Metabolic Research Lab vs Function Health
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Metabolic Research Lab
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Metabolic Lab App At Lumen, we are at the forefront of metabolic research, combining pioneering technology with scientific rigor. Lumen drives groundbreaking research by providing researchers with insights into their study participants' metabolic processes. The heart of our innovation lies in our first-of-its-kind, validated handheld device. The Lumen device is a breathalyzer that measures metabolic state in real-time using CO2 and flow sensors to indirectly determine metabolic fuel usage. The Lumen device pairs with this mobile app to instruct users on how and when to perform measurements. Its ease of use and availability as a personal device for multiple research subjects allow researchers to design innovative studies, collect objective data, and track metabolic progress anywhere. Importantly, participants are not exposed to any biofeedback while using this app. We offer two ways for researchers to incorporate Lumen’s services into their work: 1. Lumen as a Metabolic Measurement Device (Metabolic Lab): Suitable for researchers studying metabolic responses to acute or long-term interventions. Researchers can define and monitor metabolic progress remotely and effortlessly, broadening their scope and study group as there is no need for participants to visit the lab. 2. Lifestyle Intervention Studies: Ideal for researchers studying the effect of lifestyle interventions on metabolism. As a participant in a study, the app intends to send you reminders and instructions to preform exhalation assessments using the Lumen’s device. Please note: to use this app, you must have Lumen device and specifically be designated by a researcher incorporating Lumen services into its study. NOT MEDICAL ADVICE OR HEALTH CARE SERVICES: THE LUMEN’S APP AND THE DEVICE ARE NOT A MEDICAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES BUT RATHER A WELLNESS PRODUCTS INTENDED TO PROVIDE METABOLIC READING AND TRACKING. THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE DO NOT DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE, OR OTHERWISE ASSIST IN SUCH TREATMENT, NOR DO THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL HEALTH ADVICE OR MEDICAL DIAGNOSES. ANY PLAN OR SUGGESTION PROVIDED BY THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED MEDICAL OR OTHER HEALTH-RELATED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT, OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. IF YOU SUFFER FROM ANY MEDICAL CONDITION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PRIOR TO THE USE OF THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE. IN ADDITION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PRIOR TO ANY RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE. RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK AND YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DECISIONS OR ACTIONS YOU TAKE BASED ON SUCH INFORMATION AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS.
Function Health
Take control of your health with comprehensive lab testing, personalized protocols, and AI-powered insights. Understand your body's data, track changes over time, and make informed decisions for long-term wellness. Connect wearables and upload records for a complete health picture.
- 160+ lab tests annually
- Personalized health protocols
- Private AI Chat for results
- Connect health wearables
- Advanced MRI & CT scans
- Upload health records
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Function membership helps you take control of your health with 160+ lab tests each year, personalized Protocols, and Private AI Chat—all backed by advanced science and your real data. Built with top doctors, Function gives you the power to understand your body, track how it evolves, and make meaningful change. NOW AVAILABLE: HOME OR OFFICE BLOOD DRAWS Schedule a concierge blood draw at your home or office. A licensed specialist comes to you and completes your blood draw in under 20 minutes. Available in select locations. 160+ LAB TESTS Membership includes testing for your heart, hormones, thyroid, liver, kidneys, toxins, nutrients, inflammation, autoimmunity, immunity and more. ADVANCED MRI & CT SCANS Detect early signs of cancer and hundreds of other potential conditions with the option to purchase advanced imaging for your brain, pancreas, liver, spine, ovaries, prostate, heart and much more. PRIVATE AI CHAT Ask questions about your results, identify meaningful patterns, and figure out where to focus next, with Private AI Chat—built in partnership with top clinicians. CONNECT WEARABLES Connect Apple Health and other health devices and wearables to see how your activity, sleep, and daily habits affect your lab test results and long-term health. PROTOCOLS Translate your lab results, scans and health history into clear, evidence-based plans for nutrition, activity, and supplements—all customizable to your goals and preferences. UPLOAD HEALTH RECORDS Upload past lab test results, scans, and other medical records for a more complete view of your health, all in one secure place. PROGRESS YOU CAN SEE Twice-yearly and On-Demand testing helps you track your results over time, monitor for early signs of disease, and identify where to focus next. ADVANCED LAB TESTS Membership includes 160+ lab tests, plus the option to purchase advanced On-Demand tests for: - Detection of 50+ cancers - Alzheimer’s risk detection - MTHFR gene variants - Advanced MRI and CT scans starting at $365 - Food allergies and sensitivities - …and much more ACCESSIBILITY What could cost as much as $15,000 on your own is included with membership for just $365/year. Lab testing is available at over 2,000 lab locations across the US, with no insurance needed. SECURITY Function was built for privacy and security. Function is built to HIPAA standards. Your information is secure. How it works: 1. Join Function and schedule your first set of lab tests. 2. Get your results and personalized Protocols. Ask questions with your Private AI Chat. 3. See your progress with 60+ lab tests at your Mid-Year Test. 4. Purchase MRI or CT scans and other advanced On-Demand Tests any time. DISCLAIMER Function Health is a technology company and not a laboratory or medical provider. All laboratory and medical services are provided by independent third parties. Function Health does not offer medical advice, laboratory services, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of a medical opinion; its services are not a substitute for medical care, medical advice, and/or a detailed discussion with a physician or other licensed provider. If you have any questions regarding any laboratory results or any other information that you access through Function Health, you should contact a physician or other licensed provider. All material, information, data, and content that Function Health provides is strictly for general information purposes. For additional important information: https:// www.functionhealth.com/terms-of-service.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Function Health at 4.9 against Metabolic Research Lab's 1.0. Function Health also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and ratings volume (25K vs 1). Metabolic Research Lab's advantage is iOS requirement (14.3 vs 16.4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Function Health holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Function Health has 25K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Metabolic Research Lab ships an update every 6 weeks, Function Health weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Metabolic Research Lab | Function Health |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.0 (1 ratings) | 4.9 (25K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 61.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 25K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 14.3 — better | 16.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 92 MB | 203 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Metaflow | Function Health |
Bugs and requests
Metabolic Research Lab
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Function Health
Reported bugs
2 issues- App sometimes redirects back to the home screen when trying to view results
- Occasional typos and formatting issues in the app
Requested features
3 requests- More customization options in the app settings
- Ability to print or export test results and recommendations
- Specific supplement recommendations rather than broad suggestions
In-app purchases
Metabolic Research Lab
No in-app purchases
Function Health
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Metabolic Research Lab free?
Is Function Health free?
Which has better reviews, Metabolic Research Lab or Function Health?
Do Metabolic Research Lab or Function Health have ads?
Which is updated more often, Metabolic Research Lab or Function Health?
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