Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplains CBC parts and how they relate to oxygen carrying, immunity, and blood clotting. Links anemia, large cells, and low cells to iron, B12, folate, and protein status, 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 fatigueLooks at thyroid body functions, key tests, and patterns linked to weight gain, tiredness, and feeling cold. Stresses when to order TSH and free T4, optional markers, and how sickness, drugs, and diet 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 indicatorsLooks at serum B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as signs of vitamin status and functional shortage. Discusses nerve risks, large cells, and when to suspect poor absorption or genetic types.
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, normal ranges, and clinical limits. Reviews sun exposure, body fat, poor absorption, and medicines that change levels, plus testing frequency 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 riskCompares fasting glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance tests for checking blood sugar, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk. Addresses preparation issues, diagnosis limits, and how nutrition changes affect 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 orderingDiscusses when to order single micronutrient tests or 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, stressing electrolytes, kidney and liver markers, and albumin. Shows how water balance, protein intake, and liver or kidney sickness change values and affect nutrition assessment.
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 links serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT to shortage and excess. Highlights inflammation, infection, and long sickness as confusing factors and guides test choice in practice.
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 timing of tests, understanding in long sickness, and impact 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 cholesterolReviews standard lipid profile parts and their heart relevance, then introduces non-HDL cholesterol and some 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
