Apolipoprotein A1: normal range and what it means
Short answer: The healthy Apolipoprotein A1 range HealthOS uses is ≥ 130 mg/dL for men and ≥ 140 mg/dL for women. In SI units that is about ≥ 1.3 g/L for men and ≥ 1.4 g/L for women. Many labs print a wider reference range, so read your value against the one on your report too.
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Where does your Apolipoprotein A1 sit?
The healthy range is different for women and men.
Your result
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Information, not a diagnosis. Talk to a doctor about your result, and sooner if you feel unwell.
The main protein in HDL — higher is protective.
Normal range
This marker’s healthy range depends on sex and age.
| Normal range | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 105 mg/dL | < 115 mg/dL |
| Borderline | 105 – 130 mg/dL | 115 – 140 mg/dL |
| Optimal | ≥ 130 mg/dL | ≥ 140 mg/dL |
What it measures
The main structural protein on HDL particles, and a more direct count of them than HDL cholesterol is. Higher is generally protective.
What moves it
Aerobic exercise, alcohol in moderate amounts, and genetics. It tracks broadly with HDL and tends to fall with insulin resistance.
How to bring it into range
Regular aerobic exercise, olive oil and other monounsaturated fats, and stopping smoking all raise it. Very low-fat diets tend to lower it.
How fast it responds
Six to twelve weeks.
Also reported as: apo a1 · apolipoprotein-a1
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Common questions
- What is the normal Apolipoprotein A1 range?
- The healthy Apolipoprotein A1 range HealthOS uses is ≥ 130 mg/dL for men and ≥ 140 mg/dL for women. In SI units that is about ≥ 1.3 g/L for men and ≥ 1.4 g/L for women. Many labs print a wider reference range, so read your value against the one on your report too.
- What does a high Apolipoprotein A1 mean?
- A value above the reference band means Apolipoprotein A1 is outside the range typical for a healthy adult. A single reading is rarely conclusive on its own — what matters is the trend across draws and the other markers around it, which is why HealthOS reads the whole panel together rather than one number at a time.
- How do I improve my Apolipoprotein A1?
- Regular aerobic exercise, olive oil and other monounsaturated fats, and stopping smoking all raise it. Very low-fat diets tend to lower it.
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More in Lipids
Reference ranges are general-population guidance compiled from common clinical laboratories, not a diagnosis. Lab-to-lab ranges differ. Always read your results with your doctor.