Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplains CBC components and their relation to oxygen transport, immunity, and clotting. Links anaemia, macrocytosis, and low cell counts to iron, B12, folate, and protein status, noting non-nutritional causes.
Red cell indices and anemia 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 fatigueCovers thyroid physiology, key tests, and patterns linked to weight gain, fatigue, and feeling cold. Stresses when to order TSH and free T4, optional markers, and effects of illness, drugs, and diet on interpretation.
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 indicatorsExamines serum B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as markers of vitamin status and functional deficiency. Discusses nerve risks, macrocytosis, and suspecting malabsorption or genetic factors.
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 best status marker, reference ranges, and clinical cut-offs. Reviews sun exposure, body fat, malabsorption, and medicines affecting levels, plus testing frequency and safety limits.
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 OGTT for blood sugar, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk. Addresses pre-test issues, diagnostic cut-offs, and nutrition intervention effects.
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 ordering individual micronutrient tests vs panels, focusing on magnesium, zinc, iron-binding capacity, and RBC folate. Considers cost, clinical value, and high-risk groups.
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/liver markers, and albumin. Shows how hydration, protein intake, and liver/kidney issues affect values and nutrition decisions.
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/storage, linking serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT to deficiency/overload. Highlights inflammation, infection, chronic disease as confounders and test selection.
Iron absorption and transport overviewSerum iron, TIBC, and transferrin basicsFerritin and TSAT in deficiency diagnosisAnemia 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 inflammation markers and their impact on nutrient biomarkers like ferritin and albumin. Guides testing timing, chronic disease interpretation, and nutrition plans.
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 lipid profile components and heart relevance, introducing non-HDL and advanced markers. Discusses diet, weight, metabolic syndrome effects on lipids and risk.
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceridesNon-HDL cholesterol and ApoB conceptsFasting vs nonfasting lipid measurementsDietary patterns and lipid responsesAdvanced tests: particle number and size
