Life Extension vs Function Health
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison
Compare costs, biomarker coverage, and value to find the best blood testing service for your needs
Quick Comparison Summary
Best Value
Function Health
43.8 biomarkers per $100
Most Comprehensive
Function Health
160+ biomarkers tested
Most Tests Per Year
Function Health
2 tests/year
Cost & Value Comparison
Life Extension
Annual Cost$486
Tests per Year2
Total Biomarkers40+
Cost per Test$243
Function Health
Annual Cost$365
Tests per Year2
Total Biomarkers160+
Cost per Test$182
Service Details
| Feature | Life Extension | Function Health |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Locations | Quest locations | 2000+ Quest |
| Key Features | Male/Female Elite panels, free wellness specialist consultation, 250+ individual tests available | Cancer markers, autoimmune panel (ANA), advanced lipids (ApoB), heavy metals (lead), Omega-3, clinician review |
| Notes | Annual sale pricing $243/test. 2024-2025 updates:added Cortisol, TIBC, UIBC, Iron Saturation. NMR LipoProfile and Omega-3 Index available. HSA/FSA eligible | $365/year. 160+ lab tests 2x/year plus on-demand testing. GRAIL cancer screening, MRI/CT scans, Alzheimer's testing, mold reactivity as add-ons. HSA/FSA eligible. |
Biomarker Coverage Comparison
52
Tests in Common
1
Only in Life Extension
56
Only in Function Health
Tests Only in Life Extension
- UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)(Vitamins &Nutrients)
Tests Only in Function Health
- Lipoprotein (a)(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- LDL Particle Number(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- LDL Particle Size(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)(Liver Function)
- BUN/Creatinine Ratio(Kidney Function)
- Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)(Thyroid Function)
- TPO Antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase)(Thyroid Function)
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies(Thyroid Function)
- Iodine(Thyroid Function)
- Selenium(Thyroid Function)
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)(Sex Hormones (Male))
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)(Sex Hormones (Female))
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone)(Sex Hormones (Female))
- Prolactin(Sex Hormones (Female))
- AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)(Sex Hormones (Female))
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)(Inflammation &Immune Markers)
- Vitamin B12(Vitamins &Nutrients)
- Folate(Vitamins &Nutrients)
- Iron (Serum)(Vitamins &Nutrients)
- TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)(Vitamins &Nutrients)
- Omega-3 Index / Fatty Acids(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Heavy Metals - Lead(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Heavy Metals - Mercury(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Creatine Kinase(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance)(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- ANA Screen (Antinuclear Antibodies)(Autoimmune Markers)
- ANA Titer(Autoimmune Markers)
- ANA Pattern(Autoimmune Markers)
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF)(Autoimmune Markers)
- Celiac Disease Panel (Comprehensive)(Autoimmune Markers)
- CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- CA 19-9 (Pancreatic/GI Cancer)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein - Liver Cancer)(Cancer Screening Markers)
- Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio(Additional Specialized Tests)
- LDL-P (LDL Particle Number)(Additional Specialized Tests)
- LDL Particle Size Analysis(Additional Specialized Tests)
- HDL Subfractions (Large/Small)(Additional Specialized Tests)
- Transferrin Saturation(Additional Specialized Tests)
- Cystatin C(Kidney Function)
- Reverse T3(Thyroid Function)
- Pregnenolone(Sex Hormones (Male))
- Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)(Complete Blood Count (CBC))
- Zinc(Electrolytes &Minerals)
- Copper(Electrolytes &Minerals)
- Oxidized LDL (OxLDL)(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
- Fibrinogen(Inflammation &Immune Markers)
- Lipase(Liver Function)
- PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)(Electrolytes &Minerals)
- Osteocalcin(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Leptin(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- Adiponectin(Advanced / Specialty Markers)
- C-Peptide(Metabolic Health / Glucose)
- Immature Granulocytes(Complete Blood Count (CBC))
- Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)(Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health)
Complete Biomarker Comparison by Category
Filter by Category
Ready to Choose?
Based on this comparison, make an informed decision about your blood testing provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provider is better:Life Extension or Function Health?
Function Health provides better value with 43.8 biomarkers per $100 spent, offering more comprehensive coverage for your investment.
However, the best choice depends on your specific health goals, budget, and which biomarkers are most important for your situation.
How much do Life Extension and Function Health cost per year?
Life Extension costs $486 per year for 2,
while Function Health costs $365 per year for 2.
The cost per test is $243
for Life Extension and $182
for Function Health.
What biomarkers does Life Extension test that Function Health doesn't?
Life Extension includes 1 unique biomarkers not found in Function Health's panel.
These include UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity).
Can I use insurance with Life Extension or Function Health?
Both Life Extension and Function Health are direct-to-consumer services that typically don't accept insurance.
However, you may be able to submit receipts to your insurance for reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits,
or use HSA/FSA funds for payment. Check with your insurance provider and the testing companies for specific policies.
How often should I get blood work done?
Most health optimization experts recommend testing 2-4 times per year to establish baselines and track trends.
Life Extension includes 2 in their annual membership,
while Function Health includes 2.
More frequent testing allows you to track the effectiveness of interventions and catch changes early.
Where can I get blood drawn for these tests?
Life Extension uses Quest locations,
while Function Health uses 2000+ Quest.
Both typically have thousands of collection centers nationwide. You'll schedule your blood draw through their platform after ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Life Extension or Function Health?
Function Health is cheaper at $365/year compared to Life Extension at $486/year.
Which tests more biomarkers, Life Extension or Function Health?
Life Extension tests 40+ biomarkers while Function Health tests 160+ biomarkers.
What is Life Extension best for?
Life Extension offers 40+ biomarkers for $486/year with 2 test(s) per year. Key features include:Male/Female Elite panels, free wellness specialist consultation, 250+ individual tests available
What is Function Health best for?
Function Health offers 160+ biomarkers for $365/year with 2 test(s) per year. Key features include:Cancer markers, autoimmune panel (ANA), advanced lipids (ApoB), heavy metals (lead), Omega-3, clinician review
Which offers better value, Life Extension or Function Health?
Function Health offers better value with approximately 43.8 biomarkers per $100 spent, compared to Life Extension's 8.2 biomarkers per $100.