What should you expect from the Sports Fitness Profile?

The Sports Fitness Profile is suitable for individuals interested in assessing their fitness for sports. It covers all the essential biomarkers relevant to sports performance. These include a complete blood count, liver and kidney function assessment, iron levels, ferritin, heart and muscle enzymes, cholesterol levels, inflammation indicators, magnesium levels, and vitamins D and B12. By monitoring and tracking these results over time, we can evaluate how well your body is responding to your exercise regimen and identify any areas that require attention.

Conditions identified by this test

Blood Cells (1 Biomarker)

A full blood count is a comprehensive test that offers insights into overall health and helps detect a wide range of issues, including infections, anaemia, and leukaemia. By examining different blood cell types, this test provides crucial information about your hematological status.

• Full Blood Count

A full blood count (FBC) provides detailed information about various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells play a vital role in oxygen transport throughout the body, while white blood cells are essential for immune function and defense against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. By evaluating these blood cell types, an FBC serves as a screening tool for identifying disorders such as anaemia and infections.

Cholesterol (5 Biomarkers)

This cholesterol test examines seven key biomarkers related to cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol levels can have detrimental effects on your cardiovascular system, leading to the blockage of arteries and increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. By learning about your cholesterol levels, you can make informed decisions about adopting positive lifestyle changes and adjusting your diet to mitigate these risks and promote overall health.

• Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is a measurement of the overall amount of cholesterol present in your blood. This includes both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterols. Cholesterol is essential for hormone production, growth, development, and reproductive processes within the body.

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a form of cholesterol often referred to as “good” cholesterol. It plays a crucial role in the removal of cholesterol from the arteries of the heart, contributing to cardiovascular health.

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. It has been associated with cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

• Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio

The total cholesterol to HDL ratio is a mathematical calculation that provides insights into the ratio between total cholesterol and the “good” (HDL) cholesterol present in your blood. This ratio helps assess your overall cardiovascular health and the balance between beneficial and potentially harmful cholesterol levels.

• Triglyceride

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the bloodstream, distinct from cholesterol. Monitoring triglyceride levels is crucial for evaluating overall lipid profile and cardiovascular health.

Gout (1 Biomarker)

Gout, a form of arthritis, is caused by high levels of uric acid. Once diagnosed, there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

• Urate (Uric Acid)

Urate is a byproduct of purine breakdown from substances like DNA or certain food and drinks. It is excreted by the kidneys and used to detect gout and diagnose recurring kidney stone formation.

Hormones (1 Biomarker)

Hormones play various roles in bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, appetite, and fertility. Imbalances or deficiencies in hormones can contribute to a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

• Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the testes in males and adrenal glands in both males and females. Luteinizing hormone stimulates and controls testosterone production. Testosterone levels are high during male puberty, contributing to body hair growth, muscle development, and regulating sex drive. Females also have small amounts of testosterone produced by the ovaries. Testosterone tests help diagnose conditions such as erectile dysfunction and infertility in males.

Inflammation (1 Biomarker)

Inflammation is a natural immune response in which your body’s white blood cells protect against external bacteria and viruses. Assessing inflammation markers can aid in diagnosing a wide range of conditions and contribute to your overall health evaluation.

• High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

This protein increases in the blood during episodes of inflammation. Measuring hs-CRP levels helps predict the risk of heart conditions, including heart attacks.

Iron Studies (5 Biomarkers)

Iron studies comprise a set of blood tests that measure the amount of iron present in the blood and stored in the body’s tissues. Iron deficiency can give rise to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, chest pains, and shortness of breath. By assessing iron levels and related markers, iron studies provide valuable insights into your iron status and help identify potential causes of anaemia or other related conditions.

• Iron

Iron is a mineral essential for the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Adequate iron levels are crucial for maintaining healthy muscles, bone marrow function, and organ health. Measuring iron levels provides valuable information about the iron content in your blood. Low iron levels may indicate anaemia, while high levels could be indicative of liver disease or other underlying health issues.

• Total Iron Binding Capacity

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) refers to the maximum amount of iron that can be transported in the blood. Iron is crucial for the transport of oxygen. TIBC tests are used to evaluate iron status and absorption, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as anaemia and iron overload disorders like Haemochromatosis. Impairments in TIBC may be observed in individuals with existing liver disease.

• Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) measures the amount of transferrin available for iron transport. Transferrin plays a key role in the transportation of iron, facilitating oxygen transport in the blood. UIBC tests help monitor iron toxicity treatment and assess iron-related conditions.

• Ferritin

Ferritin is a blood protein responsible for storing iron. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood. Ferritin levels indicate the body’s iron storage capacity and can assist in the diagnosis of anaemia and liver disease.

• Transferrin Saturation

Transferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein produced by the liver. It facilitates the transport of iron, which is essential for oxygen delivery in the blood. Transferrin tests assess iron status and can be helpful in diagnosing anaemia. Transferrin saturation represents the value obtained by dividing serum iron by the total iron-binding capacity of transferrin, providing insights into iron transport and availability.

Kidney Function (3 Biomarkers)

Kidneys play a vital role in waste removal, blood pressure regulation, and red blood cell production. Healthy kidney function is essential for overall health and well-being.

• Urea

Urea is a waste product of protein metabolism. Urea tests assess kidney function and indicate diseases affecting the kidneys and liver.

• Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles during contraction. It is excreted by the kidneys and measured to assess kidney function.

• Glomerular Filtration Rate

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measures the kidney’s filtration function. GFR tests detect and monitor changes in kidney status.

Liver Function (8 Biomarkers)

The liver performs essential functions within the body, such as regulating blood sugar levels, fighting infections, and detoxifying the blood. Maintaining good liver function is crucial for overall health and well-being.

• Albumin

Albumin is a liver-produced protein responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the bloodstream. It also transports substances like hormones and vitamins throughout the body. Albumin tests aid in diagnosing and monitoring liver and kidney diseases.

• Globulin

Globulin is a protein synthesized in the liver by the immune system. It plays a vital role in liver function, blood clotting, and immune response against infections. Globulin tests are used to diagnose conditions such as liver damage or disease, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders.

• Total Protein

Total Protein refers to the combined amount of two proteins found in blood serum: albumin and globulin. Albumin is crucial for maintaining fluid in the bloodstream, while globulin is an essential component of the immune system. Total protein tests indicate potential issues with albumin or globulin levels.

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme primarily found in the liver and bones. ALP tests assist in diagnosing liver or bone diseases.

• Alanine Transaminase (ALT)

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme predominantly found in the liver, with smaller amounts in the heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. During injury to the heart, liver, kidneys, or skeletal muscle, ALT is released into the bloodstream. ALT tests aid in diagnosing liver disease.

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme produced by the liver. When there is injury to the heart, liver, or skeletal muscle, AST is released into the bloodstream. AST tests can detect liver disease.

• Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme primarily found in the liver, as well as in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. It plays a significant role in the liver’s metabolism of drugs and toxins. GGT tests can identify liver disease and bile duct injuries.

• Total Bilirubin

Total Bilirubin measures the amount of bilirubin present in the blood. Bilirubin aids in the digestion of food and is produced from the breakdown of old red blood cells carrying oxygen. Total bilirubin tests aid in diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases and specific types of anemia.

Muscle & Bone Health (3 Biomarkers)

• Creatine Kinase

Creatine Kinase is an enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, as well as the brain. Creatine kinase tests diagnose and monitor muscular injuries and diseases such as muscular dystrophy.

• Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral found in bones and circulating in the blood. It plays a crucial role in bone formation and blood clotting. Calcium tests aid in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to bones, heart, and kidneys.

• Adjusted Calcium

Adjusted Calcium, also known as corrected calcium, is a calculation that considers the measurement of the protein albumin to determine the amount of free calcium in the blood. Adjusted calcium tests aid in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to bones, heart, and kidneys.

Vitamin (2 Biomarkers)

Vitamins are essential for normal cell function, growth, and development. Deficiencies in vitamins can lead to a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and magnesium from the gut and is crucial for bone growth and health. It can be obtained from food, supplements, or synthesized by the skin through sunlight exposure. Vitamin D tests aid in identifying deficiencies and monitoring diseases that affect fat absorption, such as Crohn’s disease.

• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell formation, tissue repair, cellular maintenance, and nerve health. It is primarily found in animal products like poultry, milk, and eggs. Vitamin B12 tests aid in diagnosing the cause of anemia.