Quest for Biomarkers of Positive Health: A Review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Assessment

Background:

• Positive health, defined as living long and well with minimal limitations, currently lacks objective assessment methods.
• Existing assessments often rely on subjective factors like diet and lifestyle, which are difficult to quantify accurately.
• There is a need for a reliable framework to objectively measure positive health at the individual level.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel framework for the objective assessment of positive health in individuals.
• To identify key, objectively measurable biomarkers indicative of positive health.
• To establish a foundation for developing quantitative measures of positive health and identifying intervention targets.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing literature to identify major biomarkers associated with disease and infirmity protection.
• Focusing on objectively measurable and noninvasive biomarkers, such as immunity levels, endorphin levels, and handgrip strength.
• Developing a conceptual framework that operationalizes the assessment of positive health based on these biomarkers.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrates the feasibility of assessing positive health through a framework based on objective biomarkers.
• Identified specific biomarkers (immunity, endorphins, handgrip strength) as potential indicators of a protective shield against ailments.
• The proposed framework highlights data gaps and suggests areas for future research in positive health assessment.

Conclusions:

• Objective assessment of positive health is feasible using a biomarker-based framework.
• The proposed framework can guide the development of quantitative scales for measuring positive health.
• This approach may stimulate research into health-promoting interventions and enhance healthy lifespan.