bloodtype
Background
Your blood is vital to your health; it is the lifeline to every organ in the body and a goldmine in terms of health monitoring. Any significant alteration will impair your performance, often to the level you feel weak and fatigued. Why do you think athletes such as Lance Armstrong went to extreme lengths to blood dope? Anyway, here is a quick primer on blood components and what is worth measuring as a health check-up.
Fatigue
Let us start with the investigation of fatigue. Where fatigue is due to a medical cause, the main things to rule out are anaemia and vitamin deficiency. Here is a good guide to finding what is wrong:
| Nutrient | Signs & Symptoms of deficiency | Food Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Dry Skin Poor night vision Gingivitis Acne Rough/bumpy skin on the back of the arms (Keratosis) | Liver Egg yolks Butternut Squash Sweet potato Carrots Kale Spinach Butter Broccoli |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | Sore reddened tongue Nerve pain (can also be too much B6 as well) Mood issues PMS & Oedema Acne | Turkey Beef Pistachios Avocado Sunflower seeds Sesame seeds Chicken Molasses *minimise all alcohol intake |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | Fatigue Mouth sores Pale skin Grey hair Tongue swelling | Leafy Greens Asparagus Legumes Eggs Beetroot Nuts & Seeds Sprouts Broccoli Avocado Papaya Banana |
| Vitamin B12 | Fatigue Pale or yellowing skin Weakness Pins and needles Balance and coordination issues/mobility Mouth ulcers Low mood Breathless/dizziness | Liver Eggs Wild Salmon Red Meat Sardines Mackerel Feta Cheese Cottage Cheese Nutritional Yeast |
| Vitamin C | Poor skin – rough/bumpy/dry/damaged Indented nail beds Easy bruising Poor wound healing Bleeding gums Reduced immunity Iron deficiency Fatigue Inability to lose fat even with predicted calorie deficit | Papaya Peppers Strawberries Oranges Pineapple Kiwi fruit Brussels sprouts Broccoli Cauliflower Potatoes Cherry |
| Copper | Premature greying of hair Fatigue Frequent illness Memory issues Issues with gait and walking Pale skin | Liver Oysters Dark chocolate Cashews Sunflower seeds Mushrooms Oats |
| Iron | Fatigue Pale skin Weakness Dizziness Tongue swelling/soreness Rapid heart rate Cold hands and feet Hair loss Dry skin Restless legs Brittle nails | Liver Shellfish Red Meat Quinoa Broccoli Pumpkin seeds Turkey Spinach Tofu Dark Chocolate |
| Zinc | Poor nail health – white specks, brittle etc Poor wound healing Diarrhoea Reduced appetite Cognitive decline Immune issues | Oysters Spinach Beef Lamb Asparagus Venison Sea Vegetables Pumpkin Seeds Broccoli Sesame seeds |
Iron (Ferritin)
Athletes go through their red blood cells and iron stores more quickly than the average 120 days for an adult, typically in half this time. This is presumably due to the combination of blood loss and mechanical stress causing red blood cell breakdown (but also sweat loss, inflammation loss, and micro-bleeding). Iron is continuously being lost during exercise, there is no innate mechanism to replace it, so sufficient iron must either come through the diet or supplementation.
The amount of ferritin in the blood reflects the total level of iron stored within your body. Ferritin levels can be raised due to inflammation. Very high levels of ferritin indicate a large build-up of iron in the body which can be due to a hereditary condition called haemochromatosis. Low ferritin levels are often caused by iron deficiency which can lead to anaemia and the production of small red blood cells. A high iron diet would include red meat, shellfish, spinach, liver, legumes, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, quinoa, turkey, broccoli, tofu, dark chocolate, oats, coconut milk, fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, beans and dried fruit.
Now let’s consider a more general blood workup for lipids (fats), glucose (sugar), hormones, and inflammation.
Lipids and Blood Count
Lipid Profile is used to help determine heart disease risk and to help decide treatment if you are borderline or high risk. The results of the lipid profile and other known risk factors of heart disease are considered to develop treatment and follow-up. Depending on your results and other risk factors, treatment options may involve diet and exercise changes or lipid-lowering medications such as statins.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential and Platelets: A complete blood count (CBC) gives important information about the numbers and kinds of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC helps your health professional check any symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, or bruising. A CBC also helps your health professional diagnose conditions, such as infection, anaemia, and several other disorders. Test includes: WBC, RBC, Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelets, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, and Immature Granulocytes.
- White Blood Count: 5.0–7.5
- Neutrophils: 40–60%. Higher = viruses, autoimmunity, or detoxification challenges
- Monocytes: 0–7%. Higher = liver dysfunction, prostate problems, or recovering from infection (or Epstein-Barr virus)
- Eosinophils: 0–3%. Higher = food sensitivities, environmental allergies, or parasites
- Basophils: 0–1%. Higher = tissue inflammation
| Marker | Iron deficiency | Vitamin A deficiency | Copper deficiency | Zinc deficiency | B6 deficiency | B9/Folate deficiency | B12 deficiency | Haemolytic deficiency | Anaemia of Inflammation | Anaemia due to blood loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < |
| Hb | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < |
| Hct | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | < |
| MCV | < | < | < | < | < | > | > | N / < | N / < | N |
| MCH | < | < | < | < | < | > | > | N / < | N / < | N |
| MCHC | < | < | < | < | < | > | > | N / < | N / < | N |
| RDW | > | > | > | > | < | > | > | N | N | N |
| Reticulocyte Count | < | < | < | < | < | < | < | > | N / < | > |
| Serum Iron | < | > | < | > | > | N | N | > | N / < | < |
| Ferritin | < | > | < | > | > | N | N | > | N / > | < |
| TIBC | > | < | > | < | < | N | N | < | – | > |
Legend: < = Low, N = Normal, > = High
*Adapted from Dr Bryan Walsh & Dr Dicken Weatherby Practitioner Course Content
Metabolic Profile
Metabolic Panel (Fluids & Electrolytes) is a group of laboratory tests ordered to give information about the current status of your liver, kidneys, electrolyte and acid/base balance, blood sugar, and blood proteins. Blood sugar level, the most direct test to discover diabetes or prediabetes, may be used not only to identify diabetes but also to evaluate how one controls the disease. Sodium: One of the major salts in the body fluid, sodium is important in the body’s water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. Potassium: Helps to control the nerves and muscles. Chloride: Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. Carbon Dioxide: Used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances. Calcium: A mineral essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting.
Liver panel: Total Protein: Together with albumin, it is a measure of the state of nutrition in the body. Albumin: Serum one of the major proteins in the blood and a reflection of the general state of nutrition. Globulin, Total: A major group of proteins in the blood comprising the infection-fighting antibodies. Albumin/Globulin Ratio: Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin. Bilirubin, Total: A chemical involved with liver functions; high concentrations may result in jaundice. Alkaline Phosphatase: A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT): An enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver, and other organs; abnormalities may represent liver disease. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT): An enzyme found primarily in the liver; abnormalities may represent liver disease.
Bone Health
Bone health depends on a tightly regulated metabolic network involving calcium-phosphate balance, endocrine signalling, protein turnover, renal function, and mechanical loading. Your skeleton is in a constant state of remodelling: osteoblasts build new bone while osteoclasts break it down (resorption). An imbalance in this process drives osteopenia and osteoporosis. Key regulators include vitamin D (crucial for intestinal calcium absorption), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone, which suppress resorption), and cortisol. Adequate magnesium, vitamin K, phosphate, and dietary protein are also essential for collagen matrix formation and mineralisation.
Several lifestyle and systemic factors can impair bone remodelling, including chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, low protein intake, smoking, excess alcohol, and reduced physical activity. Furthermore, secondary conditions like chronic kidney disease, malabsorption (e.g., coeliac disease), hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, or prolonged glucocorticoid exposure can significantly increase fracture risk by altering mineralisation or accelerating bone turnover.
Laboratory assessment of bone metabolism typically includes:
- Basic Minerals & Regulators: Serum calcium (total and ionised), phosphate, magnesium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and PTH.
- Organ Function & Enzymes: Creatinine/eGFR, albumin, liver function tests, and Alkaline Phosphatase (especially bone-specific ALP).
- Bone Turnover Markers: These help quantify the rate of active remodelling. Formation markers include P1NP and osteocalcin, while resorption markers include CTX and NTX.
- Endocrine & Systemic Contributors: When secondary osteoporosis is suspected, testing may expand to include TSH/free T4, testosterone/oestradiol, LH/FSH, cortisol, prolactin, and inflammatory markers (CRP/ESR). Urinary calcium excretion can also distinguish absorptive versus renal calcium losses.
Interpretation of these biomarkers must always consider age, sex, menopausal status, circadian variation, and medications, as many of these levels fluctuate significantly with physiology and disease state.
Hormones and Proteins
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment): A C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood. C-reactive protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body; high levels of CRP are caused by infections and several long-term diseases. However, a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it; other tests will be needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.
Testosterone Free (Direct) Serum Test with Total Testosterone: High free testosterone in men and women can have significant impacts on health and behaviour. Testosterone is believed to play an important role in bone and muscle strength and libido in women. Testosterone is a steroid hormone (androgen) that is produced by special endocrine tissue (the Leydig cells) in the male testes. Its production is controlled by luteinising hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. Testosterone works within a negative feedback mechanism, so as testosterone increases, LH decreases, while increased LH causes decreased testosterone. Testosterone levels are diurnal and peak in the early morning hours (about 4:00 to 8:00 am), and have the lowest levels in the evening. Levels increase after exercise as well, but decrease with age. Nearly two-thirds of testosterone circulates in the blood bound to sex-hormone binding protein and slightly less than one-third is bound to albumin. A small percent circulates in the blood as free testosterone.
Aldolase: An enzyme that helps convert glucose into energy. It is found throughout the body but is primarily found in high levels in muscle tissue. It is elevated in the bloodstream when a patient has muscle or liver damage or disease. High levels are found in progressive Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD).
Growth Hormone (HGH) Serum Test: HGH is one of several endocrine hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, oestrogen, melatonin and DHEA that decline in production as we age. As the name suggests, human Growth Hormone makes humans grow. HGH is critical for tissue repair, muscle growth, healing, bone strength, brain function, physical and mental health, energy, and metabolism. Production of HGH will decrease with age, 14% each year on average.
Homocysteine: An amino acid normally found in the body has a metabolism that is linked to that of several vitamins, especially folic acid, B6, and B12, and deficiencies of those vitamins may cause elevated levels of homocysteine. Studies suggest that those with elevated homocysteine levels have a much greater risk of heart attack or stroke than those with average levels.
Glucose
Glucose Health looks for diabetes, prediabetes and related problems with glucose control.
Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is formed from glucose and haemoglobin. The amount of HbA1c is directly correlated to the amount of glucose in your bloodstream and provides an average picture of glucose levels over the last 2–3 months. It is therefore considered one of the best indicators for pre-diabetes and is also used by people with diabetes to keep their levels in control. If you are not a known diabetic and your levels are above the normal range, try the following:
- Quit smoking to get haemoglobin A1c levels down.
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
- Exercise and lose weight.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle to keep your blood sugar levels in control.
Insulin (Optimal value = 2–5 μIU/ml): Low fasting insulin can be an excellent marker for assessing longevity, correlating to glycaemic variability—essentially how often your blood sugar is elevated. A high fasting insulin level is associated with a greater risk of cancer mortality. In addition, cancer patients who eat the highest amount of insulin-producing foods experience worsened cancer and increased overall mortality.
An interesting fact is that hypertension is an early indicator of insulin resistance. As insulin levels increase, a hormone called aldosterone also increases. Aldosterone causes us to retain sodium, which causes us to retain water. Reducing dietary sodium has a modest effect on hypertension but does not address the root cause of elevated insulin levels.
science
Biomarker Tests A-Z
| Biomarker | Description | Typical Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Active B12 | Vitamin B12 is absorbed by the body through diet and is often measured alongside folate. It has an important role to play in the production of healthy red blood cells but also has a function in nerve health. Deficiencies in B12 can lead to anaemia. | > 37.5 pmol/L |
| Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) | An enzyme found mostly in the liver. Only small amounts are usually found in the blood. If the liver or muscles are damaged, an increased level of ALT will be released into the bloodstream. | 0–40 IU/L |
| Albumin | A protein made in the liver which circulates in the blood. The amount of albumin is directly associated with liver function and nutritional health. Low levels are associated with problems in the liver or kidneys or severe inflammation. | 35–50 g/L |
| Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) | An enzyme found in several tissues including the liver, bone, kidney, and bowel. High levels are most commonly associated with problems in the liver or bone. | 30–130 IU/L |
| Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) | The primary protein component of LDL; increasingly recognised as a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than LDL-C alone. | < 100 mg/dL (Optimal < 90) |
| Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) | An enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver, and other organs; abnormalities may represent liver disease. Evaluated alongside ALT. | 8–48 IU/L |
| Basophils | Help to protect the body against infection and make up 1% of the total white blood cell count. An abnormal increase can indicate an infection or inflammation. | 0–1% (0.0–0.1 x10^9/L) |
| Bilirubin (Total) | Produced by the liver when breaking down red blood cells. Levels increase if too many red blood cells are destroyed or if the liver cannot remove bilirubin fast enough, which can result in jaundice. | 2–21 μmol/L |
| Calcium | Has several important functions including helping to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, regulating muscle contractions, and ensuring the blood clots normally. | 2.1–2.6 mmol/L |
| Cortisol (9am) | A steroid hormone released when the body feels under stress. Anxiety, a restricted diet, or over-training can all cause cortisol levels to rise. High levels can lead to increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and weight gain. | 140–530 nmol/L |
| Creatine Kinase (CK) | An enzyme found mainly in the brain, skeletal muscles, and heart. When muscles are damaged, CK leaks into the bloodstream, making it a marker of muscle stress or injury. | 39–308 U/L |
| Creatinine | A waste product produced from creatine. It is removed from the body by the kidneys, so the levels of creatinine in the blood are a good indication of kidney function. | 60–110 μmol/L (M) / 45–90 μmol/L (F) |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Measures the amount of inflammation in your body. High levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke. | < 3.0 mg/L (hs-CRP) |
| DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) | An adrenal hormone and precursor to testosterone and oestrogen; frequently tested as an anti-ageing, stress, and adrenal function biomarker. | Age/sex dependent (e.g., 2–10 μmol/L) |
| eGFR | Used as an indication of how well your kidneys are functioning based on creatinine levels. Results can be influenced by muscle mass and weight. | > 90 mL/min/1.73m² |
| Eosinophils | Protect the body by responding to allergies and resisting some infections. Raised levels can be associated with an allergy or parasitic infection. | 0–3% (0.0–0.4 x10^9/L) |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) | A common, non-specific test used alongside CRP to detect acute and chronic inflammation in the body. | 0–22 mm/hr (M) / 0–29 mm/hr (F) |
| Fasting Glucose | Baseline blood sugar measurement taken after fasting; the primary first-line indicator for pre-diabetes and diabetes. | 3.9–5.4 mmol/L |
| Fasting Insulin | Essential for detecting early-stage insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome before glucose levels rise. | 2–5 μIU/mL (Optimal) |
| Ferritin | The primary and most accurate measure of the body’s iron stores; critical for diagnosing iron deficiency or overload (haemochromatosis). | 30–300 μg/L (M) / 15–150 μg/L (F) |
| Folate (Serum) | Not produced by the body but supplied through diet. It plays an important role in the formation of healthy red blood cells as well as tissue repair. | > 3.0 μg/L |
| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) | Regulates the functions of the reproductive system. Low levels can cause fertility problems. During the perimenopause/menopause, FSH levels in women will rise significantly. | Phase/sex dependent |
| Free Androgen Index | An estimate of the amount of free testosterone in the bloodstream. Low levels in men can lead to low libido, while high levels in women can lead to fertility problems. | 30–150% (M) / < 5% (F) |
| Gamma GT (GGT) | An enzyme predominantly found in the liver. Levels can increase if the liver is damaged or if there is an obstruction. It is sensitive to alcohol and medication. | 8–61 IU/L (M) / 5–36 IU/L (F) |
| Globulin | Describes over 60 proteins in the blood. Abnormal levels can impair the body’s ability to fight infection, clot, or carry nutrients to the muscles. | 20–35 g/L |
| Haematocrit (HCT) | Measures the volume of space in your blood made up of red blood cells. Low levels can suggest anaemia and insufficient oxygen delivery. | 0.38–0.52 L/L |
| Haemoglobin | A protein found in blood that carries oxygen to cells and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs. A low level can indicate anaemia and reduced energy. | 130–170 g/L (M) / 120–150 g/L (F) |
| Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) | Measures the average blood glucose levels over the previous 2-3 months. Crucial for diabetes management and longevity tracking. | < 42 mmol/mol (< 6.0%) |
| HDL | High-density lipoprotein (‘good cholesterol’) picks up excess cholesterol in arteries and transports it to the liver. Higher levels lower the risk of heart disease. | > 1.0 mmol/L (M) / > 1.2 mmol/L (F) |
| Homocysteine | An amino acid associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood vessel blockages when elevated. Linked to B-vitamin deficiencies. | < 15 μmol/L |
| Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) | Used as a stable surrogate marker to assess human Growth Hormone (hGH) levels over time, indicating tissue repair and muscle growth potential. | Age dependent (e.g., 100–300 ng/mL) |
| Iron | Essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. Low levels will result in fatigue and eventually lead to iron deficiency anaemia. | 11–28 μmol/L |
| LDL | Low-density lipoprotein (‘bad cholesterol’) transports cholesterol around the body. High levels increase the risk of heart disease and arterial buildup. | < 3.0 mmol/L |
| Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] | An inherited, independent lipid risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease that does not typically respond to diet or standard lifestyle changes. | < 75 nmol/L (< 30 mg/dL) |
| Luteinising Hormone (LH) | Plays a key role in the human reproductive system. High or low levels are associated with fertility problems and irregular periods. | Phase/sex dependent |
| Lymphocytes | Help protect the body against infection. Low levels suggest a weakness in the immune system, whilst a high level can indicate a viral infection. | 1.0–3.0 x10^9/L (20-40%) |
| Magnesium (Serum) | An essential trace element important for maintaining strong bones, blood pressure, muscle contraction, and energy production. | 0.7–1.0 mmol/L |
| Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) | A measurement of the amount of haemoglobin inside your red blood cells. Abnormal results can indicate different forms of anaemia or dehydration. | 27–32 pg |
| Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) | Measures the concentration of haemoglobin inside your red blood cells. Decreased values can be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia. | 320–360 g/L |
| Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) | Indicates the average size of your red blood cells. High levels are associated with B12 or folic acid deficiency; low levels indicate iron deficiency. | 80–100 fL |
| Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) | Measurement of the average size of blood platelets. High MPV can be caused by iron or vitamin D deficiency. | 7.5–11.5 fL |
| Monocytes | Ingest bacteria and foreign particles in the blood. An abnormally high level can be a sign of infection. | 0.2–0.8 x10^9/L (2-8%) |
| Neutrophils | The most abundant white blood cells; they play an important role in the inflammatory response and help to remove damaged cells and bacteria. | 2.0–7.5 x10^9/L (40-60%) |
| Oestradiol (Oestrogen) | The main form of oestrogen in women. Levels naturally reduce with age. Low levels can cause mood swings, fatigue, and decreased bone density. | Phase dependent |
| Omega 6 : Omega 3 Ratio | Essential fatty acids that regulate blood pressure and inflammation. A high ratio of Omega 6 increases inflammation, while more Omega 3 reduces it. | < 4:1 (Optimal) |
| Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) | Regulates serum calcium and phosphorus levels; critical for diagnosing vitamin D deficiencies and overall bone health. | 15–65 pg/mL |
| Platelet Count | Number of platelets in a given volume of blood. Important for clotting; low levels increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. | 150–400 x10^9/L |
| Potassium | A critical electrolyte for nerve signalling and muscle contraction, particularly cardiac muscle function. | 3.5–5.1 mmol/L |
| Progesterone | Produced during ovulation. Levels rise when an egg is released and fall if it is not fertilised. Helpful in determining if ovulation has occurred. | Phase dependent |
| Prolactin | Produced by the pituitary gland. Consistently high levels can suppress other hormones like FSH and LH. Naturally high during breastfeeding. | < 400 mU/L (M) / < 500 mU/L (F) |
| RBC Distribution Width (RDW) | A measurement of the variation in the size of your red blood cells. Nutritional deficiencies can cause a variation in size leading to an increase in RDW. | 11.5–14.5% |
| Red Blood Cell (RBC) | An important transporter of oxygen. Low RBC is often an indication of anaemia due to nutritional deficiency. | 4.5–5.5 x10^12/L (M) / 3.8–4.8 x10^12/L (F) |
| Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) | A protein that attaches to testosterone and controls how much is available. High levels mean less free testosterone; low levels are linked to PCOS in women. | 15–50 nmol/L (M) / 30–100 nmol/L (F) |
| Sodium | Plays a significant role in regulating water within the body and blood pressure. Must be replenished after heavy exercise and fluid loss. | 135–145 mmol/L |
| Testosterone (Total) | Affects brain, bone/muscle mass, fat distribution, energy levels, and fertility. Levels naturally decline with age in men. | 10–30 nmol/L (M) / 0.5–2.0 nmol/L (F) |
| Thyroglobulin Antibodies | Elevated levels indicate that your thyroid gland is under attack from your immune system, pointing towards an autoimmune condition. | < 115 IU/mL |
| Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies | An enzyme involved in converting T4 to active T3. High levels indicate the thyroid is under immune attack, risking thyroid disorders. | < 34 IU/mL |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Regulates thyroid hormone production. High levels indicate an underactive thyroid (fatigue, weight gain); low levels indicate an overactive thyroid. | 0.4–4.0 mIU/L |
| Thyroxine (T4, Free Direct) | Used to check thyroid performance. Abnormal levels can lead to weight issues, fatigue, and muscle control problems. | 12–22 pmol/L |
| Total Cholesterol | Made up of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Needs to be viewed alongside its individual components to properly assess heart disease risk. | < 5.0 mmol/L |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) | Reflects the amount of iron in the body. Levels are typically high if you are iron deficient and low if you have too much iron. | 45–75 μmol/L |
| Total Protein | A measurement of albumin and globulin in the blood. Associated with liver function, kidney function, and nutritional status. | 60–80 g/L |
| Transferrin Saturation | Calculated using iron and TIBC results. Usually low in cases of iron deficiency and high if the body has too much iron. | 20–50% |
| Triglycerides | The main form of fat in the body. Excess calories are converted into triglycerides. High levels increase the risk of heart disease. | < 1.7 mmol/L |
| Triiodothyronine (T3, Free) | The active form of Thyroxine. Helps regulate metabolism. High levels indicate an overactive thyroid; low levels indicate an underactive thyroid. | 3.5–6.5 pmol/L |
| Urea | A waste product formed when protein is metabolised. High levels can indicate poor kidney function, dehydration, or heavy muscle breakdown post-exercise. | 2.5–7.8 mmol/L |
| Uric Acid | Produced when breaking down purines. Too much in the blood can lead to gout (inflammatory arthritis) or kidney stones. | 200–430 μmol/L (M) / 140–360 μmol/L (F) |
| Vitamin A | Essential for vision, skin growth, bone development, and the immune system. The body relies on dietary sources like liver, dairy, and eggs. | 1.0–2.6 μmol/L |
| Vitamin D (25 OH) | Essential for healthy bones, immunity, muscle function, and reducing inflammation. Often requires supplementation, particularly in the UK. | > 75 nmol/L (Optimal) |
| Vitamin E | Maintains healthy skin, vision, and immunity. Acts as an antioxidant. Found in vegetable oils, eggs, cereals, seeds, and nuts. | > 12 μmol/L |
| White Blood Cell Count (WBC) | Make up your immune system to protect against illness. Low levels indicate immune weakness; high levels indicate active infection or physical stress. | 4.0–11.0 x10^9/L |
* Note: Typical ranges are estimates and can vary significantly depending on the laboratory, testing methodology, age, and biological sex. Always consult a healthcare professional to interpret your specific results.