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Apple Health MCP Server

Apple Health MCP Server

npm version License: MIT

Query Apple Health data from an MCP client using SQL and DuckDB. The server runs locally, reads CSV exports on demand, and provides tools for schema discovery, analytical queries, and health summaries.

Requirements

The native Apple Health export.xml format is not currently supported.

Related MCP server: apple-mcp

Configure an MCP client

For Claude Desktop, add the following to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "apple-health": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@neiltron/apple-health-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "HEALTH_DATA_DIR": "/path/to/your/unzipped/health-export"
      }
    }
  }
}

Restart the client after changing its configuration. Other MCP clients can use the same command, arguments, environment, and stdio transport.

Environment variables

Variable

Required

Default

Purpose

HEALTH_DATA_DIR

Yes

Directory containing the exported CSV files

MAX_MEMORY_MB

No

2048

DuckDB memory limit in megabytes

CACHE_SIZE

No

100

Maximum number of cached query results

Export health data

  1. Install and open Simple Health Export CSV on your iPhone.

  2. Select All and choose the time range to export.

  3. Transfer the archive to the computer running your MCP client.

  4. Unzip it and set HEALTH_DATA_DIR to the resulting directory.

The server reads the files in place. It does not upload the export or make network requests, although query results returned to your MCP client may be sent to that client's configured model provider.

Tools

Tool

Purpose

health_schema

Discover table names, columns, units, and sample rows

health_query

Run one DuckDB SELECT-family analytical statement with JSON, CSV, or summary output

health_report

Generate a weekly, monthly, or custom health summary

Start with health_schema; table names depend on the files in your export. See Querying Apple Health data for the data model and working examples.

health_query accepts one DuckDB analytical statement. See Query safeguards for supported statements and restricted operations.

Query safeguards

The server limits DuckDB file access to HEALTH_DATA_DIR. It also disables network access and temporary disk storage, and it locks the database settings. The data directory stays readable and writable so the importer can read CSV files.

These controls reduce accidental side effects from generated SQL. They do not isolate the process. Run the server through a local stdio MCP client. Do not expose it to an untrusted network client. Use process or OS isolation if the server must accept untrusted SQL.

History and memory

The first request that needs a table loads that table's full CSV history. There is no date window, so a query can reach as far back as the export goes.

Because every tool can reach the whole configured history, only start this server from an MCP client you trust with that data.

Loaded tables are held in memory, and DuckDB is given the MAX_MEMORY_MB limit described above. Roughly 1 GiB covers a two-year multi-table export, so the 2048MB default leaves headroom; raise MAX_MEMORY_MB for a larger export. The server never spills health rows to a temporary directory on disk, so an export that does not fit in the limit fails with an explicit error instead.

Other current limitations:

  • Only the Simple Health Export CSV layout is supported.

  • The DuckDB database is in memory and is rebuilt for each server process, so each launch reloads from the CSV files. Persistent incremental import is planned future work, not current behavior.

  • Device overlap can produce duplicate-looking measurements; queries should account for sourceName where appropriate.

  • Health reports summarize recorded data and are not medical advice.

Development

git clone https://github.com/neiltron/apple-health-mcp.git
cd apple-health-mcp
bun install

npm test
npm run typecheck
npm run build

See Architecture for the code layout, data lifecycle, and implementation constraints. See Release procedure for publishing and recovery steps.

License

MIT

Available Tools

3 tools
health_queryB

Run one analytical query on Apple Health data.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queryYesOne DuckDB analytical query. Joins, CTEs, subqueries, set operations, and window functions are supported.
formatNoOutput format (default: json)

TDQS

B3.1/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the behavioral burden. It states the tool runs a query but does not explicitly disclose that it is read-only, whether there are side effects, limits on query complexity or result size, or what the tool returns. 'Analytical query' weakly implies a read operation, but this is under-specified for a tool that accepts arbitrary SQL.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single front-loaded sentence with no filler: it names the verb, resource, and scope immediately. It is concise, but so terse that it misses opportunities to add routing or behavioral context that would make it more genuinely helpful.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a tool accepting arbitrary DuckDB SQL over health data, an agent needs to know how to discover available tables and fields IAW health_schema, and what output shape or limits to expect. With no output schema, no annotations, and no mention of health_schema, the description is only minimally viable.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents the query string and the format enum including the default JSON value. The description adds the 'one analytical query' framing but no additional parameter detail beyond the schema, so the baseline 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb ('Run') and names the resource ('Apple Health data'), with the qualifier 'one analytical query.' It clearly communicates what the tool does, though it does not explicitly distinguish itself from the sibling tools health_report and health_schema.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Usage is implied: use this tool when an analytical query needs to be executed against Apple Health data. However, there is no explicit guidance about when to choose this tool over health_report or health_schema, and no mention of alternatives or exclusions.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

health_reportB

Generate structured health reports for a specific period

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
end_dateNoEnd date for custom reports (YYYY-MM-DD)
start_dateNoStart date for custom reports (YYYY-MM-DD)
report_typeYesType of report to generate
include_metricsNoMetrics to include (default: all)

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It only says 'Generate structured health reports' without disclosing whether the operation is read-only, what permissions are needed, what side effects exist, or what the output format is. This is insufficient for a tool with no output schema.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence with no filler or redundant information. It is front-loaded with the action and object, making it easy to scan.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given there is no output schema and no annotations, the description is too minimal to provide complete context. It does not specify what a health report contains, how it is structured, or any edge-case behavior. The presence of sibling tools and moderate parameter count (4) calls for more explanatory content.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds minimal value beyond the schema—it merely echoes the 'specific period' concept already covered by start_date and end_date descriptions. It does not explain report_type enum semantics or include_metrics default behavior.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific action ('Generate') and resource ('structured health reports') with a scope ('for a specific period'). It is clear what the tool does, though it does not explicitly distinguish itself from sibling tools like health_query or health_schema beyond the word 'report'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Usage context is implied by the description: it generates reports for a period. However, there is no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus siblings, nor any alternative or exclusion criteria.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

health_schemaA

Get information about available health data tables, their structure, and sample data to help write SQL queries

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden. It indicates a read-only, informational operation ('Get information'), which is consistent with a schema tool. However, it does not disclose any behavioral details such as data source, freshness, or access restrictions beyond the basic read-only implication.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, concise sentence that front-loads the action ('Get information') and immediately specifies the resource and purpose. Every phrase adds value with no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple, parameterless tool, the description is largely complete. It specifies what the tool returns (table structures and sample data) and why it is useful (writing SQL queries). Without an output schema, this baseline description suffices.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema is empty with zero parameters, so there are no parameter semantics to explain. Per the baseline for 0-parameter tools, this scores 4.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Get information about available health data tables, their structure, and sample data.' It uses a specific verb ('get') and a specific resource, and the context of sibling tools (health_query, health_report) makes it distinct as the metadata/schema exploration tool.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage before writing SQL queries ('to help write SQL queries'), but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus health_query or health_report, nor does it mention any exclusions or alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Tool Schema Changelog

Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. 1 tool updatev1.4.5
    • Changedhealth_query1 field changed
      • changedInput schema / properties / query / description
        Previous value: -"SQL SELECT query to execute"New value: +"One DuckDB analytical query. Joins, CTEs, subqueries, set operations, and window functions are supported."
  2. 3 tool updatesv0.1.0
    • First observedhealth_query
    • First observedhealth_report
    • First observedhealth_schema

TDQS

A3.7/5.0

Scored across 3 tools

Disambiguation5/5

Each tool serves a clearly distinct purpose: health_query runs analytical queries, health_report generates reports, and health_schema provides metadata about tables. There is no overlap in functionality.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tools follow a consistent pattern with the prefix 'health_' followed by a clear noun (query, report, schema). Naming is uniform and predictable.

Tool Count4/5

With only 3 tools, the set is compact but well-scoped for the stated analytical purpose. While slightly minimal, each tool earns its place and doesn't feel overly sparse.

Completeness4/5

The tools cover the essential analytical workflow: querying data, generating reports, and understanding schema. Minor gaps exist (e.g., no direct data export), but for the apparent read-only analytical scope, coverage is sufficient.

Maintenance

ActivityActive
ResponsivenessWithin a week

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