Blood Tests Reimagined: Marko Bridges Health Gaps for Wellbeing

Feeling depleted and unable to pinpoint the cause may find an answer through blood testing, according to clinical nutritionist Vinka Wong. Many individuals experience a persistent sense of fatigue, mental fog, or low mood without a clear diagnosis. Wong emphasizes that optimal health is a deeply personal journey, where understanding one’s body is key to thriving.

To address these common health challenges, Marko, a health tech platform co-founded by Wong and Sheree Hart in New Zealand, aims to connect clinical diagnostics with everyday wellness practices. The platform translates users’ blood test results from accredited laboratories into personalized action plans, incorporating nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations. This proactive approach seeks to maintain the body’s natural balance before health issues escalate into more significant problems.

Traditional blood test interpretations often rely on broad “normal” ranges, which can overlook subtler signs of dysfunction. In contrast, Marko analyzes over 30 health markers through a lens of optimal functioning. Its narrower, research-informed ranges help individuals understand what it truly means to feel well, rather than merely avoiding illness.

“Marko isn’t about catching what others miss; it’s about viewing your health through a new lens,” Wong explains. “The focus is on optimization, not diagnosis.” This innovative perspective can reveal nuances that typical medical check-ups might neglect. For instance, traditional thyroid tests may only measure TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels, indicating that everything is normal. Marko, however, evaluates TSH alongside free T4 and thyroid antibodies, using tighter ranges to assess the actual functioning of the thyroid.

Wong shares the story of a woman in her forties who had been informed her thyroid was normal despite experiencing chronic fatigue, mood swings, and weight fluctuations. By analyzing her results through the Marko platform, it became evident that her thyroid function was suboptimal. With tailored advice, she implemented specific changes, leading to noticeable improvements in her energy levels within weeks.

Wong has been passionate about the diagnostic aspect of wellness for years, integrating blood work into her clinic to uncover valuable insights. “Our blood tells such a powerful story, and yet it’s often under-utilised when it comes to feeling good,” she notes. The idea of creating a platform was born from discussions with her then-business coach Hart, leading to the development of a system that translates complex lab data into accessible, actionable guidance.

Marko not only identifies essential dietary changes but also highlights lifestyle adjustments and supplements necessary for optimal health. Wong points out that the internet is saturated with health advice, making it easy for individuals to fall into the pitfalls of self-diagnosis or to experiment with unverified supplements. “A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works,” she adds.

The tailored model provided by Marko is already shedding light on broader wellness trends among New Zealanders. Wong notes that markers frequently found out of balance include B12, iron, folate, and vitamin D. These nutrients are critical for energy, mood, and immune system function, yet they often appear low not due to dietary deficiencies but due to inadequate nutrient absorption.

Stress, poor gut health, and diets prioritizing convenience over nutritional quality contribute to these imbalances. “We’re consuming plenty, but not necessarily absorbing or utilising what our bodies need to thrive,” Wong explains. Users of the platform can focus on specific health areas, such as mental health, inflammation, metabolism, and gut health. Notably, metabolic health has emerged as a significant concern, with elevated blood sugar levels, signs of fatty liver, and abnormal cholesterol markers frequently observed, even in individuals who consider themselves healthy.

Once individuals view their personal health data, they often feel empowered to enact meaningful changes. “Marko provides clear direction on where to focus and what steps to take,” Wong says. 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. Providing users with access to actionable knowledge can help alleviate unnecessary medical appointments, allowing healthcare resources to be more effectively allocated.

While Marko does not offer formal diagnoses and encourages users to seek medical care when necessary, it provides one-on-one consultations for those needing additional guidance. Wong envisions Marko as one component 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,” Wong concludes. This innovative approach to blood testing and wellness may just be the key to unlocking a healthier future for many.