Reset Blood Test Reference Values to Suit Indian Conditions: Scientist

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
A leading scientist in the field of metabolism and aging has emphasised the need for re-optimising the standard reference ranges for blood parameters to align them with Indian conditions, instead of following the values set for western populations.

“While blood parameters are fundamental to diagnosing metabolic disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, emerging research underscores that many standard reference ranges may need to be re-optimized for Indian populations,” said Prof. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam, Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD), Hyderabad.

Delivering the National Technology Day (NTD) 2025 lecture at Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) here, he said in India reference values used in laboratories have been established based on the values from western population.

“Genetic, dietary, and environmental differences can alter biomarkers, besides life-history trajectories. Cutting-edge research is uncovering how acute and chronic dietary changes influence health at the most fundamental level—through mitochondrial function and epigenetic regulation,” Prof. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam said.

Now on deputation from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai to CDFD, Prof. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam has made seminal contributions to understanding how mitochondrial function, epigenetics, and nutrition intersect to shape health span.

He also established The Advanced Research Unit on Metabolism, Development & Aging (ARUMDA) at TIFR, a pioneering initiative addressing India’s “Double and Triple Burdens of Malnutrition, Non-communicable Diseases and Aging” through interdisciplinary research.

Presiding over the function, Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, BRIC-RGCB, said it was significant that the theme for the National Technology Day this year is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.”

Currently, a great emphasis has been given on domains like research, entrepreneurship and skill development through research, Prof Narayana said.

RGCB is at the forefront to foster an ecosystem for young researchers and entrepreneurs for making groundbreaking discoveries and the latest advancement in technologies, he added.