Blood Test Interpretation with Normal values

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Before we proceed, what are the Four Ominous Signs in Blood work?


Table of Contents show

Four Ominous Signs of Blood Work

  1. Albumin 3.5 or below with a 1500 or less lymphocyte count
  2. Calcium levels higher than 2.7
  3. A/G ratio less than 1.0
  4. Cholesterol values below 140

Lab Results Interpretation

Through this guide, we will help you interpret your results from the lab which often includes CBC, LFT, KFT, INR, and more. Hope it helps you understand the importance of individual reports.


GLUCOSE

Glucose is the chief source of energy for all living organisms. A level greater than 105 in someone who has fasted for 12 hours suggests a diabetic tendency.

If this level is elevated even in a non-fasting setting one must be concerned that there is a risk of developing diabetes. This is an incredibly powerful test and can predict diabetes for ten years or more before one develops the strict definition of diabetes which is levels greater than 120.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 70-115 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 85-100 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <50 or >250 mg/dL

Common Causes of Glucose Increase

Diabetes, poor carbohydrate utilization, syndrome X

Less Common Causes of Glucose Increase

Cerebral lesions, uremia, pregnancy, intracranial pressure, Cushing’s disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic nephritis, infections, first 24 hours after a severe burn, pancreatitis, cerebral lesions, uremia, early hypopituitarism.

Common Causes of Glucose Decrease

Fasting Hypoglycemia

Clinical Note: LDH will frequently be decreased or in the low normal with Fasting Hypoglycemia, however, LDH will almost ALWAYS be decreased with Reactive Hypoglycemia.

Less Common Causes of Glucose Decrease

Liver damage, pancreatic adenoma, Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency), starvation, late hypopituitarism Carcinoma of islet tissue
Clinical Notes: Order Glycohemoglobin (HGB A1C) with serum glucose values above 160 and to monitor diabetics under therapy

Nutrition Tip: Thiamine Deficiency has been linked to increases in glucose levels.

SODIUM

Sodium plays an important role in salt and water balance in your body. A low level in the blood can be caused by too much water intake, heart failure, or kidney failure.

A low level can also be caused by loss of sodium in diarrhea, fluid, or vomiting. A high level can be caused by too much intake of salt or by not enough intake of water.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 135-145 mmol/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 140-144 mmol/L
  • Red Flag Range <125 or >155 mmol/L

Common Causes of Sodium Increase

Nephritis (kidney problems), dehydration, hyper-cortico-adrenalism (increased adrenal function)

Clinical Notes: Water Softeners have been linked to causing an increase in sodium.

Common Causes of Sodium Decrease

Reduced kidney filtration, diarrhea, Addison’s disease, adrenal hypo-function


POTASSIUM

Potassium element is found primarily inside the cells of the body. Low levels in the blood may indicate severe diarrhea, alcoholism, or excessive use of water pills. Low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness and heart problems.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 4.0-4.6 mmol/L
  • Red Flag Range <3.0 or >6.0 mmol/L

Common Causes of Potassium Increase

Adrenal hypo-function, cortisol resistance, acidosis, ongoing tissue destruction

Common Causes of Potassium Decrease

Diarrhea, diuretic use, kidney problems, adrenal hyperfunction

Less Common Causes of Potassium Decrease

Anemia, overdosage of testosterone, hereditary periodic paralysis, and hypertension

Nutrition Tip: Excessive licorice consumption has been linked to lower potassium levels.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is an important element that is found in the arteries, heart, bone, muscles, nerves, and teeth.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 1.7-2.4 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 2.2-2.6 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <1.2 mg/dL

Common Causes of Magnesium Increase

Kidney problems

Common Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Anxiety, aching muscles, disorientation, low body temperature, easily angered, hyperactivity, insomnia, muscle tremors, nervousness, rapid pulse, sensitivity to noise and loud sounds, epilepsy

Clinical Note: Magnesium should be evaluated in all patients suffering from heart disease.
Clinical Note: Patient suffering from fibromyalgia may have low serum magnesium accompanied by a low C02 and an increased anion gap.
Nutrition Tip: Excessive use of antacids containing magnesium may increase magnesium levels.
Clinical Note: If your magnesium is less than 2.0, it is strongly recommended to have an erythrocyte magnesium test or a magnesium loading test.

CHLORIDE

Chloride is an electrolyte controlled by the kidneys and can sometimes be affected by diet. An electrolyte is involved in maintaining acid-base balance and helps to regulate blood volume and artery pressure.

Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 96-110 mmol/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 100-106 mmol/L
  • Red Flag Range <90 or >115 mmol/L

Common Causes of Chloride Increase

Renal (kidney) problems, metabolic acidosis

Common Causes of Chloride Decrease

Kidney problems, metabolic alkalosis, hypochlorhydria (too little acid in the stomach)

Less Common Causes of Chloride Increase

Hyperventilation, anemia, prostate problems, salicylate poisoning, excess intake of salt, dehydration

Less Common Causes of Chloride Decrease

Diabetes, pneumonia, intestinal obstruction, and pyloric spasm. Adrenal hypo-function

Clinical Note: Suspect hypochlorhydria if chloride is below 100, the total globulin is less than 2.4 and serum phosphorus is less than 3.0.
Clinical Note: Chloride is required for the production of HCL by the chief cells of the stomach.

BLOOD UREA NITROGEN

Blood Urea Nitrogen or BUN is a waste product derived from protein breakdown in the liver.

Increases can be caused by excessive protein intake, kidney damage, certain drugs, low fluid intake, intestinal bleeding, exercise, heart failure, or decreased digestive enzyme production by the pancreas.

Decreased levels are most commonly due to inadequate protein intake, malabsorption, or liver damage.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 10-26 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 13-18 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <5 or >50 mg/dL

Common Causes of BUN Increase

Renal disease, gout, drug diuretics

Common Causes of BUN Decrease

Pregnancy, protein malnutrition

Less Common Causes of BUN Increase

Metallic poisoning, pneumonia, ulcers, Addison’s disease, increased protein catabolism, dysbiosis, congestive heart failure

Less Common Causes of BUN Decrease

Acute liver destruction, dysbiosis, celiac sprue

Clinical Note: Decreased BUN of less than 8 with a decreased urinary specific gravity may indicate posterior pituitary dysfunction.
Clinical Note: Increased BUN above 25 usually indicates kidney disease. However, if Creatinine is not above 1.1, then kidney disease may not be the problem. Instead consider anterior pituitary dysfunction, dehydration or hypochlorhydria.
Nutrition Tip: Increased BUN may indicate a Boron deficiency.

CREATININE

Creatinine is also a protein breakdown product. Its level is a reflection of the body’s muscle mass.

Low levels are commonly seen in inadequate protein intake, liver disease, kidney damage, or pregnancy.

Elevated levels are generally reflective of kidney damage and need to be monitored very carefully.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0.7-1.5 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 0.7-1.0 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range >1.6 mg/dL

Common Causes of Creatinine Increase

Kidney Problems, Gout

Clinical Note: If Creatinine is 1.2 or higher in a male over the age of 40, Prostate Hypertrophy MUST be ruled out.

Less Common Causes of Creatinine Increase

Renal Hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infection, dehydration

Clinical Note: Suspect early nephritis ( kidney disease) if creatinine is between 2-4 mg/dL. Suspect severe nephritis is creatinine is between 4-35 mg/dL.

Common Causes of Creatinine Decrease

Amyotonia congenital


BUN/CREATININE RATIO

Increased values of the BUN/Creatinine Ratio may indicate catabolic states, dehydration, circulatory failure leading to declining renal blood flow, congestive heart failure, acute and chronic renal (kidney) failure, urinary tract obstruction, prostatic enlargement, and high protein diet.

Decreased values may indicate overhydration, low protein/high carbohydrate diet, pregnancy

  • Clinical Adult Range: 6-10
  • Optimal Adult Range: 10-16
  • Red Flag Range <5 or >30

Common Causes of BUN/Creatinine Ratio Increase

Kidney problems

Less Common Causes of BUN/Creatinine Ratio Increase

Catabolic states, prostatic hypertrophy, high protein diet, dehydration, shock

Common Causes of BUN/Creatinine Ratio Decrease

Low protein/high carbohydrate diet, pregnancy


URIC ACID

Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism. High levels are seen in gout, infections, high protein diets, and kidney disease. Low levels generally indicate protein and molybdenum (trace mineral) deficiency, liver damage, or an overly acidic kidney.

  • Clinical Female Range: 2.4-6.0 mg/dL
  • Clinical Male Range: 3.4-7.0 mg/dL
  • Optimal Female Range: 3.0-5.5 mg/dL
  • Optimal Male Adult Range: 3.5-5.9 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <2 mg/dL or >9.0 mg/dL

Common Causes of Uric Acid Increase

Gout, kidney problems, arteriosclerosis, arthritis

Less Common Causes of Uric Acid Increase

Metallic poisoning (mercury, lead), intestinal obstruction, leukemia, polycythemia, malignant tumors, drug diuretics

Common Causes of Uric Acid Decrease

Chronic B-12 or folate anemia, pregnancy

Less Common Causes of Uric Acid Increase

Salicylate and atropine therapy

Nutrition Tip: If the uric acid is low with a normal MCV and MCH, a molybdenum deficiency may be present.

PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus is closely associated with calcium in bone development. Therefore most of the phosphate in the body is found in the bones. But the phosphorus level in the blood is very important for muscle and nerve function.

Very low levels of phosphorus in the blood can be associated with starvation or malnutrition and this can lead to muscle weakness. High levels in the blood are usually associated with kidney disease.

However, the blood must be drawn carefully as improper handling may falsely increase the reading.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 3.2-3.9 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <2.0 mg/dL or >5.0 mg/dL

Common Causes of Phosphorus Increase

Parathyroid dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, and excessive phosphoric acid in soft drinks.

Important Fact: Children will have an increase in Phosphorus due to normal bone growth. In addition, people with fractures will usually reveal an increase.

Less Common Causes of Phosphorus Increase:

Bone tumors, edema, ovarian hyper-function, diabetes, excess intake of vitamin D

Common Causes of Phosphorus Decrease

Parathyroid Hyper-function, osteomalacia, rickets

Less Common Causes of Phosphorus Decrease

Diabetes, liver dysfunction, protein malnutrition, neurofibromatosis, myxedema

Nutrition Tip: Phosphorus is frequently decreased with diets high in refined sugars.
Clinical Note: Suspect Vitamin D deficiency with low levels of calcium, phosphorus and increased levels of alkaline phosphorus.
Clinical Note: Phosphorus is a general indicator of digestive function. Consider hypochlorhydria when phosphorus is below 3.0 and total serum globulin is greater than 3.0 or less than 2.4.

CALCIUM

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is involved in bone metabolism, protein absorption, fat transfer, muscular contraction, the transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and heart function.

It is highly sensitive to elements such as magnesium, iron, and phosphorous as well as hormonal activity, vitamin D levels, CO2 levels, and many drugs.

Diet or even the presence of calcium in the diet has a lot to do with “calcium balance” – how much calcium you take in and how much you lose from your body.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 8.5-10.8 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 9.7-10.1 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <7.0 mg/dL or >12.0 mg/dL

Common Causes of Calcium Increase

Hyperparathyroidism

Less Common Causes of Calcium Increase

Tumors of the thyroid, hypervitaminosis (excess Vitamin D), multiple myeloma, neurofibromatosis, osteoporosis, ovarian hypo-function, adrenal hypo-function

Clinical Note: Serum protein influences calcium levels. Calcium goes up with increased protein and goes down with decreased protein.

Common Causes of Calcium Decrease

Hypoparathyroidism, pregnancy, hypochlorhydria, kidney dysfunction

Less Common Causes of Calcium Decrease

Vitamin D deficiency, diarrhea, celiac disease, protein malnutrition, chemical/heavy metal toxicity, HPA-axis dysfunction

Clinical Fact: Poor intestinal fat absorption may be suspected with low levels of calcium, bilirubin, and phosphorus.
Nutrition Note: Pancreatic enzyme deficiency may be suspected with low levels of calcium, triglycerides and increased levels of LDH.
Clinical Note: Circadian rhythm abnormality should be a primary consideration with calcium levels either above or below normal.

ALBUMIN

Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood, it is made in the liver and is an antioxidant that protects your tissues from free radicals. It binds waste products, toxins, and dangerous drugs that might damage the body.

It also is a significant buffer in the body and plays a role in controlling the precise amount of water in our tissues. It serves to transport vitamins, minerals, and hormones.

Lower levels are seen in poor diets, diarrhea, fever, infections, liver disease, kidney disease, third-degree burns, edemas, or hypocalcemia.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 3.0-5.5 g/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 4.0-4.4 g/dL
  • Red Flag Range <4.0 g/dL

Common Causes of Albumin Increase

Dehydration

Less Common Causes of Albumin Increase

Thyroid and adrenal hypo-function

Common Causes of Albumin Decrease

Liver Disease

Less Common Causes of Albumin Decrease

Acute Nephritis, malnutrition, acute cholecystitis (gall bladder), multiple sclerosis, vitamin B-12 or folic acid anemia

Clinical Note: Albumin 3.5 or below with a 1500 or less lymphocyte count is one of the four OMINOUS signs.
Nutrition Tip: Decreased albumin with decreased serum phosphorus may indicate digestive inflammation.

Calcium/Albumin Ratio

It is elevated in malnutrition or visceral protein loss. Levels higher than 2.7 is one of the four OMINOUS signs.


GLOBULIN

Globulins have many diverse functions such as the carrier of some hormones, lipids, metals, and antibodies.

High levels are found in chronic infections, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, myelomas, and lupus.

Lower levels may be seen in immune-compromised patients, with poor dietary habits, malabsorption, and liver and kidney disease.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 2.0-4.0 g/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 2.8-3.5 g/dL
  • Red Flag Range <2.0 g/dL or >3.5 g/100ml

Common Causes of Globulin Increase

Hypochlorhydria, liver disease (infection)

Less Common Causes of Globulin Increase

Liver parasites, multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis, typhoid fever

Common Causes of Globulin Decrease

Anemia, hemorrhage

Clinical Note: Anytime the total globulin is less than 2.0 or greater than 3.5 a Serum Protein Electrophoresis.

A/G RATIO

A/G Ratio is an important indicator of disease states. A low ratio suggests ulcerative colitis, burns, kidney disease, cirrhosis, and multiple myeloma.

A/G ratio less than 1.0 is one of the four OMINOUS signs.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 1.1-2.5
  • Optimal Adult Range:1.2-1.5
  • Red Flag Range <1.0
Nutrition Note: Elevated A/G ratio, elevated protein, and elevated cholesterol may indicate too high protein consumption.

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE

ALP or Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in all body tissue, but the most important sites are bone, liver, bile ducts, and the gut.

A high level of alkaline phosphatase in your blood may indicate bone, liver, or bile duct disease. Certain drugs may also cause high levels. Growing children, because of bone growth, normally have a higher level than adults do.

Low levels indicate low-functioning adrenal glands, protein deficiency, malnutrition, or more commonly, a deficiency in zinc.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 30-115 U/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 60-80 U/L
  • Red Flag Range <30 U/L or >Laboratory range

Common Causes of Alkaline Phosphatase Increase

A primary bone lesion, invasive liver lesion, biliary duct (liver) obstruction, osteomalacia, Paget’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis

Less Common Causes of Alkaline Phosphatase Increase

Excess ingestion of Vitamin D, rickets, Cirrhosis of the liver, adrenal hyper-function, shingles, Hodgkin’s disease, osteogenic sarcoma, alcoholism, multiple myeloma, jaundice

Common Causes of Alkaline Phosphatase Decrease

Anemia, Hypothyroidism, celiac disease

Less Common Causes of Alkaline Phosphatase Decrease

Adrenal hypo-function, vitamin C deficiency, progesterone deficiency

Nutrition Note: Alkaline Phosphatase levels below 70 U/L may indicate a Zinc Deficiency.
Clinical Note: Any patient having a significant increase in Alkaline Phosphatase should have an ALP isoenzyme.
Clinical Note: It is considered “NORMAL” for Alkaline Phosphatase to be elevated in children under 18 and people with bone fractures.

SGPT/ALT & SGOT/AST

Transaminases (SGPT/ALT) & (SGOT/AST) are enzymes that are primarily found in the liver.

Drinking too much alcohol, certain drugs, liver disease and bile duct disease can cause high levels in the blood. Hepatitis is another problem that can raise these levels.

Low levels of GGT may indicate a magnesium deficiency. Low levels of SGPT and SGOT may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B6.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0-41 U/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 18-26 U/L
  • Red Flag Range >100 U/L

SGOT/AST is found in the heart, skeletal muscles, brain, liver, and kidneys.

Clinical Note: In acute congestive heart failure and/or myocardial infarction, the SGOT/AST will significantly increase. However, these values will slowly return to normal. SGPT/ALT will also increase in these cardiac heart emergencies, however, SGOT/AST normally will not return to normal as quickly as SGPT.

Common Causes of SGOT/AST Increase

Myocardial Infarction, pulmonary embolism, congestive heart failure, myocarditis

Other Common Causes of SGOT/AST Increase

Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver disease, pancreatitis

Less Common Causes of SGOT/AST Increase

Liver neoplasm

Nutrition Note: Low levels of SGOT/AST and SGPT/ALT may indicate a B-6 deficiency.

Common Causes of SGPT/ALT Increase

Acute hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, mononucleosis

Less Common Causes of SGPT/ALT Increase

Pancreatitis, biliary dysfunction, diabetes

Clinical Note: SGPT values are greater than SGOT in liver obstruction, and toxic hepatitis. SGOT values are greater than SGPT in cirrhosis of the liver, liver neoplasms and jaundice.

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl transerase)

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is believed to be involved in the transport of amino acids into cells as well as glutathione metabolism. Found in the liver and will rise with alcohol use, liver disease, or excess magnesium.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0-55 U/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 10-30 U/L
  • Red Flag Range >90 U/L

Common Causes of GGT Increase

Biliary obstruction, alcoholism, cholangitis/cholecystitis (bile duct and gall bladder inflammation)

Clinical Note: If GGT is greater than 150 U/L with a serum bilirubin of over 2.8 mg/dL, strongly suspect a biliary obstruction. Seek immediate medical attention.
Clinical Note: If GGT values are five times higher than the clinical range suspect pancreatitis.

Less Common Causes of GGT Increase

Brucellosis, hepatitis, mononucleosis, bacterial and viral infection, malignancy, congestive heart failure biliary.

Nutrition Note: Low levels of GGT may indicate a B-6 deficiency.
Additional Clinical Notes: Food allergy/sensitivity is a very common finding with biliary dysfunction.

LDH

Lactate Dehydrogenase or LDH is an enzyme found in all tissues of the body.

A high level in the blood can result from a number of different diseases such as hepatitis, anemia, etc.

Also, slightly elevated levels in the blood are common and usually do not indicate disease. The most common sources of LDH are the heart, liver, muscles, and red blood cells.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 60-225 U/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 140-200 U/L
  • Red Flag Range >250 U/L

Common Causes of LDH Increase

Liver/biliary dysfunction, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, tissue inflammation, tissue destruction, malignancy anywhere in the body, several types of anemias

Clinical Note: LDH will frequently increase with low thyroid function.
Clinical Note: LDH is frequently increased with birth control usage.
Nutrition Note: Decreased LDH may indicate reactive hypoglycemia (check glucose).

TOTAL PROTEIN

Total Protein: This is a measure of the total amount of protein in your blood. The total protein is the combination of albumin and total globulin and is affected by albumin and total globulin.

A low or high total protein does not indicate a specific disease, but it does indicate that some additional tests may be required to determine if there is a problem.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 6.0-8.5 g/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 7.1-7.6 g/dL
  • Red Flag Range <5.9 g/dL or > 8.5 g/dL

Common Causes of Protein Increase

Dehydration, “early” carcinoma, and multiple myeloma (should be correlated with serum protein electrophoresis).

Less Common Causes of Protein Increase

Malignancy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis

Common Causes of Protein Decrease

Protein malnutrition, digestive inflammation (colitis, gastritis)

Less Common Causes of Protein Decrease

Hypothyroidism, leukemia, adrenal hyper-function, congestive heart failure

Nutrition Note: If protein and calcium are found to be on the low side of the Optimal range suspect poor protein absorption.
Additional Nutrition Notes: Decreased protein, cholesterol, and SGPT may indicate fatty liver congestion.

IRON

The body must have iron to make hemoglobin and to help transfer oxygen to the muscle.

If the body is low in iron, all body cells, particularly muscles in adults and brain cells in children, do not function up to par.

If this test is low you should consider getting a Ferritin test, especially if you are a female who still has menstrual cycles.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 40-150 ug/ml
  • Optimal Adult Range: 50-100 ug/ml
  • Red Flag Range <25 ug/ml or >200 ug/ml

Common Causes of Iron Increase

Hemochromatosis, liver dysfunction, iron therapy, pernicious and hemolytic anemia

Less Common Causes of Iron Increase

Cooking with iron utensils

Common Causes of Iron Decrease

Pathologic bleeding (especially in the geriatric population), iron deficiency anemia

Less Common Causes of Protein Decrease

Chronic infections, kidney and liver problems

Nutrition Note: Increased iron with decreased hematocrit (HCT) suggests intrinsic factor deficiency.
Clinical Notes: An iron evaluation is not complete without ordering Ferritin (see below).

FERRITIN

The Ferritin test is considered the “gold standard” in documenting iron deficiency anemia.

Low levels below 25 indicate a need for iron. In contrast, high levels may an inflammatory disorder, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease.

  • Clinical Male Adult Range: 33-236 ng/mL
  • Clinical Female Adult Range (before menopause): 11-122 ng/mL
  • Clinical Female Adult Range (after menopause): 12-263 ng/mL
  • Optimal Male Adult Range: 20-200 ng/mL
  • Optimal Female Adult Range (before menopause): 10-110 ng/mL
  • Optimal Female Adult Range(after menopause): 20-200 ng/mL
  • Red Flag Range <8 ng/mL or >500 ng/mL

Common Causes of Ferritin Increase

Iron overload, hemochromatosis

Less Common Causes of Ferritin Increase

Inflammation, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis

Common Causes of Ferritin Decrease

Iron deficiency anemia

Less Common Causes of Ferritin Decrease

Free radical pathology

Clinical Notes: If serum ferritin is greater than 1000, suspect hemochromatosis.
Clinical Notes: Iron overload and/or hemochromatosis are silent and can result in cirrhosis of the liver, bacterial infections, dementia, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and stroke.
Nutrition Note: Doctors specializing in chelation have found a correlation between increased iron and arteriosclerosis.

TRIGLYCERIDES

Triglycerides are fats used as fuel by the body, and as an energy source for metabolism.

Increased levels are almost always a sign of too much carbohydrate intake and hyperlipidism. On the other hand, decreased levels are seen in hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, and malabsorption.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 50-150 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 70-110 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <35 mg/dL or >350 mg/dL

Common Causes of Triglycerides Increase

Hyperlipidism, diabetes, alcoholism

Less Common Causes of Triglycerides Increase

Hypothyroidism, early stages of fatty liver

Common Causes of Triglycerides Decrease

Chemical/heavy metal overload, liver dysfunction, hyperthyroid function

Clinical Notes: Resistive exercise training has been found to be effective in lowering elevated triglycerides.

CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a group of fats vital to cell membranes, nerve fibers, and bile salts, and a necessary precursor for the sex hormones.

High levels indicate a diet high in carbohydrates/sugars.

Low levels indicate a low-fat diet, malabsorption, anemia, liver disorders, and carbohydrate sensitivity.

Cholesterol values below 140 are considered one of the four OMINOUS signs.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 120-200 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 150-180 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <50 mg/dL or >400 mg/dL

Common Causes of Cholesterol Increase

Early stages of diabetes, fatty liver, arteriosclerosis, hypothyroidism

Less Common Causes of Cholesterol Increase

Biliary obstruction, multiple sclerosis, pregnancy

Common Causes of Cholesterol Decrease

Liver dysfunction, chemical/heavy metal overload, hyperthyroidism, viral hepatitis, free radical pathology

Nutrition Note: Increased cholesterol levels have been found to be lowered by the amino acid methionine.
Clinical Notes: A cholesterol level below 130 is considered one of Four Ominous signs.
Clinical Notes: If cholesterol is above 220 with an SGPT below 10 suspect liver congestion/fatty liver

LDL CHOLESTEROL

LDL is the cholesterol-rich remnants of the lipid transport vehicle VLDL (very-low-density lipoproteins) there have been many studies to correlate the association between high levels of LDL and arterial arteriosclerosis.

  • Clinical Adult Range: <130 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: <120 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range >180 mg/dL

Common Causes of Cholesterol LDL Increase

Arteriosclerosis, diabetes, Syndrome X

Nutrition Note: Increased cholesterol levels have been found to be lowered by the amino acid methionine

HDL

HDL or High-density lipoprotein is the cholesterol carried by the alpha lipoproteins.

A high level of HDL is an indication of a healthy metabolic system if there is no sign of liver disease or intoxication.

The two mechanisms that explain how HDL offers protection against chronic heart disease are that HDL inhibits cellular uptake of LDL and serves as a carrier that removes cholesterol from the peripheral tissues and transports it back to the liver for catabolism.

  • Clinical Adult Males Range: >50 mg/dL
  • Clinical Adult Female Range: >55 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Male Range: >55 mg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Male Range: >60 mg/dL
  • Red Flag Range <35 mg/dL

Common Causes of HDL Cholesterol Decrease

Arteriosclerosis, diabetes, Syndrome X

Less Common Causes of HDL Cholesterol Decrease

Cigarette smoking, steroids, beta-blockers

Nutrition Note: Diets high in refined carbohydrates, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition have been found to lower HDL.
Clinical Notes: If HDL is decreased, triglycerides are greater than 50% of the cholesterol value, LDL is increased and uric acid is increased rule out arteriosclerosis.

CHOLESTEROL/HDL RATIO

The Cholesterol/HDL ratio is an important marker of cardiovascular health. A ratio of <4.0 is considered adequate. A ratio of <3.1 is ideal.


Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs and is part of the body’s buffering system.

Generally, when used with the other electrolytes, carbon dioxide levels indicate pH or acid/alkaline balance in the tissues. This is one of the most important tests that we measure.

Most people have too much acid in their bodies. If you garden you will know that it is very difficult to grow plants in the soil where the pH is incorrect.

Our blood is similar to soil in many respects and it will be difficult to be healthy if our body’s pH is not well balanced. An ABG helps understand the results better.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 24-32 mmol/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 26-30 mmol/L
  • Red Flag Range <18 mmol/L or >38 mmol/L

Common Causes of CO2 Increase

Alkalosis, hypochlorhydria

Less Common Causes of CO2 Increase

Acute vomiting, fever, adrenal hyper-function, emphysema (respiratory distress)

Common Causes of CO2 Decrease

Acidosis

Less Common Causes of CO2 Decrease

Diabetes, sleep apnea, severe diarrhea

Nutrition Note: Low levels of CO2 may indicate a need for thiamine (a B vitamin).
Clinical Notes: If CO2 is above 32mmol/L, a Pulmonary Function Test should is warranted.

WHITE BLOOD CELLS

WBC or White blood count measures the total number of white blood cells in a given volume of blood. Since WBCs kill bacteria, this count is a measure of the body’s response to infection.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 4,500-11,000 cubic mm
  • Optimal Adult Range: 5,000-8,000 cubic mm
  • Red Flag Range <3,000 cubic mm or >13,000 cubic mm

Common Causes of WBC Increase

Active Infections, Leukemia, Childhood diseases (measles, mumps, chicken-pox, rubella, etc.

Less Common Causes of WBC Increase

Asthma, emphysema, adrenal dysfunction, intestinal parasites, severe emotional stress

Common Causes of WBC Decrease

Chronic Viral or Bacterial Infections, Lupus (SLE)

Less Common Causes of WBC Decrease

Hepatitis, Immune dysfunction, Chemical/Heavy metal toxicity

Nutrition Note: Decreased WBC may indicate a need for Vitamin B-12, B-6, and folic acid.
Clinical Notes: An increase or decrease in total WBC in conjunction with a lymphocyte count below 20 and serum albumin below 4.0 is a pattern frequently seen in a developing neoplasm (tumor).

NEUTROPHILS

Neutrophils are typically elevated in acute infection.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 35-65 percent of total WBC
  • Optimal Adult Range: 40-60 percent of total WBC
  • Red Flag Range <30 percent of total WBC or >80 percent of total WBC

Common Causes of Neutrophils Increase

See WBC

Common Causes of WBC Decrease

See WBC

Clinical Notes: Neutrophils tend to increase with chronic bacterial infections and decrease with chronic viral infections.

MONOCYTES

Monocytes are elevated in bacterial infections and protozoal infections.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0-10 percent of total WBC
  • Optimal Adult Range: <7 percent of total WBC
  • Red Flag Range >15 percent of total WBC

Common Causes of Monocytes Increase

Bacterial Infections, parasitic infections

Common Causes of WBC Decrease

High doses of corticosteroids will depress monocytes

Clinical Notes: Increased monocytes are frequently present with prostate hypertrophy, and ovarian and uterine dysfunction.
Clinical Notes: An increase in monocytes with an increase in the basophils (>1.0) and a mild increase of eosinophils (>3.0) may indicate intestinal parasites.

LYMPHOCYTES

Lymphocytes are elevated in acute and chronic infections. Decreased in viral infection and immune deficiency.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 20-40 percent of total WBC
  • Optimal Adult Range: 25-40 percent of total WBC
  • Red Flag Range <20 percent of total WBC or >55 percent of total WBC

Common Causes of Lymphocytes Increase

Chronic viral or bacterial infection, Childhood diseases (measles, mumps, chicken-pox, rubella, etc.), HIV, Hepatitis

Less Common Causes of Lymphocytes Increase

Chemical/heavy metal toxicity

Common Causes of Lymphocytes Decrease

Active infections

Clinical Notes: Suspect viral infections when the lymphocytes increase to a point that either equals or exceeds the neutrophil level.

EOSINOPHILS

Eosinophils are elevated in allergic conditions, skin diseases, and parasitic diseases.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0-7 percent of total WBC
  • Optimal Adult Range: 0-3 percent of total WBC
  • Red Flag Range <20 percent of total WBC or >55 percent of total WBC

Common Causes of Eosinophils Increase

Allergic condition (asthma), food sensitivities, parasitic infection

Less Common Causes of Eosinophils Increase

Chemical/heavy metal toxicity, Hodgkin’s disease, ovarian and bone tumors


BASOPHILS

Basophils are elevated in Infections.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0-2 percent of total WBC
  • Optimal Adult Range: 0-1 percent of total WBC
  • Red Flag Range <5 percent of total WBC

Common Causes of Basophils Increase

Inflammation, Childhood diseases (measles, mumps, chicken-pox, rubella, etc.), acute trauma, and parasites

Less Common Causes of Basophils Increase

Chemical/heavy metal toxicity

Clinical Notes: Symptoms of inflammation in the absence of trauma may indicate a need to order C-Reactive Protein and/or a Sed rate.
Clinical Notes: Consider ordering a comprehensive stool and digestive test to rule out intestinal parasites if the basophils are increased with no sign of inflammation.

RED BLOOD CELLS

RBCs (Red Blood Cells) are made in the spleen. Reveals the oxygen-carrying ability of the blood.

  • Clinical Adult Male Range: 4.60-6.0 million cu/mm
  • Clinical Adult Female Range: 3.90-5.50 million cu/mm
  • Optimal Adult Male Range: 4.20-4.90 million cu/mm
  • Optimal Adult Female Range: 3.90-4.50 million cu/mm
  • Red Flag Range for Men <3.90 or >6.00 million cu/mm
  • Red Flag Range for Women <3.50 or >5.00 million cu/mm

Common Causes of RBC Increase

Polycythemia, dehydration, Respiratory Distress (asthma, emphysema)

Less Common Causes of RBC Increase

Acute poisoning, cystic fibrosis, adrenal hyperfunction

Common Causes of RBC Decrease

Iron deficiency anemia, internal bleeding

Less Common Causes of RBC Decrease

Excessive exercise, salicylate toxicity, lead poisoning

Nutrition Tip: Low levels of RBC may indicate a need for B-12, B-6, and folic acid.
Clinical Notes: Consider checking iron and ferritin levels with low levels of RBC.

HEMOGLOBIN

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin provides the main transport of oxygen and carbon in the blood. It is composed of “globin”, a group of amino acids that form a protein, and “heme”, which contains iron.

It is an important determinant of anemia (decreased hemoglobin) or poor diet/nutrition or malabsorption.

  • Clinical Adult Male Range: 13.5-18.0 g/dL
  • Clinical Adult Female Range: 12.5-16.0 g/dL
  • Optimal Adult Male Range: 14.0-15.0 g/dL
  • Optimal Adult Female Range: 13.5-14.5 g/dL
  • Red Flag Range <10.0 or >17 g/dL

Common Causes of Hemoglobin Increase

Polycythemia, dehydration, emphysema, asthma

Common Causes of Hemoglobin Decrease

Anemia, internal bleeding, digestive inflammation

Nutrition Tip: Low levels of Hemoglobin may indicate a need for B-12, folic acid, and thiamine.
Clinical Notes: Consider checking iron and ferritin levels with low levels of Hemoglobin.

HEMATOCRIT

Hematocrit is the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. It is an important determinant of anemia (decreased), dehydration (elevated), or possible overhydration (decreased).

  • Clinical Adult Male Range: 40.0-52.0 percent
  • Clinical Adult Female Range: 36.0-47.0 percent
  • Optimal Adult Male Range: 40.0-48.0 percent
  • Optimal Adult Female Range: 37.0-44.0 percent
  • Red Flag Range <32.0 or >55 percent

Common Causes of Hematocrit Increase

Same as hemoglobin

Common Causes of Hematocrit Decrease

Same as hemoglobin

Clinical Notes: Suspect Iron anemia if serum iron, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are all low.
Clinical Notes: Suspect B-6 anemia if MCT, hematocrit, and iron are low (also look for a low SGOT).
Clinical Notes: Suspect B12/folic acid anemia if you have a low hematocrit with a high MCH, MCV, and iron.
Clinical Notes: Consider getting a ferritin test.

PLATELETS

Platelets are concerned with the clotting of the blood.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 150,000-450,000 cubic mm
  • Optimal Adult Range: 200,000-300,000 cubic mm
  • Red Flag Range <50,000 or >600,000 cubic mm

Common Causes of Platelets Increase

Polycythemia, inflammatory arthritis, several types of anemia, arteriosclerosis, and acute blood loss

Common Causes of Platelets Decrease

Leukemia, liver dysfunction

Less Common Causes of Platelets Decrease

Chemical/heavy metal toxicity

Nutrition Tip: Low levels of Platelets may indicate a B12, folic, selenium, and iron deficiency.
Clinical Notes: The following drugs have been found to lower Platelets: quinidine, heparin, gold salts, sulfas, digitoxin.

RETICULOCYTE COUNT

Reticulocyte Count is an excellent test to confirm chronic microscopic bleeding.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0.5-1.5%
  • Optimal Adult Range: same as the clinical range
  • Red Flag Range >2.0%

Common Causes of Reticulocyte Count Increase

Internal bleeding

Common Causes of Reticulocyte Count Decrease

Vitamin b-12, B-6 and folic acid anemia


MCV

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) indicates the volume occupied by the average red blood cell.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 81.0-99.0 cubic microns
  • Optimal Adult Range: 82.0-89.9 cubic microns
  • Red Flag Range <78.0 or >95.0 cubic microns

Common Causes of MCV Count Increase

Vitamin B-12/Folic Acid Anemia

Common Causes of MCV Count Decrease

Iron anemia, internal bleeding

Clinical Notes: If the MCV is >89.9 and the MCH is >31.9, suspect Vitamin B-12 or folic anemia. This should be confirmed with a serum or urinary methylmalonic (vitamin B-12) and a serum or urinary homocysteine (folic acid and vitamin B-6).
Clinical Notes: If iron and ferritin are normal and MCV, MCH, Hemoglobin, and Hematocrit are all decreased, suspect a toxic metal body burden.

MCH

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) indicates the volume occupied by the average red blood cell.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 26.0-33.0 micrograms
  • Optimal Adult Range: 27.0-31.9 micrograms
  • Red Flag Range <24.0 or >34.0 micrograms

Common Causes of MCV Count Increase:

Vitamin B-12/Folic Acid Anemia

Common Causes of MCV Count Decrease

Iron anemia, internal bleeding

Clinical Notes: If the MCV is >89.9 and the MCH is >31.9, suspect Vitamin B-12 or folic anemia. This should be confirmed with a serum or urinary methylmalonic (vitamin B-12) and serum or urinary homocysteine (folic acid and vitamin B-6).
Clinical Notes: If iron and ferritin are normal and MCV, MCH, Hemoglobin, and Hematocrit are all decreased, suspect a toxic metal body burden

T3

T3 (Tri-Iodothyronine) is a thyroid hormone produced mainly from the peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T-4).

  • Clinical Adult Range: 22-33%
  • Optimal Adult Range: 26-30%

Common Causes of T3 Increase

Hyperthyroidism

Common Causes of T3 Decrease

Hypothyroidism


T4

T-4 (Tetra-Iodothyronine) is the major hormone secreted by the thyroid gland.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 4.0-12.0 mcg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 7.0-8.5 mcg/dL

Common Causes of T4 Increase

Hyperthyroidism

Common Causes of T3 Decrease

Hypothyroidism, anterior pituitary hypo-function


T7

T7 (FTI-Free Thyroxine Index) is an estimate, calculated from T-4 and T-3 uptake.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 4.0-12.0 mcg/dL
  • Optimal Adult Range: 7.0-8.5 mcg/dL

Common Causes of T7 Increase

See T-3 uptake

Common Causes of T3 Decrease

See T-3 uptake


T-3 UPTAKE

T-3 Uptake measures the unsaturated binding sites on the thyroid binding proteins.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 22-36%
  • Optimal Adult Range: 27-37%
  • Red Flag Range <20 percent of uptake or >39 percent of uptake

Common Causes of T-3 Uptake Increase

Thyroid hyperfunction

Less Common Causes of T-3 Uptake Increase

Kidney dysfunction, salicylates toxicity, and protein malnutrition

Common Causes of T3 Decrease

Thyroid hypo-function


TSH

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is used to confirm or rule out suspected hypothyroidism when T3, T4, and T7 are essentially normal and clinical signs suggest hypothyroidism.

  • Clinical Adult Range: 0.4-4.4 mlU/L
  • Optimal Adult Range: 2.0-4.0 mlU/L
  • Red Flag Range <0.3 mlU/L or >10.0 mlU/L

Common Causes of TSH Increase

Thyroid hypofunction

Less Common Causes of TSH Increase

Liver dysfunction

Common Causes of TSH Decrease

Thyroid hyper-function, anterior hypo-function

Clinical Notes: The axillary temperature (underarm) will frequently be <97.8 with thyroid hypo-function. The axillary temperature should be taken for 10 minutes before leaving the bed and ideally should be taken for five days in a row and averaged. Reduced axillary temperature is common with adrenal stress, thiamine deficiency, diets low in essential fatty acids, and protein malnutrition.
Clinical Notes: Difficulty losing weight, fatigue, lack of motivation, sensitivity to cold, dry or scaly skin, ringing in ears, low blood pressure, impaired hearing, constipation, difficulty working under pressure, and headaches that start in the morning but improve during the day.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) documents if the organic disease is truly present in patients with vague symptoms. Monitors the course of chronic inflammatory conditions. Elevated in patients with a breakdown of tissue.

  • Clinical Adult Male <50 Range: 0-15mm/hour
  • Clinical Adult Male >50 Range: 0-20mm/hour
  • Clinical Adult Male <50 Range: 0-25mm/hour
  • Clinical Adult Female >50 Range: 0-30mm/hour
  • Optimal Adult Male Range: <5mm/hour
  • Optimal Adult Female Range: <10mm/hour
  • Red Flag Range >45 mm/hour

Common Causes of ESR Increase

Tissue Inflammation

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