Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplains CBC parts and their role in oxygen transport, immunity, and blood clotting. Links low red cells, large cells, and low counts to iron, B12, folate, and protein levels, while noting other causes.
Red cell indices and anaemia patternsWhite cell count and differential basicsPlatelets and nutrition linksIron, B12, and folate related changesNon-nutritional causes to considerLesson 2Thyroid function tests and other optional tests (TSH, free T4) relevant to weight gain and fatigueLooks at thyroid function, main tests, and patterns tied to weight gain, tiredness, and feeling cold. Stresses when to order TSH and free T4, optional markers, and how illness, drugs, and diet affect reading results.
Thyroid function relevant to nutritionTSH and free T4: indications and limitsPatterns in underactive thyroid and mild diseaseDrug, illness, and test interferencesWhen to refer for hormone evaluationLesson 3Vitamin B12 and folate testing: serum B12, methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, and functional deficiency indicatorsLooks at serum B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as signs of vitamin status and functional shortages. Discusses nerve risks, large cells, and when to suspect poor absorption or genetic factors.
B12 and folate absorption pathwaysSerum B12 and folate: pros and consMethylmalonic acid and homocysteine useLarge cells and nerve symptomsTesting in vegans and weight-loss surgery patientsLesson 4Vitamin D testing: 25-hydroxyvitamin D interpretation and factors affecting levelsCovers 25-hydroxyvitamin D as the top status marker, normal ranges, and clinical thresholds. Reviews sun exposure, body fat, poor absorption, and meds that change levels, plus testing frequency and safe limits.
Vitamin D metabolism and storageAssay types and common lab variabilityShortage, low, and excess rangesImpact of obesity, age, and skin colourDrugs, poor absorption, 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 checking blood sugar, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk. Covers prep issues, diagnostic thresholds, and how nutrition changes affect results.
Glucose balance 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 single micronutrient tests vs broad panels, focusing on magnesium, zinc, iron-binding capacity, and RBC folate. Considers cost, clinical value, and groups at higher shortage risk.
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 parts, emphasising electrolytes, kidney and liver markers, and albumin. Shows how fluid levels, protein intake, and liver or kidney issues change values and affect nutrition decisions.
Electrolytes and acid-base cluesKidney markers: BUN, creatinine, eGFRLiver enzymes and bile flow 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 shortages and excess. Highlights inflammation, infection, and long-term disease as confounders and guides test choice in practice.
Iron absorption and transport overviewSerum iron, TIBC, and transferrin basicsFerritin and TSAT in shortage 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 signs of body-wide inflammation and how they affect nutrient markers like ferritin and albumin. Guides timing of tests, reading in long-term disease, and impact on nutrition plans.
CRP vs ESR: function and timingInflammation 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 parts and their heart health relevance, then introduces non-HDL cholesterol and select advanced markers. Discusses how diet, weight, and metabolic syndrome shape lipid patterns 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
