Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplains CBC parts and their role in oxygen carry, immunity, and blood clotting. Links low blood, large cells, and low counts to iron, B12, folate, and protein levels, noting other non-food causes common in Uganda.
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, main tests, and patterns tied to weight gain, tiredness, and cold feeling. Stresses when to do TSH and free T4, extra markers, and how sickness, drugs, and diet affect reading in Ugandan patients.
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 blood B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as signs of vitamin levels and working shortages. Discusses nerve risks, large cells, and when to suspect poor uptake or gene differences in Uganda.
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 best marker for status, normal ranges, and health cutoffs. Reviews sun light, body fat, poor uptake, and medicines changing levels, plus test frequency and safe limits in tropical Uganda.
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 sugar drink tests for blood sugar check, insulin issues, and diabetes risk. Addresses sample issues, diagnosis cutoffs, and how food plans change results in Ugandan clinics.
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 small nutrient tests or full panels, focusing on magnesium, zinc, iron-binding, and red cell folate. Considers cost, health benefits, and groups at higher shortage risk in Uganda.
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 salts, kidney and liver signs, and albumin. Shows how water levels, protein eating, and liver or kidney sickness change values and affect nutrition checks in Uganda.
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, linking blood iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT to shortages and excess. Highlights swelling, infection, and long sickness as mix-ups 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 swelling and how they affect nutrient signs like ferritin and albumin. Guides test timing, reading in long sickness, and impact on nutrition plans in Uganda.
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 fat profile parts and heart relevance, introducing non-HDL cholesterol and some advanced markers. Discusses how diet, weight, and metabolic issues shape fat patterns and risks in Ugandan diets.
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceridesNon-HDL cholesterol and ApoB conceptsFasting vs nonfasting lipid measurementsDietary patterns and lipid responsesAdvanced tests: particle number and size
