Marko launches in New Zealand with personalised blood insights
A new health platform named Marko has launched in New Zealand, offering people personalised insights based on their blood test results to support preventative health and wellness strategies.
Marko has been developed by clinical nutritionist Vinka Wong and Sheree Hart, aiming to transform how individuals understand their health through data-driven recommendations.
The platform operates by analysing over 30 different blood markers, with data sourced from accredited laboratories. This information is then converted into tailored nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement plans intended to help users optimise their wellbeing.
Marko's approach to blood analysis differs from standard methodologies by utilising narrower, research-based ranges drawn from data on healthy individuals. The platform's creators state that these narrower reference ranges offer deeper insight by highlighting smaller variances that could contribute to optimising health, rather than simply identifying illness.
The service is delivered through a personal online dashboard. Users receive a bespoke health score reflecting their body function, and through an annual membership, they are able to track their scores and health progress over time, following their individual action plans and opting to re-test as needed.
Deepening personal understanding
Vinka Wong, Marko Co-Founder and Clinical Nutritionist, highlighted the need for such a tool among New Zealanders seeking agency over their health. She said:
"We have access to more information than ever before, but we have very little understanding of our personal needs and what will actually make us feel remarkable. Marko's mission is to empower individuals with a holistic view of their health alongside practical, easy-to-understand strategies specific to their blood markers," Wong says.
She further outlined the scope of Marko's recommendations:
"Marko will highlight where an individual is thriving and where there's opportunity for improvement. It's not just about identifying deficiencies and potential concerns, it's about recommending the right foods, positive lifestyle changes, and personalised supplement regimes for maximum impact."
In addition to a general overview, users may focus their analysis on specific health categories. These currently span energy, immune system, inflammation, metabolism, heart health, liver health, gut health, kidney health, mental health, and vitamin D levels.
Primary healthcare system pressures
The launch of Marko comes amid sustained pressures on New Zealand's primary healthcare services, which are facing challenges including a shortage of general practitioners. Marko's creators say their preventative and holistic focus can help identify potential concerns before they develop into full illnesses, potentially reducing demands on the healthcare system.
Wong elaborated on this point in her statement:
"When individuals take control of their health and wellness, they can reduce their instances of needing to see a GP and ultimately ease the pressure on our healthcare system. This is not just a movement for individuals, it's about encouraging each other to stop letting health take a back seat."
To ensure accuracy and scientific validity, Marko has been developed with input from doctors, nutritionists, and naturopaths, and its analysis processes are informed by thousands of medical studies.
The Marko platform is available to users via annual membership, which includes access to blood marker analysis, health scoring, and ongoing tracking capabilities as individuals work towards improved health outcomes.
As New Zealand's population increasingly seeks control over health and wellness, digital tools like Marko are entering the market to fill demand for personalised preventative approaches grounded in blood biomarker data.