Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplains CBC components and how they relate to oxygen transport, immunity, and haemostasis. Connects anaemia, macrocytosis, and cytopenias to iron, B12, folate, and protein status, while noting non-nutritional causes prevalent in Ghana.
Red cell indices and anaemia patternsWhite cell count and differential basicsPlatelets and links to nutritionIron, B12, and folate related changesNon-nutritional causes to considerLesson 2Thyroid function tests and other optional tests (TSH, free T4) relevant to weight gain and fatigueExplores thyroid physiology, key tests, and patterns linked to weight gain, fatigue, and cold intolerance. Emphasises when to order TSH and free T4, optional markers, and how illness, drugs, and diet affect interpretation in local contexts.
Thyroid physiology relevant to nutritionTSH and free T4: indications and limitsPatterns in hypothyroidism and subclinical diseaseDrug, illness, and assay interferencesWhen to refer for endocrine evaluationLesson 3Vitamin B12 and folate testing: serum B12, methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, and functional deficiency indicatorsExplores serum B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as indicators of vitamin status and functional deficiency. Discusses neurologic risk, macrocytosis, and when to suspect malabsorption or genetic variants in Ghanaian diets.
B12 and folate absorption pathwaysSerum B12 and folate: pros and consMethylmalonic acid and homocysteine useMacrocytosis and neurologic symptomsTesting in vegans and bariatric patientsLesson 4Vitamin D testing: 25-hydroxyvitamin D interpretation and factors affecting levelsCovers 25-hydroxyvitamin D as the preferred status marker, reference ranges, and clinical cutoffs. Reviews sun exposure, adiposity, malabsorption, and medications that alter levels, plus testing frequency and safety limits in tropical Ghana.
Vitamin D metabolism and storageAssay types and common lab variabilityDeficiency, insufficiency, and toxicity rangesImpact of obesity, age, and skin pigmentationDrugs, malabsorption, and disease statesLesson 5Glucose-related tests: fasting glucose, HbA1c, oral glucose tolerance test — when to use each for insulin resistance and diabetes riskCompares fasting glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance tests for assessing glycemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk. Addresses preanalytical issues, diagnostic cutoffs, and how nutrition interventions alter results in Ghanaian patients.
Glucose homeostasis and insulin actionFasting glucose: uses and limitationsHbA1c: advantages and confoundersOral glucose tolerance test indicationsUsing results to guide nutrition careLesson 6Micronutrient panels and targeted tests: magnesium, zinc, iron-binding capacity, RBC folate, and indications for orderingDiscusses when to order individual micronutrient tests versus broad panels, focusing on magnesium, zinc, iron-binding capacity, and RBC folate. Considers cost, clinical yield, and populations at higher deficiency risk in Ghana.
Indications for targeted micronutrient testsSerum vs RBC magnesium and zincIron-binding capacity and transferrin useRBC folate vs serum folate selectionHigh-risk groups for deficienciesLesson 7Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)/Basic metabolic panel: interpretation for nutrition (electrolytes, liver, kidney, albumin)Outlines CMP and BMP components, emphasising electrolytes, kidney and liver markers, and albumin. Shows how hydration, protein intake, and liver or renal disease alter values and influence nutrition assessment decisions in local practice.
Electrolytes and acid–base cluesKidney markers: BUN, creatinine, eGFRLiver enzymes and cholestasis markersAlbumin and total protein limitationsHydration status and lab interpretationLesson 8Iron panel: serum iron, ferritin, transferrin/TSAT — physiology, diagnostic use, and limitations in inflammationDetails iron transport and storage, then links serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT to deficiency and overload. Highlights inflammation, infection, and chronic disease as confounders and guides test selection in Ghanaian practice.
Iron absorption and transport overviewSerum iron, TIBC, and transferrin basicsFerritin and TSAT in deficiency diagnosisAnaemia of chronic disease vs iron lackInterpreting iron tests during infectionLesson 9Inflammation and related markers: CRP, ESR and effects on nutrient biomarkers (eg ferritin)Describes CRP and ESR as markers of systemic inflammation and how they influence nutrient biomarkers such as ferritin and albumin. Guides timing of testing, interpretation in chronic disease, and impact on nutrition plans in Ghana.
CRP vs ESR: physiology and kineticsInflammation effects on ferritin and ironAlbumin, prealbumin, and acute phase shiftsInterpreting labs in chronic inflammationTiming tests around acute illnessLesson 10Lipid profile and advanced lipid testing: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterolReviews standard lipid profile components and their cardiovascular relevance, then introduces non-HDL cholesterol and selected advanced markers. Discusses how diet, weight, and metabolic syndrome shape lipid patterns and risk in Ghanaian diets.
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceridesNon-HDL cholesterol and ApoB conceptsFasting vs nonfasting lipid measurementsDietary patterns and lipid responsesAdvanced tests: particle number and size
