Ultimate Sports Performance Blood Test

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC):
Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to muscles during exercise. A higher RBC count ensures more oxygen delivery to muscles, which is essential for endurance. Low RBC levels can indicate anaemia, leading to fatigue, decreased stamina, and poor athletic performance.
Haemoglobin (Hb):
Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It plays a crucial role in muscle function by ensuring sufficient oxygen delivery. Low levels of haemoglobin can lead to anaemia, resulting in tiredness, weakness, and reduced performance during sports activities.
Haematocrit (Hct):
Haematocrit refers to the percentage of blood made up of red blood cells. Higher levels of haematocrit can improve oxygen transport, enhancing athletic performance, especially in endurance sports. Low haematocrit levels can indicate anaemia, which can reduce exercise capacity and increase fatigue.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):
MCV measures the average size of red blood cells. Abnormal MCV values can suggest nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron or vitamin B12 deficiency), which could affect red blood cell production, leading to decreased oxygen delivery and impaired athletic performance.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH):
MCH measures the average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. Low MCH levels could indicate anaemia, which reduces the capacity of red blood cells to carry oxygen, resulting in reduced energy levels and athletic performance.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC):
MCHC measures the concentration of haemoglobin within red blood cells. Low MCHC levels can suggest hypochromic anaemia, which impairs oxygen transport and can lead to fatigue and decreased endurance in sports.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW):
RDW measures the variation in the size of red blood cells. High RDW levels can be associated with nutritional deficiencies (like iron or folate) or other health conditions that may affect your body's ability to efficiently transport oxygen, which can hinder athletic performance.
Platelets (Plt):
Platelets help in blood clotting and wound healing. High or low platelet levels can affect recovery times after injury or intense training. Low platelet levels may lead to prolonged bleeding or injury complications, whereas high levels could contribute to an increased risk of clotting, affecting performance.
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV):
MPV is a measure of the average size of platelets. It can provide insight into platelet function, which is important for recovery. Large platelets may suggest inflammation or other issues that could hinder recovery after intense physical activity.
White Blood Cell Count (WBC):
White blood cells are crucial for immune function. An elevated WBC count may indicate an ongoing infection or inflammation, which could negatively impact your ability to train and recover effectively. Conversely, low WBC counts may indicate a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and injury.

Iron Profile

Iron:
Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Low iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which impairs athletic performance by reducing stamina, endurance, and recovery. Ensuring adequate iron levels is critical for athletes, particularly those involved in endurance sports.
Ferritin:
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency, which is common in athletes and can lead to fatigue, poor endurance, and slower recovery. Adequate ferritin levels ensure optimal iron stores, improving performance and reducing the risk of anaemia.
Transferrin Saturation:
This is the percentage of transferrin (an iron transport protein) bound to iron. Low transferrin saturation typically indicates iron deficiency, while high saturation could suggest iron overload. Maintaining a healthy balance is essential for optimal athletic performance.
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC):
TIBC measures the total amount of iron that can be carried by transferrin in the blood. High TIBC levels are often a sign of iron deficiency, which could impair oxygen delivery to muscles and negatively affect athletic performance.
Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC):
UIBC measures the reserve capacity of transferrin to bind with iron. High UIBC values are associated with iron deficiency, while low UIBC values might suggest iron overload. Monitoring UIBC is important for ensuring a healthy balance of iron to support endurance and strength.

Liver Function Test:

Albumin:
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps maintain blood volume and pressure. Low albumin levels can indicate liver disease, malnutrition, or dehydration, all of which can impact athletic performance, particularly in terms of endurance and recovery.
Globulin:
Globulin is a group of proteins in the blood that help with immune function and muscle repair. Abnormal globulin levels can indicate liver or kidney issues, potentially affecting recovery and performance in sports.
Total Protein:
Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin in the blood. Low levels can indicate nutritional deficiencies, liver disease, or other health issues, potentially leading to fatigue and impaired recovery.
Bilirubin:
Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells break down, and it’s processed by the liver. High levels can indicate liver dysfunction, which may affect your ability to recover after intense physical activity, potentially limiting performance.
Alanine Transaminase (ALT):
ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. High ALT levels may indicate liver damage, which can affect overall energy levels and recovery, especially after intense physical exertion.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP):
ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bones. Elevated levels may indicate liver disease, bone disorders, or bile duct obstruction. A healthy liver is essential for detoxification and efficient metabolism, which supports optimal sports performance.
Aspartate Transaminase (AST):
AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated AST levels can indicate muscle damage or liver dysfunction, which could affect recovery and hinder performance in sports.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT):
GGT is an enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts. High levels may indicate liver disease, alcohol use, or bile duct obstruction. Ensuring liver health is critical for recovery and overall energy levels during athletic training.

Thyroid Function Test:

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH):
TSH regulates the production of thyroid hormones that control metabolism and energy production. High TSH levels often indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), leading to fatigue and sluggishness. Low TSH levels can indicate hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which may result in weight loss, fatigue, and performance fluctuations.
Free Thyroxine (FT4):
FT4 is the unbound, active form of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid. Low levels of FT4 can lead to fatigue and reduced exercise capacity, while high levels may lead to hyperactivity and excessive energy consumption, affecting endurance and recovery.

Lipid Profile:

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL):
LDL is known as "bad" cholesterol. High LDL levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can impair endurance performance. Maintaining a healthy LDL level is important for athletes to ensure optimal heart function during physical activity.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL):
HDL is "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Higher HDL levels are beneficial for heart health and endurance performance, allowing for better circulation and oxygen delivery during exercise.
Non-HDL Cholesterol:
Non-HDL cholesterol includes all cholesterol types excluding HDL. Elevated levels can contribute to cardiovascular disease, negatively affecting stamina and overall athletic performance.
Total Cholesterol:
Total cholesterol measures the overall level of cholesterol in the blood. Monitoring this level ensures healthy circulation, supporting endurance and performance during prolonged physical activity.
Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio:
This ratio is used to assess cardiovascular health. A balanced ratio supports optimal heart function, enabling improved stamina and performance.
Triglycerides:
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, which can impair performance and endurance, especially in high-intensity sports.

Test for Diabetes:

HbA1c:
HbA1c measures long-term blood sugar control. Elevated levels may indicate a risk of diabetes, which can lead to fatigue, poor stamina, and slower recovery. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for optimal sports performance.

Vitamins:

Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, muscle function, and overall energy levels. Deficiency can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and slower recovery, all of which can affect sports performance.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and poor recovery, all of which can impact athletic performance.
Vitamin B9 (Folate):
Folate is essential for cell division and red blood cell production. Low folate levels can lead to anaemia, which can result in reduced endurance and performance.

Hormone Profile:

Oestradiol:
Oestradiol is a form of oestrogen that plays a key role in muscle recovery, strength, and overall energy. Imbalances can affect endurance, recovery, and overall athletic performance.
Testosterone:
Testosterone is crucial for muscle growth, strength, and recovery. Low levels can hinder muscle repair, energy production, and overall sports performance.

Adrenal Hormones

Cortisol:
Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps manage the body’s response to physical exertion. However, elevated levels of cortisol due to overtraining or stress can impair recovery, increase fatigue, and decrease performance.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS):
DHEAS influences energy levels, muscle repair, and overall physical well-being. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, while high levels may affect recovery and performance.

Test for Gout:

Uric Acid:
Uric acid is a waste product that can crystallise in the joints, leading to gout. Elevated levels can cause joint pain, which can impair mobility and reduce performance during sports activities.

Inflammation:

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP):
hs-CRP is a marker for inflammation in the body. Elevated levels can indicate an ongoing inflammatory process, which may impair recovery and performance, especially in athletes.

Creatine Kinase (CK):

Creatine kinase is an enzyme released when muscles are damaged, such as during intense physical activity. Elevated CK levels indicate muscle strain, which may delay recovery and hinder performance in sports.

Each of these biomarkers provides crucial insight into your body’s overall health and performance capacity. Regular monitoring can help athletes optimise their training, manage fatigue, and enhance their recovery process to achieve peak performance.