Helvy
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Metabolic
In the UK, the standard clinical (NHS) reference range for Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is <130 mg/dL, with <90 mg/dL (longevity-optimised: <80 mg/dL) considered the performance-optimised range. A result within these ranges suggests typical status; only a qualified clinician can interpret an individual reading.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the protein embedded in every atherogenic (artery-damaging) lipoprotein particle — including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a). Unlike standard LDL cholesterol which measures the cholesterol content inside LDL particles, ApoB counts the actual number of particles. This distinction matters because particle number — not cholesterol content — drives atherosclerosis.
Optimal range · UK
<90 mg/dL (longevity-optimised: <80 mg/dL)
Performance-optimised band · clinical (NHS) range <130 mg/dL
Clinical (NHS)
<130 mg/dL
Performance
<90 mg/dL (longevity-optimised: <80 mg/dL)
Reference ranges for ApoB, not a personal result. Any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Optimal ranges
| Range | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinical (NHS) reference range | <130 mg/dL |
| Performance-optimised range | <90 mg/dL (longevity-optimised: <80 mg/dL) |
The clinical range defines what is considered medically “normal” — broad enough to cover 95% of the population. The performance range reflects where research and clinical experience suggest most people feel and function at their best. A result in either range suggests typical status and is not a diagnosis; any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Why it matters
ApoB is increasingly recognised as the single best predictor of cardiovascular risk — superior to LDL-C, total cholesterol, and even the TC:HDL ratio. The European Atherosclerosis Society recommends ApoB measurement for accurate cardiovascular risk assessment. Two people can have identical LDL-C numbers but very different ApoB levels (and very different risk) depending on their particle size distribution. For men focused on longevity, ApoB is the marker that bridges the gap between a standard cholesterol panel and actual arterial risk.
Symptoms
Low / Deficiency
High / Excess
Dietary sources
Supplementation
Omega-3 fish oil (2-4g EPA+DHA daily) reduces ApoB-containing particle count by lowering VLDL production. Plant sterols and stanols (2g/day) block cholesterol absorption and can reduce ApoB by 5-10%. Berberine (1,000-1,500mg daily in divided doses) has LDL-lowering effects comparable to low-dose statins in some studies — it upregulates LDL receptors. Citrus bergamot extract (500-1,000mg daily) has emerging evidence for LDL particle reduction. For significantly elevated ApoB (>130), lifestyle plus pharmaceutical intervention (statins) may be warranted — discuss with your GP.
Testing
ApoB is measured from a blood sample. With Helvy, that means a finger-prick kit taken at home and posted to a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory, with results in around 5 days, reviewed by a qualified clinician. Your result is reported against both the clinical range (<130 mg/dL) and the performance-optimal range (<90 mg/dL (longevity-optimised: <80 mg/dL)), so you can see not just whether you are “normal” but whether you are optimal. If you make a change, retest after 8-12 weeks to confirm it worked.
Research
Apolipoprotein B and cardiovascular disease: biomarker and potential therapeutic target
Sniderman AD, Thanassoulis G, Glavinovic T, et al.
The Lancet (2019)
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32519-0Related biomarkers
Related guides
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Your data suggests areas for optimisation, but any concerns should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. If your results flag values outside safe ranges, we recommend consulting your GP.
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