What is the purpose of this test?
The Body Builder Blood Test Panel is designed to assess the overall health of bodybuilders and athletes who engage in intense physical activity. This panel measures the levels of several important biomarkers, including electrolytes, hormones, and liver and kidney function, to ensure optimal health. The results of this test can help athletes monitor their body's response to training, avoid overtraining, and prevent potential health problems.
The Body Builder Blood Test Panel includes the following:
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGRF Blood Test - The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGRF Blood Test is a blood test that checks different substances in your blood, like sugar and electrolytes, to make sure your body is functioning properly. This test is commonly used by doctors to check overall health and look for any health issues. For bodybuilders, the CMP-14 with eGRF Blood Test can help monitor their health and catch any problems that may come from intense training and dieting. By checking levels of certain blood markers, bodybuilders can ensure that their bodies are healthy and functioning well. This can help them adjust their training and diet plans to improve their health and performance.
- Glucose - Blood sugar level, the most direct test to screen for diabetes and also used in diabetes management.
- Kidney Profile
- Bun or Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - An indicator of kidney function.
- Creatinine, Serum - An indicator of kidney function.
- Bun/Creatinine Ratio - Calculated by dividing BUN by creatinine. This ratio can suggest conditions including dehydration or intestinal bleeding.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) - Measures kidney function to determine kidney disease stage and detect early kidney damage.
- Liver Panel
- Protein, Total - Assists in determining liver and kidney function and nutritional health.
- Albumin Serum - One of the major proteins essential for the healthy function of the liver and kidney.
- Globulin, Total - One of the major proteins that assist the blood to clot properly and also comprises infection-fighting antibodies.
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio - Calculated by dividing albumin by globulin. When paired with other test results, this ratio can assist in diagnosing various liver problems.
- Bilirubin, Total - Aids in detecting hepatitis, sickle cell, anemia, cirrhosis, alcohol, and drug abuse. High concentrations may result in jaundice.
- Alkaline Phosphatase - A protein vital in detecting bone disorders and liver disease.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) - An enzyme helpful in evaluating liver function. An elevated level is an indication of hepatitis.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) - An enzyme helpful in identifying liver damage. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Sodium - One of the major salts in body fluid. Sodium is important in water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
- Potassium - Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
- Chloride - Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
- Carbon Dioxide, Total - Used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances.
- Calcium - A mineral essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for the normal function of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting.
Lipid Panel - A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It can also measure the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in your blood. This test is important for bodybuilders because high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. By monitoring their lipid panel, bodybuilders can ensure they maintain a healthy cholesterol level and adjust their diet and exercise routine if necessary to achieve optimal health.
- Cholesterol, Total - A measurement used to assess heart health. Cholesterol is required by your body to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
- Triglycerides - Surplus fats transported in the bloodstream and provide energy to the body.
- HDL Cholesterol - High-density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol, take cholesterol away from the cells and transport it back to the liver for removal or processing.
- LDL Cholesterol - Low-density lipoproteins (calculation), or "bad" cholesterol, contain the highest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls.
- VLDL Cholesterol - contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is a type of "bad cholesterol" because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries. (VLDL Cholesterol included in LabCorp Only)
Testosterone, Total, and Free - Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily produced in the testicles in men and in smaller amounts in women's ovaries and adrenal glands. Total testosterone is the total amount of testosterone in your bloodstream, while free testosterone is the amount that is readily available for your body to use. Testosterone is important in bodybuilding because it helps increase muscle mass and strength. Higher levels of testosterone can also lead to increased energy levels, improved mood, and a higher sex drive. Bodybuilders may use testosterone boosters or supplements to increase their testosterone levels, but it's important to note that these should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.
Homocysteine - Homocysteine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in our bodies. However, high levels of homocysteine can lead to inflammation and damage to blood vessels. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In bodybuilding, high levels of homocysteine can also lead to muscle damage and slow recovery times. Therefore, it is important for bodybuilders to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine through a balanced diet and supplementation if necessary.
C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (CRP-hs) - C-reactive protein, also known as CRP, is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. High sensitivity CRP (CRP-hs) is a test that measures deficient levels of CRP in the blood and is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. In terms of bodybuilding, CRP-hs levels can be affected by intense exercise and muscle damage. High levels of CRP-hs can indicate inflammation in the body caused by intense training, but this is not necessarily a bad thing as it can also indicate that the body is repairing and building muscle tissue. However, chronic inflammation can harm the body and lead to a range of health issues, so it's important to monitor CRP-hs levels and take steps to reduce inflammation as needed.
Thyroid Panel with Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - The Thyroid Panel is a blood test that measures the levels of different hormones produced by the thyroid gland. One of the hormones measured in this panel is the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. When it comes to bodybuilding, thyroid function is important because it affects metabolism, energy levels, and body weight. In particular, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to weight gain and sluggishness, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause weight loss and hyperactivity. Therefore, bodybuilders may want to keep track of their thyroid function and ensure that it is optimal for their goals. The Thyroid Panel with TSH is a useful tool for this purpose, as it can detect any abnormalities in thyroid hormone levels and guide appropriate treatment.
Free T3 - The Free T3 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism. In simple terms, it controls how much energy your body burns at rest. In bodybuilding, Free T3 is important because it can help determine how efficiently your body is burning fat and building muscle. When Free T3 levels are low, it can lead to a slower metabolism, making it harder to lose fat and build muscle. On the other hand, when Free T3 levels are high, it can lead to a faster metabolism, making it easier to burn fat and build muscle.
Free T4 - Free T4, or free thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate metabolism and energy levels in the body. In bodybuilding, having optimal levels of Free T4 is important because it can affect muscle growth, endurance, and overall energy levels. Low levels of Free T4 can lead to decreased muscle mass and strength, while high levels can increase the risk of muscle wasting and fatigue. Therefore, bodybuilders need to maintain healthy levels of Free T4 through proper nutrition, exercise, and possibly medication if prescribed by a doctor.
Estradiol - Estradiol is a hormone produced in the ovaries in women and testes in men. It is a type of estrogen that plays a crucial role in the development of reproductive tissues and secondary sex characteristics. In bodybuilding, estradiol levels can affect muscle growth and fat loss. High estradiol levels can lead to water retention and fat storage, while low levels can lead to decreased muscle mass and energy. Maintaining balanced levels of estradiol through proper nutrition and exercise is important to optimize muscle growth and overall health.
DHEAS - DHEAS stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, which is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It is a precursor hormone that is converted into testosterone and estrogen in the body. In bodybuilding, DHEAS is often used as a supplement to increase testosterone levels, which can aid in muscle growth and recovery. However, it's important to note that the use of DHEAS supplements is controversial and can have negative side effects on the body.
IGF-1 - IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, is a hormone that is naturally produced in the human body and is important for growth and development. IGF-1 is often used in bodybuilding to promote muscle growth and improve athletic performance. It works by stimulating the growth and repair of muscle tissue, which can lead to increased muscle mass and strength. However, it is important to note that the use of IGF-1 for bodybuilding purposes can have potential risks and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Benefits of the Body Builder Blood Test Panel:
- Comprehensive evaluation: The panel includes a wide range of tests that assess key markers related to overall health, hormonal balance, metabolic function, and nutritional status. This comprehensive evaluation provides a detailed picture of the individual's health status, which is particularly important for individuals engaging in intense physical training.
- Muscle health and recovery: Certain markers included in the panel, can provide insights into muscle damage and recovery. Monitoring these markers can help assess training intensity, optimize recovery strategies, and prevent overtraining injuries.
- Nutritional status: The panel includes tests for essential nturients. These nutrients are crucial for energy metabolism, muscle function, and overall health. Identifying deficiencies allows individuals to optimize their nutrition and supplementation to support their training goals.
- Inflammation and immune function: Monitoring inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, High Sensistivity (CRP-hs) can help assess the body's response to training stress and identify signs of overtraining or compromised immune function.
- Cardiovascular health: The panel may include tests for lipid profile (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides) and markers of cardiovascular health (e.g., homocysteine). These tests help assess cardiovascular risk factors associated with intensive training and certain dietary practices commonly observed in bodybuilders.
- Personalized optimization: By identifying areas of potential concern or improvement, the Body Builder Blood Test Panel allows individuals to tailor their training, nutrition, and supplementation strategies to optimize performance, recovery, and overall health.
