Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplains CBC parts and their links to oxygen delivery, immunity, and blood clotting. Connects anaemia, large red cells, and low cell counts to iron, B12, folate, and protein levels, while noting other non-nutritional causes that may affect results.
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 fatigueLooks into thyroid functions, main tests, and patterns tied to weight gain, tiredness, and feeling cold. Stresses when to request TSH and free T4, optional markers, and how sickness, medicines, and diet impact how to read the results accurately.
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 indicatorsLooks at serum B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as signs of vitamin levels and functional shortages. Discusses nerve risks, large red cells, and when to suspect poor absorption or genetic factors in patients.
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 top marker for status, normal ranges, and clinical limits. Reviews sun exposure, body fat, absorption issues, and drugs that change levels, plus how often to test and safe upper limits for supplementation.
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 checking blood sugar, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk. Covers sample issues, diagnosis limits, and how diet changes can influence test outcomes over time.
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 single micronutrient tests or full panels, focusing on magnesium, zinc, iron-binding capacity, and red blood cell folate. Considers costs, clinical benefits, and groups at higher risk of shortages in local populations.
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, focusing on electrolytes, kidney and liver signs, and albumin. Shows how fluid levels, protein intake, and liver or kidney problems change values and affect nutrition evaluation choices in 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 movement and storage, then connects serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT to shortages and excess. Highlights inflammation, infections, and long-term illnesses as factors that confuse results and guide test choices.
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 signs of body-wide inflammation and how they affect nutrient markers like ferritin and albumin. Guides on test timing, reading in ongoing illnesses, and effects on nutrition planning for better management.
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 parts and their heart health links, then covers non-HDL cholesterol and some advanced markers. Discusses how eating habits, weight, and metabolic issues shape lipid patterns and overall risk assessment.
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceridesNon-HDL cholesterol and ApoB conceptsFasting vs nonfasting lipid measurementsDietary patterns and lipid responsesAdvanced tests: particle number and size
