Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplain CBC parts and how dem link to oxygen carry, immunity, and blood clotting. Connect anemia, big cells, and low cells to iron, B12, folate, and protein state, noting other non-nutrition 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 fatigueLook at thyroid body work, key tests, and patterns linked to weight gain, tiredness, and cold feel. Stress when to order TSH and free T4, optional signs, and how sickness, drugs, and food affect understanding.
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 indicatorsLook at serum B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as signs of vitamin state and working lack. Talk about nerve risks, big cells, and when to suspect poor absorption or gene changes.
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 levelsCover 25-hydroxyvitamin D as best state sign, normal ranges, and clinic cutoffs. Review sun light, body fat, poor absorption, and medicines dat change levels, plus testing times and safe 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 riskCompare fasting glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose test for checking blood sugar, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk. Address before-test issues, diagnosis cutoffs, and how nutrition help change results.
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 orderingTalk when to order single micronutrient tests or big panels, focusing on magnesium, zinc, iron-binding, and RBC folate. Consider cost, clinic value, and groups wid higher lack 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)Outline CMP and BMP parts, stressing salts, kidney and liver signs, and albumin. Show how water, protein eat, and liver or kidney sickness change values and affect nutrition check choices.
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 inflammationDetail iron carry and store, den link serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT to lack and too much. Highlight swelling, infection, and long sickness as confusing, and guide test choice in work.
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)Describe CRP and ESR as signs of body-wide swelling and how dem affect nutrient signs like ferritin and albumin. Guide testing time, understanding in long sickness, and effect on 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 cholesterolReview standard lipid parts and heart link, den introduce non-HDL cholesterol and some advanced signs. Talk 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
