.

View Details
Paul Thompson, MD

Paul Thompson, MD

Advisor

Paul D. Thompson is Chief of Cardiology Emeritus of Hartford Hospital and Professor Emeritus at University of Connecticut Medical School. He has authored over 500 scientific articles on cardiovascular risk factors, the effects of exercise, and beyond. He received National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Preventive Cardiology Academic Award, and has received NIH funding for multiple studies.

Dr. Thompson’s interests in exercise, general cardiology and sports cardiology originated from his own distance running: he qualified for the 1972 Olympic Marathon Trials as a 3rd year medical student and finished 16th in the 1976 Boston Marathon. Dr. Thompson publishes a blog 500 Rules of Cardiology where he shares lessons and anecdotes that he has learned over his extensive career as a physician, researcher and teacher.

View Details
Robert Lufkin, MD

Robert Lufkin, MD

Advisor

Physician/medical school professor (UCLA and USC) and New York Times bestselling author empowering people to take back their metabolic health with lifestyle and other tools. A veteran of the Today Show, USA Today, and a regular contributor to FOX and other network news stations, his weekly video podcast reaches over 500,000 people. After reversing chronic disease and transforming his own life he is making it his mission to help others do the same.

His latest book, ‘Lies I Taught In Medical School’ is an instant New York Times bestseller and has re-framed how we think about metabolic health and longevity. In addition to being a practicing physician, he is author of over 200 peer reviewed scientific papers and 14 books that are available in fourteen languages.

View Details
Ben Bikman, PhD

Ben Bikman, PhD

Advisor

Benjamin Bikman earned his Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and was a postdoctoral fellow with the Duke-National University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. Currently, his professional focus as a scientist and professor (Brigham Young University) is to better understand the role of elevated insulin and nutrient metabolism in regulating obesity, diabetes, and dementia.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Bikman is the author of Why We Get Sick and How Not To Get Sick.

View Details
Tash Milinkovic, MD

Tash Milinkovic, MD

Health Programs Lead, Heart & Metabolic

Dr. Natasha Milinkovic is part of the clinical product team at SiPhox Health, having graduated from the University of Bristol Medical School. Her medical career includes rotations across medical and surgical specialties, with specialized research in vascular surgery, focusing on recovery and post-operative pain outcomes. Dr. Milinkovic built her expertise in emergency medicine as a clinical fellow at a major trauma center before practicing at a central London teaching hospital throughout the pandemic.

She has contributed to global health initiatives, implementing surgical safety standards and protocols across rural Uganda. Dr. Milinkovic initially joined SiPhox Health to spearhead the health coaching initiative and has been a key contributor in the development and launch of the Heart and Metabolic program. She is passionate about addressing health disparities by building scalable healthcare solutions.

View Details
Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Tsolmon Tsogbayar, MD

Health Programs Lead, Health Innovation

Dr. Tsogbayar leverages her clinical expertise to develop innovative health solutions and evidence-based coaching. Dr. Tsogbayar previously practiced as a physician with a comprehensive training background, developing specialized expertise in cardiology and emergency medicine after gaining experience in primary care, allergy & immunology, internal medicine, and general surgery.

She earned her medical degree from Imperial College London, where she also completed her MSc in Human Molecular Genetics after obtaining a BSc in Biochemistry from Queen Mary University of London. Her academic research includes significant work in developmental cardiovascular genetics, with her thesis publication contributing to the understanding of genetic modifications on embryonic cardiovascular development.

View Details
Pavel Korecky, MD

Pavel Korecky, MD

Director of Clinical Product Operations

Director of Clinical Product Operations at SiPhox Health with a background in medicine and a passion for health optimization. Experienced in leading software and clinical development teams, contributing to patents, launching health-related products, and turning diagnostics into actionable tools.

View Details
Paul Thompson, MD

Paul Thompson, MD

Advisor

Paul D. Thompson is Chief of Cardiology Emeritus of Hartford Hospital and Professor Emeritus at University of Connecticut Medical School. He has authored over 500 scientific articles on cardiovascular risk factors, the effects of exercise, and beyond. He received National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Preventive Cardiology Academic Award, and has received NIH funding for multiple studies.

Dr. Thompson’s interests in exercise, general cardiology and sports cardiology originated from his own distance running: he qualified for the 1972 Olympic Marathon Trials as a 3rd year medical student and finished 16th in the 1976 Boston Marathon. Dr. Thompson publishes a blog 500 Rules of Cardiology where he shares lessons and anecdotes that he has learned over his extensive career as a physician, researcher and teacher.

View Details
Robert Lufkin, MD

Robert Lufkin, MD

Advisor

Physician/medical school professor (UCLA and USC) and New York Times bestselling author empowering people to take back their metabolic health with lifestyle and other tools. A veteran of the Today Show, USA Today, and a regular contributor to FOX and other network news stations, his weekly video podcast reaches over 500,000 people. After reversing chronic disease and transforming his own life he is making it his mission to help others do the same.

His latest book, ‘Lies I Taught In Medical School’ is an instant New York Times bestseller and has re-framed how we think about metabolic health and longevity. In addition to being a practicing physician, he is author of over 200 peer reviewed scientific papers and 14 books that are available in fourteen languages.

View Details
Ben Bikman, PhD

Ben Bikman, PhD

Advisor

Benjamin Bikman earned his Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and was a postdoctoral fellow with the Duke-National University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. Currently, his professional focus as a scientist and professor (Brigham Young University) is to better understand the role of elevated insulin and nutrient metabolism in regulating obesity, diabetes, and dementia.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Bikman is the author of Why We Get Sick and How Not To Get Sick.

View Details
Tash Milinkovic, MD

Tash Milinkovic, MD

Health Programs Lead, Heart & Metabolic

Dr. Natasha Milinkovic is part of the clinical product team at SiPhox Health, having graduated from the University of Bristol Medical School. Her medical career includes rotations across medical and surgical specialties, with specialized research in vascular surgery, focusing on recovery and post-operative pain outcomes. Dr. Milinkovic built her expertise in emergency medicine as a clinical fellow at a major trauma center before practicing at a central London teaching hospital throughout the pandemic.

She has contributed to global health initiatives, implementing surgical safety standards and protocols across rural Uganda. Dr. Milinkovic initially joined SiPhox Health to spearhead the health coaching initiative and has been a key contributor in the development and launch of the Heart and Metabolic program. She is passionate about addressing health disparities by building scalable healthcare solutions.

View Details