New Health Tech Platform Transforms Blood Tests into Wellness Insights

Feeling unwell without a clear reason is a common issue for many people today. Clinical nutritionist Vinka Wong emphasizes that such feelings of fatigue, low mood, or lack of vitality often signify the need for a deeper wellness conversation. Wong believes understanding these symptoms is crucial to achieving true wellness.

To address this growing concern, Wong and co-founder Sheree Hart have launched a health technology platform named Marko in New Zealand. This innovative platform aims to connect clinical diagnostics with everyday wellbeing. By transforming users’ blood test results from accredited laboratories into personalized action plans, Marko offers guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements. This proactive approach seeks to maintain the body’s balance before health issues escalate into serious conditions.

Traditional blood tests typically use broad “normal” ranges to identify diseases; however, Marko analyses over 30 health markers through the lens of optimal function. This refined perspective reveals what it truly means to feel good, rather than merely avoiding illness.

Wong explains, “Marko isn’t about catching what others miss; it’s about viewing your health through a new lens. The focus is on optimisation, not diagnosis.” This method can uncover subtle health issues that standard check-ups might overlook, particularly in areas like thyroid function. For instance, while a conventional test may only measure TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels, Marko assesses TSH, free T4, and thyroid antibodies using narrower, research-based ranges.

In one case, Wong recalls a woman in her forties who had been repeatedly told her thyroid levels were normal, despite experiencing fatigue and mood changes. By re-evaluating her results through Marko’s optimisation lens, it became evident that her thyroid was not functioning optimally. With tailored support from Marko, she made targeted lifestyle changes and saw significant improvements in her wellbeing within weeks.

Wong’s interest in diagnostic wellness has driven her to integrate blood work into her practice for years. She asserts, “Our blood tells such a powerful story, and yet it’s often under-utilised when it comes to feeling good, not just identifying illness.” The idea for Marko emerged when Hart, then Wong’s business coach, suggested creating a platform to scale this approach.

With contributions from general practitioners, nutritionists, and naturopaths, the Marko team developed a user-friendly system that translates complex lab data into actionable, evidence-based guidance. Wong states, “Marko helps identify the right foods, lifestyle changes, and supplements to deliver the best outcome for each individual.”

Given the overwhelming amount of health information online, many individuals fall into the trap of self-diagnosis or experimenting with random supplements. Wong notes that a one-size-fits-all approach rarely yields effective results.

Marko’s tailored model has already begun to highlight significant wellbeing trends in New Zealand. Wong points out that some of the most frequently unbalanced markers include B12, iron, folate, and vitamin D. These essential nutrients are vital for energy, mood, and immune health. “These often come back low, not due to a lack of food, but because we’re undernourished in vital nutrients,” she explains.

Wong attributes these nutrient deficiencies to stress, poor gut health, and diets that prioritize convenience over nutritional value. “We’re consuming plenty, but not necessarily absorbing or utilizing what our bodies actually need to thrive,” she adds.

The Marko platform allows users to select specific health areas to focus on, including mental health, inflammation, metabolism, and gut health. Among these, metabolic health has emerged as a prevalent concern. Wong notes that elevated blood sugars, indications of fatty liver, and abnormal cholesterol markers frequently appear, even among individuals who consider themselves relatively healthy.

Once users review their personal data, they often feel motivated to implement changes. “Marko gives them clear direction on where to focus and what steps to take,” Wong states. This empowerment is central to the platform’s mission. “A healthier society begins with individuals taking accountability for their own wellbeing, rather than relying solely on the system,” she asserts.

While Marko does not provide medical diagnoses, it encourages users to seek professional medical care when needed. Additionally, the platform offers one-on-one consultations for those seeking further guidance. Wong envisions Marko as part of a broader, collaborative health ecosystem.

“Our goal is to empower as many people as possible to take control of their health and feel remarkable doing it,” she concludes.